Belgium 4-3 Wales, FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers: Kevin De Bruyne Wins It Late For Hosts

Kevin De Bruyne demonstrated his enduring class by scoring in the 88th minute to snatch a 4-3 win against Wales in the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers on Tuesday (June 10, 2025), after his team squandered a 3-0 lead after 27 minutes. Belgium were heading for a second straight draw until De Bruyne struck late at King Baudouin Stadium to consign rejuvenated Wales to a first defeat under Craig Bellamy in his 10 matches in charge. Four days after being held by North Macedonia 1-1, Belgium sped ahead 3-0 inside the first half hour through goals by Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku. Wales mounted a stirring recovery to draw level by the 69th, only for De Bruyne to meet a deep cross with a left-footed volley inside the near post.

Photo Webdesk

Updated on: 10 June 2025 11:50 am

FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers group J soccer match Belgium vs Wales: Romelo Lukaku

FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Belgium vs Wales | Photo: AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Belgium's Romelo Lukaku, center left, and Belgium's Youri Tielemans, right, celebrate their win during the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers group J soccer match Belgium vs Wales: Joe Rodon

FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Belgium vs Wales | Photo: AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Wales' Joe Rodon, left, and Belgium's Alexis Saelemaekers fight for the ball during the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers group J soccer match Belgium vs Wales: Kevin De Bruyne

FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Belgium vs Wales | Photo: AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, left, celebrates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers group J soccer match Belgium vs Wales: Jeremy Doku

FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Belgium vs Wales | Photo: AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Belgium's Jeremy Doku reacts after a missed opportunity during the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Belgium vs Wales | Photo: AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Wales' Joe Rodon, left, and Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne fight for the ball during the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers group J soccer match Belgium vs Wales: Sorba Thomas

FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Belgium vs Wales | Photo: AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Wales' Sorba Thomas, left, celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers group J soccer match Belgium vs Wales: Harry Wilson

FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Belgium vs Wales | Photo: AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Wales' Harry Wilson, center, scores his sides first goal on a penalty during the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualifiers group J soccer match Belgium vs Wales: Youri Tielemans

FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Belgium vs Wales | Photo: AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Belgium's Youri Tielemans, left, celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Belgium vs Wales | Photo: AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Belgium's Romelo Lukaku, center, celebrates after scoring the opening goal on a penalty shot during the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Belgium vs Wales | Photo: AP/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

Wales' Sorba Thomas, left, fights for the ball with Belgium's Jeremy Doku during the World Cup 2026 group J qualifying soccer match between Belgium and Wales at King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.