Belgium chasing double world cup boost

As the footballing Red Devils look to complete their qualifying job, Belgium’s rugby team prepares for a rare shot at history. One task should be straightforward, the other could turn into a sporting fairy tale.

Belgium’s football side need only avoid defeat against group minnows Liechtenstein in Liège to secure their place at next year’s World Cup in North America. They lead their group by two points, and a draw should be enough thanks to their superior goal difference.

Qualification slipped from their grasp at the weekend after a 1-1 draw in Kazakhstan. Injuries continue to mount, with Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku sidelined. 

A win on Tuesday night would also guarantee a Pot 1 seeding, which would help Belgium avoid early meetings with major contenders such as France or Argentina.

Rugby underdogs

Earlier in the day, Belgium’s rugby team face Samoa for the final place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Belgium have never qualified, while Samoa are regulars on the world stage and clear favourites.

Coach Laurent Dossat insists discipline will be Belgium’s key weapon, though back-to-back victories over Namibia and Brazil have boosted confidence.

“It’s the biggest match of our lives,” international Thomas Wallraf told Het Nieuwsblad.

^{Belgium's Red Devils, the Belgian national soccer team, prepares for its last World Cup 2026 qualification match against Liechtenstein © BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY}