Prediction: Wales vs Belgium

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: Luckster

In one of the most pivotal ties of Group J, Wales host Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium on Monday evening, with both nations jostling for top-two places in the race for World Cup 2026.

Wales currently sit third with 10 points from five matches, while Belgium hold 11 — just one behind group leaders North Macedonia on 12 points.

Wales

Wales arrive in this fixture reeling from a chastening 3-0 loss to England in a friendly, which exposed persistent defensive vulnerabilities. Their campaign so far has been a roller-coaster: resilient at home (unbeaten in competitive matches at Cardiff since June 2023), but porous early in matches—seven goals conceded before half-time across their last four games.

Bellamy’s side will be desperate to respond in front of home fans. They know that a draw may keep them in the hunt, but to overtake Belgium or North Macedonia, they likely need something more.

In previous encounters, they have shown they can punch above their weight — Wales have not suffered a competitive home defeat in 90 minutes since mid-2023, and they’ve won their last four matches at the Cardiff City Stadium, netting 11 goals in that span.

Team News

Bellamy is expected to stick with his usual backline: Karl Darlow in goal, with Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies and Jay Dasilva across the back. Ethan Ampadu is likely to sit in midfield, partnering Liam Cullen, while Harry Wilson and David Brooks could occupy the attacking support roles.

Brennan Johnson, finding good form, is expected to lead the attack.

Belgium

Belgium’s campaign has been marked by squandered chances and defensive lapses. Their recent draw with North Macedonia was frustrating given their dominance in expected goals and shot volume. They remain dangerous, with creative outlets and firepower, but vulnerabilities persist at the back.

In their head-to-head history, Belgium have seen success against Wales, and their squad depth should give them edges in rotation and in-game adjustments.

Team News

Youri Tielemans is absent due to injury, a miss felt in midfield creativity. Alexis Saelemaekers is also unavailable. Coach Rudi Garcia is likely to call on Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku to spark Belgium’s attacking thrust, while Nicolas Raskin could control affairs in midfield.

In attack, Lois Openda may be given the nod after coming off the bench last time.

Conclusion

This match carries enormous weight for both sides. Wales must recover their composure, especially in defensive transitions, or risk falling further behind in what promises to be a tight qualification race. Belgium, though not exactly perfect, have enough individual weapons and tactical flexibility to exploit those frailties.

Belgium obviously have the greater individual quality and most bookies favour them to win, but Wales are likely to fight with everything they’ve got to earn a good result in front of the home crowd.

It’s hard to see much separating the two sides on Monday. In fact, a draw feels not only plausible, but an outcome that neither side would be too unhappy about.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 11/4

Bookmaker: Luckster