Article by Aurelian Botezatu – published on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 08:15 / Updated Tuesday, October 14, 2025 08:17
The match of Wales – Belgium (2-4), from the sixth stage of group J qualification at the 2026 World Championship, was interrupted in the 67th minute, after a rat entered the lawn.
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, protected by the goalkeeper gloves, was the first to try to catch the rodent. He bent over, but the furry visitor escaped him and contained to run on the ground.
Brennan Johnson drives away the rats on the ground
Welsh striker Brennan Johnson then tried his luck and followed the mouse to the edge of the field, then reported to German referee Daniel Siebert that “The problem has resolved”. The uninvited guest had disappeared and the match could be resumed.
Kevin de Bruyne, “double” from penalty
Match? The British opened the score early through Rodon (8th minute). But Kevin de Bruyne, who turned two strokes from 11 meters (min. 18 and 76), and Thomas Meunier (the 24th minute), returned the score in favor of the guests: 1-3.
The end was spectacular. Broadhead reduced the handicap in the 89th minute, but only 60 seconds later, Tossard closed the table: 2-4.
Belgia climbs first place in group J
Following this triumph, Belgium accumulates 14 points and takes advantage of the equal between North Macedonia and Kazakhstan (1-1) to climb the head of the group, with an extra point (and a less disputed match) compared to Macedonians.
As for Wales, he still dreams of the play-off-but the direct qualification, although possible, seems more distant. The Welsh have 10 points and are three points from North Macedonia, which has an extra match played.
Ranking in group J
