At the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz, on Thursday, September 4, Belgium will visit Liechtenstein in the clash valid for Matchday 5 of Group J in the FIFA World Cup 2026 UEFA Qualifiers. Rudi Garcia’s team needs a win to stay close to the top of the group: the Red Devils have collected 4 points in two games, drawing against North Macedonia and winning against Wales. North Macedonia currently leads the group with 8 points but has played two more matches than Belgium. In between, Wales sit second with 7 points, followed by Kazakhstan with 3. At the bottom, Liechtenstein remain pointless after three consecutive defeats. For De Bruyne and his teammates, the Vaduz challenge is crucial: dropping points against the group’s last-placed team would heavily complicate the race for first place, the only position that guarantees direct qualification to the World Cup. The arrival of Garcia has brought back solidity and confidence to a national side coming off years of underachievement and a near-relegation in the Nations League. The stats also favor Belgium: they haven’t lost an away World Cup qualifier since 2009. On the other side, Liechtenstein continue to chase the World Cup dream, though it remains a distant one: Konrad Fünfstuck’s squad hasn’t won a World Cup qualifying match since September 2005, a staggering run of 44 matches. Beyond their technical limits, the lack of goals is a huge issue: zero scored in the first three rounds. Everything points to a one-sided match, with Belgium strong favorites to return home with three points and continue their push toward a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup qualification.

Liechtenstein's recent form and key stats

Liechtenstein started their Group J campaign in disastrous fashion, losing heavily in their first three matches against North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Wales. The most concerning fact is their inability to score, while conceding 8 goals, averaging 2.67 per game.

In their latest outing in early June, Funfstuck’s men lost 4-0 in a friendly against Scotland, extending their goalless streak. Beyond their attacking struggles, their defensive record is worrying as well, conceding an average of 2.2 goals over their last five official matches.

Belgium's recent form and key stats

Belgium look revitalized under Rudi Garcia, who replaced Domenico Tedesco after the Nations League disappointment. The French coach managed to avoid relegation to League B by beating Ukraine in the playoff and has collected 4 points in the first two rounds of the World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Their tally so far comes from a 1-1 draw in the opener against North Macedonia, followed by a thrilling 4-3 win over Wales thanks to a late goal from Kevin De Bruyne, the former Manchester City star and new Napoli signing. With these two positive results, the Red Devils are now unbeaten in nine World Cup qualifying matches.

Liechtenstein vs Belgium prediction and tactical overview

The prediction for Liechtenstein vs Belgium leans heavily toward a clear away win. Given the gap in quality, Belgium should not miss the chance to move up to 7 points after three games.

Despite the attacking absences of Lukaku and Lukebakio, Belgium have plenty of weapons to exploit against Liechtenstein’s fragile backline. All eyes will be on Lois Openda, who sealed a deadline-day transfer from RB Leipzig to Juventus, and Kevin De Bruyne, already on target in his Serie A debut for Napoli.

Beyond the expected away win, BetMines’ algorithm predicts another game where Liechtenstein could fail to score, just as in their last four matches. Even though Belgium’s defense has shown vulnerabilities recently, the hosts’ attack is unlikely to trouble Courtois and company.

• Liechtenstein vs Belgium prediction by BetMines: at least one team will fail to score, with a 73% probability.
  
  
• Liechtenstein vs Belgium prediction by BetMines: both teams to score at least once, with a 27% probability.

Probable lineups Liechtenstein vs Belgium

LIECHTENSTEIN (5-3-2): Buchel; Meier, Traber, Wieser, Hofer, Goppel; Luchinger, Hasler, Sele; Pizzi, Luque Notaro. Coach: Konrad Funfstuck

BELGIUM (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Saelemaekers, De Bruyne, Doku; Openda. Coach: Rudi Garcia