Belgium Thrashes Liechtenstein 7-0 in World Qualifier

Belgium Secures Comfortable Win Over Liechtenstein

In a decisive World Cup qualifier match, Belgium delivered a dominant performance against Liechtenstein, securing a resounding 7-0 victory at the Estadio Maurice Dufrasne. The win solidifies Belgium's position as leaders of Group J and significantly advances their ambitions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Pre-Match Context

Coming into this fixture, Belgium was already in a commanding position. Under manager Rudi García, the Red Devils had accumulated 15 points from five matches, maintaining an unbeaten record. Their only blemish was a 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan. Liechtenstein, conversely, sat at the bottom of the group with zero points after seven defeats, making this match a formality for Belgium but a must-play for their opponents.

"The Red Devils showed no mercy, with Hans Vanaken opening the scoring in just the 3rd minute."

Match Highlights

Belgium wasted no time asserting their dominance. Hans Vanaken opened the scoring within the first three minutes, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Jérémy Doku doubled the lead with a brace in the 34th and 41st minutes, assisted by Alexis Saelemaekers. The floodgates opened in the second half, with Brandon Mechele (52'), Alexis Saelemaekers (55'), and Charles De Ketelaere (57', 59') adding to the tally. De Ketelaere's second goal, assisted by Thomas Meunier, capped off an emphatic performance.

Key Performers

Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere were instrumental in Belgium's attacking success. Doku's pace and trickery caused constant trouble for Liechtenstein's defense, while De Ketelaere's clinical finishing made him the match's top scorer with two goals. Manager Rudi García rotated his squad, giving fringe players like Nicolas Raskin and Loïs Openda valuable minutes.

Liechtenstein's Struggles

Despite their spirited effort, Liechtenstein was overwhelmed by Belgium's technical superiority. The visitors managed just a single shot on target and struggled to contain Belgium's midfield trio of Youri Tielemans, Nicolas Raskin, and Hans Vanaken. Their elimination from contention was confirmed earlier in the campaign, but this match provided an opportunity to gain experience against a top-tier team.

What's Next?

With this victory, Belgium has all but secured their direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Their focus will now shift to maintaining momentum in the remaining qualifiers. Liechtenstein, meanwhile, will regroup and aim to build on their performances in future competitions. The match highlighted the stark contrast between European football's elite and emerging nations, underscoring the challenges in competitive qualifying groups.