Belgium didn’t just qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—they announced it with a statement. On Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the Red Devils crushed Liechtenstein 7-0 at Stade Maurice Dufrasne in Liège, sealing their place in next year’s tournament with a performance that was as clinical as it was brutal. It wasn’t just a win; it was a coronation. With this result, Belgium finished UEFA World Cup Qualifying - Group J with a perfect record: 8 games, 5 wins, 3 draws, zero losses. Eighteen points. A +22 goal difference. And now, a ticket to North America.
A Perfect Campaign, Finally Confirmed
Belgium had been on edge after a frustrating 1-1 draw with Kazakhstan just two days earlier. That result, which saw them drop two precious points at home, turned what should’ve been a formality into a tense nail-biter. Fans in Brussels and beyond were reminded that even the most decorated teams aren’t immune to complacency. But in Liège, the message was clear: this squad still had teeth. The pressure wasn’t just about finishing first—it was about proving they hadn’t lost their edge.
They didn’t just answer the call—they screamed it.
The opening goal came in the 3rd minute, a quiet moment that exploded into chaos. Hans Vanaken, the 32-year-old midfield maestro, slipped a low, curling shot past Liechtenstein’s goalkeeper. No fanfare. No celebration. Just business. By the 34th minute, Jérémy Doku had doubled the lead, weaving through the defense like a sprinter on a track. His second, just seven minutes later, was a reminder of why Manchester City paid £50 million for him two summers ago.
The Assembly Line of Goals
Belgium’s attack wasn’t just scoring—it was operating like a Swiss watch. Alexis Saelemaekers added his name to the scoresheet in the 55th, unassisted, after a slick turn and a left-footed blast. Then came Charles De Ketelaere, the 24-year-old forward who’s quietly become Belgium’s most lethal finisher. Two goals in two minutes—57th and 59th—both assisted by teammates who knew exactly where to find him. The second, a tap-in from Thomas Meunier’s cutback, felt almost cruel in its simplicity.
Even the defenders got in on the act. Brandon Mechele, the 27-year-old center-back, rose above the defense in the 52nd minute to head home a perfectly delivered corner from Youri Tielemans. It was a goal that could’ve come from any era of Belgian football—physical, precise, relentless.
By the 60th minute, the game was over. Liechtenstein’s players weren’t just beaten—they looked hollow. Their captain, Simon Luchinger, had been subbed off at the 58th minute, replaced by Andreas Hasler, but the damage was already done. The scoreboard didn’t lie: 7-0. The stats didn’t lie either: 24 shots, 15 on target, 67% possession. Belgium had controlled every inch of the pitch.
What This Means for the 2026 World Cup
For Belgium, this win isn’t just about making the tournament—it’s about resetting expectations. After years of fading in knockout stages, from the 2018 final to the group-stage exits in 2022, there’s been a quiet reckoning. The golden generation—De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku—is aging. But here? The new guard is stepping up. Doku, De Ketelaere, Raskin, Mechele—they’re not just replacements. They’re upgrades.
Wales finished second in Group J with 16 points. North Macedonia, with 13, will enter the playoffs. But Belgium? They’re not going to the playoffs. They’re going straight to the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The tournament kicks off June 11, 2026. And now, Belgium knows they’ll be there—fully loaded.
Behind the Numbers
The numbers tell a story few expected. Liechtenstein, the minnows of European football, finished with 0 points and a goal difference of -31. They conceded 31 goals in eight games. Belgium scored 27. That’s not just dominance—it’s a chasm. Betting odds had Belgium as -25,000 favorites. That means a $25,000 bet would’ve netted you $25,100. It wasn’t even a gamble. It was a guarantee.
And yet, the real value wasn’t in the odds. It was in the performance. This wasn’t a team resting on reputation. It was a team hungry to prove something—to themselves, to their fans, to the world.
What’s Next for Belgium?
Now comes the hard part: managing expectations. With the World Cup still seven months away, Belgium’s coaching staff will have to balance rest with rhythm. Key players like De Bruyne and Lukaku may see reduced minutes in upcoming friendlies. The squad will be expanded in January for training camps in Florida and Morocco. The real test? How they handle pressure in a knockout match—not against Liechtenstein, but against Brazil or France.
For now, though, they can breathe. The Royal Belgian Football Association posted match highlights on YouTube on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, under the title: “Belgium 7-0 Liechtenstein | a goal fest to celebrate our World Cup qualification.” It’s not just a highlight reel. It’s a legacy moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Belgium secure direct qualification without going through the playoffs?
Belgium finished first in UEFA Group J with 18 points, the highest total in the group. Only the top team in each of the ten qualifying groups earns automatic entry to the 2026 World Cup. Wales, with 16 points, had to enter the playoffs. Belgium’s perfect unbeaten record (5W, 3D, 0L) and +22 goal difference made them the clear favorites, and this win sealed their spot with two matches still remaining in the group stage.
Who were the standout performers for Belgium in this match?
Charles De Ketelaere scored a brace, Jérémy Doku netted two goals and provided a key assist, and Hans Vanaken opened the scoring with a clinical finish. Youri Tielemans controlled midfield with 92% pass accuracy and set up Mechele’s header. Defender Brandon Mechele’s goal was a surprise but symbolized Belgium’s depth—this wasn’t just a forward’s show. The entire team contributed, with 10 different players involved in the scoring chain.
Why was this match so significant for Liechtenstein?
For Liechtenstein, this match was the end of a qualifying campaign defined by heartbreak. They lost all eight games, conceded 31 goals, and failed to score a single one. Their last goal in World Cup qualifying came in 2018 against Andorra. This result underscores the gap between Europe’s elite and its smallest footballing nations—yet their persistence remains admirable. Their next goal? Qualifying for Euro 2028, where they’ll face tougher competition than Belgium.
What does Belgium’s 2026 World Cup squad look like now?
Belgium’s squad is in transition. While Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku remain key figures, the future rests with players like De Ketelaere (24), Doku (23), and Raskin (23). The team has added six new caps since the 2022 World Cup, and coach Domenico Tedesco is blending experience with youth. Expect a balanced side: physical in defense, dynamic in transition, and lethal in the final third. The 2026 tournament could be their last shot at a trophy with this generation.
Where will Belgium play their group stage matches in 2026?
The official draw for the 2026 World Cup group stage will happen in December 2025. Belgium is expected to be placed in Pot 1 as one of the top 10 ranked teams. Potential venues include MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Lumen Field in Seattle, or the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The team has historically performed well in North America, having reached the semifinals in the 1986 World Cup held in Mexico.
Is this Belgium’s best chance at winning the World Cup since 2018?
Yes. In 2018, Belgium reached the semifinals with a veteran-heavy squad. Now, with a blend of those same stars and a new wave of talent, they have more balance, more speed, and more depth. The 2026 World Cup is their last realistic window—De Bruyne will be 34, Lukaku 31. If they can avoid early exits and navigate a tough group, this team has the tools to go all the way. The 7-0 win over Liechtenstein wasn’t just a celebration. It was a warning.
