Mansion Sports – A highly anticipated showdown is set to take place in Group J of the UEFA Zone for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers as Wales national football team hosts Belgium national football team at Cardiff City Stadium on Monday, 13 October 2025 at 19:45 local time.

This fixture carries significant weight, with both sides locked in a close race near the top of the table. Belgium currently sit second with 11 points from five matches, while Wales trail just behind in third with 10 points from the same number of games. 

Both are chasing North Macedonia, who lead the standings with 12 points. A win for either team could propel them to the summit and strengthen their chances of securing an automatic ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Wales

Playing at home gives Wales a major advantage. The Dragons have won their last two home matches in these qualifiers, and the support from the Cardiff City Stadium crowd is expected to provide an extra boost for Craig Bellamy and his men.

Although Wales suffered a heavy 0–3 defeat against England in a recent friendly, their attacking performance led by Brennan Johnson showed promise. 

The team also boasts a solid home record, remaining unbeaten in regulation time at home in competitive fixtures since June 2023 — with six wins and three draws during that period.

One area of concern is their vulnerability in the first half. In their last four matches, Wales have conceded seven goals before the break, a trend they must address if they are to overcome a team of Belgium’s caliber.

Even if they fail to win, Wales still have a path to qualification through the playoffs against North Macedonia in November. However, a victory over Belgium would greatly enhance their chances of qualifying automatically.

Belgium

Belgium arrive in Cardiff with a somewhat shaky recent performance. In their previous match, they were held to a 0–0 draw by North Macedonia despite dominating the game with over 20 shots and several clear chances.

Head coach Rudi Garcia was frustrated by his team’s failure to score for the first time in seven matches, especially since Belgium had netted 17 goals in their five games before that.

The injury to Romelu Lukaku is a major blow, leaving Loïs Openda as the likely option to lead the line.

When the two sides met in June, Belgium edged out a dramatic 4–3 victory thanks to a late goal from Kevin De Bruyne in the 88th minute. 

However, Belgium’s away form has been less than convincing, with only one win in their last ten away games. This could provide an opening for the hosts to exploit.

Current Group J Standings Before the Match

Predicted Lineups for Wales vs Belgium

Wales (4-2-3-1)

Bellamy is expected to stick with his core lineup. Karl Darlow will start in goal, with Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies, and Jay Dasilva forming the defensive line. 

Ethan Ampadu and Liam Cullen will control the midfield, while David Brooks and Harry Wilson will support the attack from behind Kieffer Moore. Brennan Johnson is expected to be the main threat on the left flank.

• Goalkeeper: Darlow
• Defenders: Williams, Rodon, Davies, Dasilva
• Midfielders: Ampadu, Cullen
• Attacking Midfielders: Brooks, Wilson, Johnson
• Forward: Moore
• Coach: Craig Bellamy

Belgium (4-2-3-1)

On the Belgian side, Rudi Garcia is likely to maintain an attacking structure. Thibaut Courtois will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper. 

Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Arthur Theate, and Maxim De Cuyper are expected to form the back line. 

Nicolas Raskin and Amadou Onana will anchor the midfield, giving freedom to Kevin De Bruyne to orchestrate the attack. Jérémy Doku and Alexis Saelemaekers will operate from the wings, while Loïs Openda leads the line.

• Goalkeeper: Courtois
• Defenders: Castagne, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper
• Midfielders: Raskin, Onana
• Attacking Midfielders: Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Doku
• Forward: Openda
• Coach: Rudi Garcia

A Decisive Clash at the Top of Group J

This encounter is expected to be intense from the opening whistle. Wales, buoyed by home support and strong motivation, will aim to claim three points, while Belgium seek to get back on track after their disappointing draw.

The result could determine who takes charge of Group J heading into the final stretch of qualifiers. Who will emerge as the new group leader? 

All eyes will be on Cardiff City Stadium for what promises to be a captivating battle between two European powerhouses.