Belgium reach 2026 World Cup after 7-0 win over Liechtenstein
Belgium are heading to the 2026 World Cup after an easy 7-0 victory over Liechtenstein. The Red Devils ended their qualifying campaign in style, with a lively crowd in Liège enjoying a night full of goals.
Hans Vanaken scored after just three minutes, and from then on Belgium never looked in trouble. Jeremy Doku was the star of the match, dancing past defenders and scoring twice before half-time.
In the second half, Belgium scored four goals in only seven minutes. Brandon Mechele, Alexis Saelemaekers and Charles De Ketelaere all found the net, with De Ketelaere scoring twice. Belgium slowed down later, with the match finishing at 7-0.
The decisive victory followed a disappointing 1-1 draw in Kazakhstan on Saturday. Belgium end the qualification phase as winners of Group J, ahead of Wales, who must now contest the play-offs to secure their spot in next summer's World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.
The win is good news for coach Rudi Garcia, who has had a mixed start in charge but has now delivered on two key objectives: maintaining Nations League status and securing World Cup qualification. The third, a strong World Cup run, will likely define his tenure.
Belgium will be in Pot 1 for the World Cup draw on 5 December, though they will not arrive in North America as outright favourites. Concerns linger over consistency and fitness, but if senior figures such as Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Doku hit form, the Red Devils could remain a dangerous prospect.
Jeremy Doku celebrates after scoring against Liechtenstein in Liège, 18 November 2025 © BELGA PHOTO VIRGINIE LEFOUR
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