Belgium failed to finish the job. By suffering a failure on Saturday against Kazakhstan (1-1), an opponent reduced to 10 in the 79th minute, the team coached by Frenchman Rudi Garcia is not officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup.
To achieve the American dream, the Red Devils must not lose next Tuesday evening at home against modest Lichtenstein, last in Group J with zero points on the clock.
A draw should in fact be enough to secure first place in the group, directly qualifying for the next World Cup organized in three countries: United States, Canada, Mexico.
The Kazakh wall
The Belgians have nothing to be ashamed of as they no longer have any draw brought back from Kazakhstan. The Central Asian selection can thank its goalkeeper, Anarbekov, author of several decisive saves against Doku, Trossard, De Ketelaere and others.
Trailing at the break, Belgium equalized thanks to a header from captain Vanaken, taking a cross from Castagne (1-1, 48th).
