Belgium are set to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals when they host Liechtenstein in their final Group J qualifier. The Red Devils’ hopes of early qualification were delayed after a 1-1 draw with Kazakhstan on Saturday, but they still lead the group by two points, Softfootball reports.
A straightforward victory or even a draw would be enough to guarantee top spot, barring unlikely results elsewhere. Despite dropping points at home against North Macedonia , Belgium have been decent so far in WCQ play overall, winning their previous two home games in this campaign while scoring ten goals. The side has gone unbeaten in their last 35 World Cup qualifiers and manager Rudi Garcia will be determined to maintain that record heading into the finals.
Belgium will be looking to rely on Jeremy Doku, the Manchester City winger, to spearhead the attack in the absence of key stars Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne, both sidelined with injury. Doku’s pace and creativity will be crucial in unlocking a Liechtenstein defense that has conceded 24 goals without reply in this campaign.
Hans Vanaken, who scored the equalizer against Kazakhstan, is also expected to play a key role in midfield, providing support and energy as Belgium push to end qualifying on a high note.
For Liechtenstein, this fixture represents the toughest challenge of their campaign. The visitors have struggled throughout, losing all seven games in Group J and remaining without a single win in their last 48 World Cup qualifiers.
Their most recent outing saw them narrowly beaten 1-0 by Wales, but even that close scoreline did nothing to mask their long-standing struggles on the international stage. Konrad Fünfstück’s side have also lost each of their last ten away qualifiers, scoring just once across that stretch, leaving them with little margin for error against a dominant Belgium side.
Liechtenstein will hope to rely on Sandro Wolfinger, their top scorer on the road in qualifiers, and Emanuel Zünd, who was forced off in their last match against Wales, to marshal the team and keep the scoreline respectable. Wolfinger will aim to create chances while Zünd must be at his sharpest to handle Belgium’s attacking threats, though victory seems highly unlikely.
Team News
Belgium do not appear to have any fresh injury concerns ahead of this fixture. Stars Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne are both sidelined, leaving manager Rudi Garcia to turn to Jeremy Doku as the main attacking outlet. Hans Vanaken is expected to provide support from midfield, while Charles De Ketelaere could also feature as creative outlets behind the winger.
It’s without a doubt that all eyes will be on Jeremy Doku as Belgium seek to Maintain their perfect home record in order to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals. The Red Devils via its official X handle, posted an exclusive video of the star winger in action against Kazakhstan to remind fans what he can do on his day and they will be hoping he brings his A game against Liechtenstein later tomorrow. Watch video below:
Liechtenstein will be without any new absentees from their previous match, but goalkeeper Emanuel Zünd and forward Sandro Wolfinger will need to be at their best to help keep the scoreline respectable. The visitors are expected to field a similar lineup to their 1-0 loss to Wales, focusing on defensive organization while hoping for counter-attacking opportunities.
Possible Lineups
Belgium possible starting lineup:
Sels; Castagne, De Winter, Theate, De Cuyper; Onana, Raskin; Lukebakio, Vanaken, Doku; Openda
Liechtenstein possible starting lineup:
Buchel; Meier, Malin, Goppel; N. Hasler, Sele, Luchinger, A. Hasler, Hofer; Pizzi, Salanovic
Also in preparation for the important game against Liechtenstein, Belgium via its official X handle shared the highlight of the captain Hans Vanaken’s goal on Saturday against Kazakhstan, which could serve as a morale boost for both the team and the fans. They posted:
Softfootball Prediction
Belgium are overwhelming favorites to secure the three points, with Doku expected to lead the line in an attacking display while the midfield dominates possession. Liechtenstein’s defensive weakness, combined with Belgium’s home record in World Cup qualifiers, suggest this will be a one-sided affair. Expect the Red Devils to assert control early and maintain it throughout.
Prediction: Belgium 4–0 Liechtenstein
