Wales v Belgium live: Latest score and updates in crunch World Cup qualifier – UK Times

The top two teams on betting sites to win Group J meet in Cardiff this evening as Wales host Belgium in what’s likely to be a decisive game in the race for automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Check out our prediction and best bets for the clash:

Craig Bellamy is convinced that a “special moment” is always waiting and Wales hope to turn that into reality in tonight’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Belgium.

The sombre mood that followed Thursday’s comprehensive 3-0 Wembley defeat to England had the perfect pick-me-up 24 hours later, as group favourites Belgium were held to a 0-0 draw at home by North Macedonia.

That result placed Wales’ World Cup destiny in their own hands as far as automatic qualification is concerned.

Win their three remaining fixtures – Belgium and the November double-header away to Liechtenstein and North Macedonia – and Wales will top Group J and secure automatic qualification for the 2026 finals, thereby avoiding the lottery of the play-offs.

“It’s everything,” said Bellamy. “I’m quite positive. Do you want to go to America? So do I. Give everything we’ve got to get there.

“It (the response to Wembley) has given me the feeling this team can go a lot further. That leaves you excited. I believe there’s always a special moment coming.”

Kevin De Bruyne has often been the difference in what has become a familiar Belgium v Wales contest over the last decade or so.

But it is a current Manchester City player, Jeremy Doku, who Wales might have to watch more closely this time.

Bellamy knows all about Doku given their time working together at Anderlecht. But Wales were unable to contain Doku in Brussels four months ago, and the tricky winger has started the season in electric form at the Etihad Stadium.

Will the real Brennan Johnson stand up for Wales? Johnson scored 18 goals for Tottenham last season and his Europa League final winner went into Spurs folklore.

But Wales fans have often grumbled about Johnson’s performances on the international stage, insisting the winger should be having more of an impact.

Johnson has not started for Spurs in the Premier League since the end of August and was lethargic at Wembley, being completely outplayed by Tottenham teammate Djed Spence.

Wales XI: Darlow; Williams, Rodon, Cabango, Davies; Ampadu, James; Brooks, Wilson, Thomas; Harris.

Belgium XI: Courtois; Meunier, Theate, Debast, De Cuyper; Raskin, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; De Ketelaere.

We’re not far away from learning tonight’s team news for the clash in Cardiff.

Skipper Ben Davies will win his 100th cap against Belgium, becoming the fourth Welshman to reach three figures after Gareth Bale, Chris Gunter and Wayne Hennessey.

Davies has been an outstanding servant for Welsh football and has Bale’s 111-cap record firmly in his sights and has been an outstanding servant for Welsh football.

The Tottenham defender made his debut in 2012 and has been a model of consistency since, either at centre-back or left-back, playing in two European Championships and a World Cup.

Wales have been punished for starting really slowly in their last two matches against top-class opposition.

In June, they found themselves 3-0 down away to Belgium after 27 minutes. Wales levelled in incredible fashion in Brussels, only to be denied by a late Kevin De Bruyne winner.

There was no dramatic fightback after Wales conceded three times in the opening 20 minutes against England at Wembley on Thursday, and boss Craig Bellamy knows his side must be out of the blocks quickly this time.

Belgium’s failure to beat North Macedonia in Ghent put Wales’ World Cup destiny back in their own hands.

North Macedonia remain top of the group – one point clear of Belgium and two above Wales – but have played a game more than their rivals.

Wales finish the campaign with home fixtures against Belgium and North Macedonia and a trip to bottom-placed Liechtenstein, and three wins will see them at the World Cup next summer.

Wales are virtually guaranteed a play-off spot in March following their Nations League results last year.