Bellamy questions refereeing after Wales´ 4-2 defeat to Belgium

Craig Bellamy questioned the officiating as his side’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes were dealt a blow as Belgium came from behind to seal a 4-2 victory on Monday, with Wales conceding two penalties from handballs.

The hosts took the lead at Cardiff City Stadium inside eight minutes, but Belgium responded through a Kevin De Bruyne penalty, followed by a thumping Thomas Meunier effort shortly after.

De Bruyne added a second to his tally after the break with a second penalty, after Wales were adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box again. While Nathan Broadhead reduced the arrears late on, Leandro Trossard made sure in the 90th minute, finishing off a blistering counter-attack.

Despite slipping to defeat, Wales have scored in their last 12 World Cup qualifiers, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition (since at least 2010).

3 points sealed. #WALBEL pic.twitter.com/dXnHsdalF2

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) October 13, 2025

“The simple fact is, we wanted to win. We knew our situation with the play-offs. We knew we needed to win, and in the second half, we needed to push,” said Bellamy.

“With Ben [Davies] going off, we lost our balance, but it’s the same; we have to win every game.

“I’ll review this game, but there’s a lot I enjoyed and am proud of. It’s of no consolation to the players, but that’s me. Let’s get the next six points.”

Wales have now conceded four penalties in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers; no team has conceded more.

“I have no complaints about the second [penalty]. But the first? What are we supposed to do with our hands?” Bellamy added.

“This is not sour grapes, and congratulations to Belgium, but we’ve conceded four penalties from handballs.

“We didn’t deserve it at that time. We had to react, but they reacted better in that period.”

Meanwhile, Belgium have netted six times in the final 15 minutes of matches during the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers — a figure matched only by Croatia.

Belgium goalscorer Meunier said: “We had to take the three points. It wasn’t always easy. But we never doubted.

“Football can always be better. Not everything was perfect, but we have time to improve.”