Belgium narrowly defeated a spirited Wales side 4-3, while Italy bounced back with a 2-0 win over Moldova in Monday’s World Cup qualifying action. The results brought fresh drama to the race for spots in the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Belgium appeared to be cruising in Brussels after racing to a 3-0 lead within 30 minutes through goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans, and Jeremy Doku. However, Wales mounted an inspired comeback with a Harry Wilson penalty, followed by goals from Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson to level the match. Kevin De Bruyne broke Welsh hearts in the 88th minute, converting Tielemans’ cross to secure all three points.
Wales remain second in Group J, one point behind leaders North Macedonia, 1-0 winners over Kazakhstan, and three ahead of Belgium, who still have two games in hand. It was Craig Bellamy’s first defeat as Wales manager after an impressive unbeaten run in his first nine games.
“It hurts because we got so close,” admitted Wales captain Ben Davies. “We knew we had more to give, and in the second half we showed that. Now we regroup and stay focused.”
In Italy, Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso scored in each half to secure a 2-0 win over Moldova. The victory offered a small measure of redemption for the Azzurri after a 3-0 loss to Norway last week, a result that led to coach Luciano Spalletti’s dismissal.
Spalletti, speaking after the match, accepted responsibility: “When you’re the national team coach you have no excuses. It’s your choices that matter, and I didn’t deliver.”
Italy now trail Norway by nine points in Group I but have played two fewer games. Only the group winner qualifies automatically, with Italy likely needing a play-off route to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup.
Elsewhere, Erling Haaland scored the winner as Norway edged Estonia, Croatia dismantled the Czech Republic 5-1 with Luka Modric among the scorers, and the Faroe Islands secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Gibraltar.
Tuesday’s fixtures will see the Netherlands host Malta in Groningen, aiming for back-to-back wins, while Poland face a stern test against Finland in Group G.
Written By Rodney Mbua
