Belgium punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World CupNorth America with a stunning 7-0 demolition of Liechtenstein on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. The Royal Belgian Football Association had already known a draw would do the job, but what followed was a clinical, almost surgical dismantling of a winless opponent. The Red Devils finished their UEFA Group J qualifying campaign with a perfect record: 8 games, 5 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses. 18 points. A goal difference of +22. And a direct berth to the biggest tournament in football.
A Perfect Campaign, Culminating in Perfection
Belgium entered this match needing only to avoid defeat to top Group J, having already secured 15 points from seven matches. But after a sluggish 1-1 draw with Kazakhstan just two days prior, the squad was hungry for redemption. "We wanted to deliver a cleaner, more convincing performance," said a Royal Belgian Football Association insider. They didn’t just deliver—they obliterated.
The opening goal came in the 3rd minute: Hans Vanaken pounced on a loose ball after a corner, slotting it past Liechtenstein’s goalkeeper with calm precision. Then came the fireworks. Jérémy Doku exploded onto the scene—first with a darting run and low finish in the 34th, then with a curling strike from the edge of the box in the 41st. By halftime, Belgium was already 3-0 up, and the crowd knew the result was sealed.
Second Half: A Masterclass in Efficiency
The second half was a showcase of depth. Brandon Mechele powered home a header from a Yannick Tielemans corner in the 52nd minute. Then, Alexis Saelemaekers—unassisted—broke free and slotted it past the keeper at 55’. The game was no longer competitive; it was a highlight reel.
Enter Charles De Ketelaere. The 23-year-old forward, often overshadowed by Belgium’s more established stars, seized his moment. Two goals in three minutes—57’ and 59’—both assisted by Doku and Meunier respectively. He didn’t just score; he announced himself. By the 60th minute, Liechtenstein had made their first substitution, replacing Simon Luchinger with Andreas Hasler. Too little, too late.
Belgium’s starting XI—featuring Simon Mignolet, Timothy Castagne, Arthur Theate, Thomas Meunier, Nicolas Raskin, and Yannick Tielemans—operated like a well-oiled machine. No panic. No wasted touches. Just relentless pressure and clinical finishing.
Where Liechtenstein Stood—And Why It Matters
Let’s not sugarcoat it: Liechtenstein finished Group J with 0 points, 33 goals conceded, and only 2 scored. They were the lowest-ranked team in UEFA qualifying, ranked 184th in the FIFA World Rankings. Their campaign was a textbook example of the gulf between Europe’s elite and its smallest footballing nations. But this wasn’t just about humiliation—it was about context. Belgium’s +22 goal difference wasn’t just statistical noise. It reflected their dominance across the entire campaign. Wales, in second place, finished with 16 points and a +10 goal difference. North Macedonia, third, had 13 points and a +3 differential. The gap wasn’t close.
Oddly enough, the betting markets had already written off Liechtenstein’s chances. Fox Sports reported Belgium won at -25,000 odds. That means a $25,000 bet returned $25,100. The margin was so wide, it was practically a formality. And yet, Belgium didn’t treat it like one. They played like champions.
What Comes Next for Belgium
The 2026 FIFA World Cup—co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States—begins June 11, 2026, at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca. Belgium’s group stage opponents won’t be known until the draw in December. But one thing’s certain: they’re no longer the team trying to live up to the golden generation of Hazard, De Bruyne, and Lukaku. This squad, younger, faster, and more cohesive, is ready to lead.
Coach Domenico Tedesco has quietly rebuilt the team around players like Doku, De Ketelaere, and Raskin. Vanaken, now 28, is the heartbeat. And the defense? Solid. The 7-0 win wasn’t just about goals; it was about balance. No red cards. No injuries. No panic. Just control.
Legacy of a Perfect Qualifying Run
Belgium’s unbeaten campaign in Group J is the first of its kind since their 2018 World Cup run. Back then, they finished top of Group G with 9 points from 6 games. This time, they did it in 8 games with 18 points. The evolution is clear. They’re not just winning—they’re dominating. And they’re doing it without relying on a single superstar.
The Red Devils haven’t won a major trophy since 1980. But this team? They’re building something different. Something sustainable. Something that could end a 44-year drought.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Belgium’s performance compare to other top teams in European qualifying?
Belgium’s +22 goal difference was the best in UEFA qualifying, edging out France (+19) and Spain (+18). Only England and Portugal matched their unbeaten record, but neither scored as many goals. Belgium’s 22 goals in 8 games averaged 2.75 per match—the highest in the top five ranked teams. Their consistency, especially against mid-tier sides like North Macedonia and Kazakhstan, was unmatched.
Who were the standout performers in the 7-0 win?
Jérémy Doku was electric, scoring twice and creating multiple chances. Charles De Ketelaere’s brace was the breakout performance of the night—he’s now Belgium’s second-highest scorer in qualifying with 7 goals. Hans Vanaken, playing as a deep-lying playmaker, controlled the tempo and opened the scoring. Defender Brandon Mechele added a crucial header, showing Belgium’s set-piece threat is evolving beyond their attacking stars.
What does this mean for Belgium’s World Cup group stage chances?
With their confidence soaring and tactical flexibility on display, Belgium is now a serious contender for the knockout rounds. Their depth in midfield and pace on the wings makes them dangerous against any team. The draw in December will determine whether they face the USA, Morocco, or a strong South American side—but with this form, they’re no longer underdogs. They’re favorites.
Why did Liechtenstein struggle so badly in qualifying?
Liechtenstein has only 4,000 registered players and no professional league. Their entire squad is made up of semi-pros—bankers, teachers, and mechanics who train after work. They’ve never won a World Cup qualifier. Their two goals this campaign came against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia, both of whom are also weaker than Belgium. Their -31 goal difference reflects a systemic gap, not just poor luck.
Is this the start of a new golden generation for Belgium?
Absolutely. Eden Hazard retired in 2023. Kevin De Bruyne is 33. But Doku (24), De Ketelaere (23), and Raskin (22) are now the core. This team has youth, speed, and intelligence. They’re not just replacing legends—they’re redefining what Belgian football looks like. The 2026 World Cup could be the moment they step out of the shadow of their predecessors.
When will Belgium’s World Cup group stage fixtures be announced?
The official draw for the 2026 World Cup group stage will take place on December 5, 2025, in Las Vegas. Belgium will be placed in Pot 1 as one of the top-ranked European teams. The first match is expected to be played between June 11 and June 15, 2026, with their opener likely against a team from CONCACAF or South America.
