Kevin De Bruyne struck a dramatic 88th-minute winner to rescue Belgium in a pulsating 4-3 victory over Wales in their World Cup qualifier on Monday, after the hosts squandered a 3-0 lead in a match packed with controversy, VAR drama, and seven goals.
Belgium raced to a commanding lead within 30 minutes at King Baudouin Stadium, but Wales mounted a spirited comeback, equalizing in the 70th minute before De Bruyne settled the contest late on. The win, Belgium’s first in Group J after just two games, dealt a blow to Wales, handing them their first defeat under new manager Craig Bellamy.
Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 15th minute, notching his 89th international goal after De Bruyne’s early shot struck Brennan Johnson’s arm — a decision confirmed after a lengthy VAR review. Youri Tielemans added a second four minutes later, finishing off a sweeping move initiated by De Bruyne’s ball recovery and quick transition through Maxim De Cuyper.
Jeremy Doku made it 3-0 in the 27th minute with a dazzling solo goal, dancing past defenders on the right before cutting inside and firing a low left-footed shot that goalkeeper Karl Darlow couldn’t keep out.
Wales, shell-shocked but unbroken, found hope just before halftime. Matz Sels was adjudged to have fouled Chris Mepham during a set-piece challenge, and Harry Wilson calmly converted from the spot to make it 3-1 at the break.
Wilson then orchestrated Wales’ comeback in the second half. A precise long pass found Sorba Thomas, who finished clinically in the 61st minute. Just nine minutes later, Thomas turned provider with a header across goal for Johnson to equalize, stunning the home crowd and igniting wild celebrations in the away section.
However, the euphoria was short-lived. With two minutes left on the clock, De Bruyne ghosted in at the back post to meet a long, looping cross from Tielemans, slotting home the winner and saving Belgium from a disastrous collapse.
The victory lifts Belgium to four points from two games, while North Macedonia top the group with eight points following their 1-0 win in Kazakhstan earlier in the day. Wales, who had hoped to build on a promising start under Bellamy, now sit second with seven points from four matches.
Off the pitch, the evening was marred by an alarming incident when a Welsh fan fell from the upper tier into the lower stands during the celebration of the equaliser. The Football Association of Wales confirmed the supporter was “conscious and speaking” and had been taken to hospital for further evaluation. No further updates on the condition have yet been released.
In a match that had everything — goals, drama, controversy, and emotion — it was Kevin De Bruyne who ultimately ensured Belgium walked away with the points, and Wales were left to wonder what might have been.
