13 October, 2025 Football

Wales vs Belgium tips and predictions: Can Bellamy's boys get back on track in crunch clash?

IMAGO Wales striker Kieffer Moore should lead the line again for Craig Bellamy's side on Tuesday night
IMAGO Wales striker Kieffer Moore should lead the line again for Craig Bellamy's side on Tuesday night

Wales state of play

Wales were battered 3-0 by England at Wembley on Thursday. But it's the World Cup qualifier at home to Belgium tonight that really matters. 

If Wales are to qualify automatically by topping the group, they need to win all three of their remaining matches and hope Belgium drop points again, as they did against North Macedonia on Friday. 

Love football? Find the best football betting sites and bet with welcome bonuses today.

Bellamy chose England, and Canada last month, as friendly opponents because he wanted to test his players. 

Speaking after the bruising encounter against the Three Lions, Bellamy was pragmatic: "I look at England, their physical profile, the speed, the duels. 

Of course, it helps when you've got a lot of players playing in the Champions League, but that's where you want our players to be," he said. 

"[For] the players, it's 'this is where we want to be'. But we also know, we have to be at the top of our game to be able to play against these types of nations.”

Belgium state of play 

Group rivals Belgium and North Macedonia cancelled each other out last week. North Macedonia currently top Group J after holding out for a goalless draw in Ghent. 

Despite a solid showing from Jeremy Doku on the left flank, and an impressive performance by Napoli superstar Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium couldn't find a way past North Macedonia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. 

Want more? Latvia vs England: Check out Three Lions’ price to win to nil and full betting breakdown 

But Belgium boss Rudi Garcia reckons the crunch clash with Wales will suit his side better. “We're not first, as I had hoped, but we still have a game in hand than North Macedonia,” Garcia said. 

“In Cardiff, the opposition will be completely different. Because Wales needs to win. They will be a team that will perhaps apply more pressure and offer more athleticism. But we will have to stay ourselves and play our game. We will certainly have more space to exploit.”

Key talking point: Can Wales rise to the occasion?   

Bellamy has a vision about how he wants his team to play – pressing high and attacking whenever possible – but against England his side, who are one of the front-runners for next year’s World Cup, were sorely lacking. Wales were completely overwhelmed by the Three Lions.

Rather than chasing high up the pitch aggressively, they were routinely penned back in their own half and looked passive for large spells. 

The ex-Liverpool and Manchester City striker picked a strong team - a demonstration of how seriously he was taking the friendly fixture - but Wales collapsed in the opening 45 minutes. 

Whether their confidence will now be dented against Belgium remains to be seen. 

FIRST’s top tip for Wales vs Belgium

Pick: Brennan Johnson anytime goalscorer at 11/4 (Betfred)

  • Bet £10 Get £50 in free bets

    +18 New customers only. Register, deposit with Debit Card, and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility exclusions & T&Cs Apply. Full T&C apply

    Bet here

The 24-year-old forward is one of the most important players in this Wales side. And since moving to Tottenham in 2024 he's firmly established himself as a top Premier League player. Johnson recorded 18 goals in all competitions for Spurs last term. 

This season he's already bagged three in 10 appearances. The former Nottingham Forest star will be looking to exploit any gaps in the Belgium back line as he roams off the flanks. 

Extra tips

Pick: Kevin De Bruyne assist at 5/2 (Betfred)

You simply can't ignore the veteran playmaker. After being blighted by injuries in his final 12 months at Manchester City, De Bruyne has found a new lease of life at Napoli. 

He's already notched three assists in six appearances for the Serie A side. 

Pick: Neco Williams yellow card 11/5 (Ladbrokes)

  • 18+ New UK+ROI Customers only. Certain deposit methods & bet types excl. Min first £5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 to get 6 x £5 free bets. Free bets available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets valid for 7 days, stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply. Full T&C apply

    Bet here

The Nottingham Forest full-back was booked after just 27 minutes against England. And in the Premier League he's already racked up four yellow cards. 

That means he's well on his way to beating his tally of seven cautions last season. The ex-Liverpool ace could struggle against a talented Belgium attack. 

Team news

Bellamy is expected to name an unchanged side in Cardiff. Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, Ben Davies and Jay Dasilva are all set to start in defence despite their tough evening against England.

Kieffer Moore is expected to lead the line with Brennan Johnson providing support off the wing. 

For Belgium, Lois Openda could be drafted in to add more firepower. Amadou Onana, meanwhile, might also be given the nod as Garcia looks to add more balance to his midfield. 

Wales vs Belgium predicted line-ups

Wales: Darlow; Williams, Rodon, Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu, Cullen; Johnson, Wilson, Brooks; Moore (4-2-3-1)

Belgium: Courtois; Castagne, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper; Raskin, Onana; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Doku; Openda (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (including friendlies)

Wales: WDWWDWLWLL

Belgium: LLLLWDWWD

Responsible gambling with FIRST

You must be 18+ to gamble. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our tips and advice help you enjoy gambling, but there is always a chance a bet or casino game can lose.

Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Stop betting if you are angry, emotional or under the influence of alcohol.

Warning signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, betting money needed for bills, or feeling unable to stop.

Need help? Visit our responsible sports betting page or our responsible casino gambling page, or contact the support organisations listed below if you're struggling to control your gambling:

Gamblers Anonymous UK

BeGambleAware

GAMSTOP

National Gambling Support Network

Gamcare

NHS National Gambling Clinic

Odds correct at the time of writing.

Never miss out, subscribe to FIRST here
Never miss out, subscribe to FIRST here