Belgium is set to face Liechtenstein in a crucial World Cup Qualifying match on Tuesday, aiming for a secure spot in the 2026 tournament. The match will take place in Liège, where Belgium looks to solidify their position at the top of Group J.
Belgium’s Current Standing
Currently, Belgium leads Group J with a two-point advantage over Wales and North Macedonia. They have accumulated four wins and three draws from seven fixtures, losing no matches in this qualifying cycle. A draw against Liechtenstein will likely be sufficient for Belgium to qualify directly for the World Cup.
Previous Matches
In their last outing, Belgium managed to avoid a significant upset against Kazakhstan, thanks to veteran Hans Vanaken. The Red Devils are now looking for an emphatic victory to cement their qualification.
Liechtenstein’s Struggles
Liechtenstein continues to struggle in the qualifying rounds, currently holding a record of seven losses, with a total of 24 goals conceded and no goals scored. They sit at the bottom of Group J and have faced significant challenges throughout the qualifiers.
Recent Performance
In their last match against Wales, Liechtenstein was able to hold off their opponents for an hour before conceding a solitary goal. Their defensive resilience, while commendable, has not translated into positive results. They have not scored in their last seven qualifying matches, a record that further emphasizes their struggles.
Team News for Belgium and Liechtenstein
Belgium manager Rudi Garcia will see the return of Thomas Meunier from suspension, while Timothy Castagne is expected to hold his place at right-back. Goalkeeper Matz Sels is set to start, having provided reliable performances. Youri Tielemans, recovering from a calf injury, may be held back as a substitute for this match.
- Belgium Possible Starting Lineup:
- Sels
- Castagne, De Winter, Theate, De Cuyper
- Onana, Raskin
- Lukebakio, Vanaken, Doku
- Openda
On the other hand, Liechtenstein welcomes back defender Jens Hofer from suspension, providing some much-needed support to their backline. Captain Nicolas Hasler is poised to earn his 109th cap for the national team.
- Liechtenstein Possible Starting Lineup:
- Buchel
- Meier, Malin, Goppel
- N. Hasler, Sele, Luchinger, A. Hasler, Hofer
- Pizzi, Salanovic
Match Prediction
The expectation is for Belgium to secure a convincing victory over Liechtenstein. With their track record and current form, a scoreline of 4-0 in favor of Belgium seems likely. This match not only represents a chance for points but also a vital opportunity for Belgium to assert themselves as they aim for World Cup qualification.
