The Stade Maurice Dufrasne in Liege will hold host to what Belgium will hope is a successful final hurdle on their way to next summer’s World Cup, as they face Liechtenstein knowing a point is enough to secure qualification barring an enormous swing in goal-difference.
A 1-1 draw against the 10 men of Kazakhstan was hardly an encouraging penultimate game for Belgium’s qualifying campaign as they failed to seal their spot at the 2026 World Cup. Rudi Garcia’s men dominated the proceedings in Astana but failed to produce a winning goal.
However, the Red Devils will have another chance to grab their tickets to the World Cup as they face a weak Liechtenstein side at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne on Tuesday. Belgium, by far the strongest team in the group on paper, will have to eek out a win or a draw or otherwise risk not making it to the World Cup, with North Macedonia and Wales lurking around the corner.
Belgium have had an unbeaten qualifying campaign so far. With a record of 4 wins and 3 draws, they have been the strongest team in the group on the pitch too, though that will mean precious little if they fail to defeat Liechtenstein. They lead Group J with a total of 15 points, followed by North Macedonia and Wales both on 13.
In the reverse fixture, Liechtenstein were routed 6-0 by Belgium, with star midfielder Youri Tielemans bagging a brace. Belgium will be looking to recreate that scoreline on Tuesday to ease the nerves within the camp. For Liechtenstein, this is the perfect opportunity to cause an upset.
Liechtenstein’s record has been abysmal in this qualifying campaign, with seven games played, seven losses, zero goals scored, and 24 goals conceded. There remains no chance for them to qualify as they languish at the bottom of the group. This match against Belgium could help them regain a bit of pride and confidence.
With World Cup spots at contention, this final matchday of the qualifying campaign, while dim, does promise a surprise or two for the fans.
Predicted line-ups
BEL: Sels; Meunier, De Winter, Theate, Seys; Raskin, Onana; Doku, Vanaken, Trossard; De Ketelaere
LIE: Büchel; Meier, Malin, Göppel; N. Hasler, Luchinger, A. Hasler, Sele, Zünd; Luque-Notaro, Salanović