With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, Wales welcome Belgium to Cardiff City Stadium on Monday for a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier. Just one point separates the two sides. Belgium sit second on 11 points while Wales trail closely behind with 10. Both remain in contention for a top-two finish that guarantees a route to the finals. With only three games remaining, every moment counts as the race tightens between North Macedonia, Belgium and Wales.
Craig Bellamy’s men enter the clash under pressure after a heavy 3-0 defeat to England. The Dragons have now lost three of their last four games. Yet, they can take confidence from their impressive home record, having remained unbeaten in competitive matches at Cardiff City Stadium since June 2023. During that stretch, they have managed four straight wins.
| Bets | Moneyline | Moneyline |
| Full Time Result | Wales: +340, Belgium: -135 | Draw: +280 |
| Draw No Bet | Wales: +220 | Belgium: -325 |
| Total Goals | Over 2.5: -130 | Under 2.5: -110 |
| Wales to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +625 | No: +625 |
| Belgium to Win and Both Teams to Score | Yes: +240 | No: +195 |
(Odds via BetMGM)
For Belgium, Friday’s 0-0 draw with North Macedonia was a frustrating setback. Despite dominating the match with over 20 shots, Rudi Garcia’s side failed to find the net for the first time in seven matches. The Red Devils, however, have been among Europe’s most prolific in qualifying, scoring 17 goals in just five games, including a thrilling 4-3 win over Wales in the reverse fixture earlier this year.
Garcia’s Belgium have been unbeaten in six, winning four. However, their away record remains a concern, with just one victory in their last 10 road fixtures. That inconsistency could make Cardiff a tricky test, especially against a Wales team that thrives in front of their home crowd. Still, the visitors possess the firepower and experience to overcome those hurdles.
For Wales, the formula is simple — avoid defeat and keep qualification hopes alive before their decisive November clash with North Macedonia. Expect Bellamy’s side to set up compactly, prioritizing defensive organization and quick transitions through Brennan Johnson and Dan James. Their challenge will be matching Belgium’s intensity while limiting spaces for creative threats like De Bruyne and Trossard to exploit.
Also Read: Kylian Mbappe Injury Update: How Long Will Real Madrid Be Without Their Star Striker?
Over 2.5 Goals @ -130 looks like a good value pick for this clash, with both teams showing plenty of attacking intent in recent outings. Their reverse fixture ended in a thrilling 4-3 win for Belgium. The Red Devils have been free-scoring in qualifiers, netting 17 goals in five games. Wales, despite recent struggles, have scored 11 goals in their last four competitive home matches and tend to play on the front foot at Cardiff City Stadium. With both sides fighting for qualification and neither known for defensive solidity, another high-scoring encounter looks highly likely.
Loïs Openda offers solid value in the goalscorer market at +170, especially with the likelihood of starting against Wales. Opeda came off the bench in Belgium’s last outing. The energetic Juventus striker has been sharp at club level and is known for his pace and directness in behind. With Belgium expected to dominate possession and create multiple chances, Openda’s ability to finish clinically makes him a strong candidate to get on the scoresheet.
Also Read: Joan Garcia Injury Update: Barcelona Goalkeeper Reveals the Possibility of His Return on El Clasico
This encounter promises to be one of Group J’s defining fixtures. It will be a contest between Wales’ home resilience and Belgium’s attacking quality. A cagey start could give way to a high-tempo second half, with both teams desperate for points. While Belgium remain favorites on paper, Wales’ home form could make this a far closer contest than the reverse meeting in Brussels.
Final Prediction: Wales 1-2 Belgium
Bettors can explore a variety of betting options on BetMGM, including full-time results, over/under goals, and player props for this clash.
soccer 
