Belgium Crushes Liechtenstein 7-0 in World Cup Qualifier, Stay Perfect at Top of Group J
Belgium delivered a clinical demolition of Liechtenstein on November 18, 2025, winning 7-0 at Stade de Sclessin in Liège, Belgium, to remain the only undefeated team in FIFA World Cup European Qualifying Group J. With 26,253 fans roaring in the chilly November air, the match wasn’t just a formality—it was a statement. Belgium, still chasing perfection in their quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, now sit atop Group J with 18 points from eight matches, a +22 goal difference, and zero losses. Liechtenstein? Still winless, still bottom, still carrying a -31 goal difference after eight brutal games. The scoreline didn’t flatter Belgium. It reflected their dominance.
Belgium’s Precision in Motion
The starting XI confirmed by All Football, Fotmob, and ESPN showed a team operating like a Swiss watch. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens (1) was a quiet presence behind a backline of Thomas Meunier (15), Brandon Mechele (4), Arthur Theate (3), and Timothy Castagne (21). In midfield, Nicolas Raskin (8) and Youri Tielemans controlled tempo, while Hans Vanaken (11), Alexis Saelemaekers (20), and Jérémy Doku (17) surged forward. Charles De Ketelaere (7) led the line alone—a lone striker with the poise of a finisher who knew he’d get chances.
It didn’t take long. Vanaken opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a low, driven finish after a slick one-two with Doku. By the 34th, Doku had doubled it, cutting inside from the left and curling past Benjamin Büchel (1), Liechtenstein’s goalkeeper. A minute before halftime, he did it again—this time with a thunderous strike off the post and in. The crowd was electric. The match was over.
Liechtenstein’s Fight Against the Odds
Liechtenstein lined up in a 3-5-2, a tactical nod to survival rather than ambition. Aron Sele (3), Sandro Wolfinger (17), and Maximilian Göppel (14) anchored the defense. Midfielders Simon Lüchinger (18) and Nicolas Hasler (8) worked tirelessly, but they were outnumbered, outclassed, and outmaneuvered. Their two forwards—Fabio Luque-Notaro (15) and Kenny Kindle (20)—barely touched the ball in Belgium’s half.
There were moments. A long ball over the top in the 22nd minute almost caught Mechele napping. A corner in the 45th nearly found the head of Andreas Malin (23). But Belgium’s defense, organized and disciplined, never panicked. The twist? Liechtenstein had no injured players on the sidelines. Just a team playing with heart against a machine.
Goals, Subs, and the Unstoppable De Ketelaere
The second half was a goal-scoring clinic. Brandon Mechele made it 4-0 in the 52nd with a powerful header from a Doku cross. Saelemaekers added the fifth two minutes later, slotting home after a deflection. Then came De Ketelaere—the man who turned a quiet evening into a highlight reel. He netted twice in three minutes: first a cool finish from a Raskin through-ball, then a tap-in from a scrambled rebound. By the 59th minute, Belgium had already matched their highest-ever World Cup qualifying win over Liechtenstein.
Substitutions came fast. Meunier was replaced at 59’, De Ketelaere at 60’—a sign the manager was managing minutes, not chasing glory. Doku left at 71’, replaced by Dodi Lukébakio (14). The crowd gave them a standing ovation. Even the substitutes got applause.
Group J Standing: Belgium’s Quiet Dominance
With the win, Belgium’s record in Group J stands at: 8 games, 5 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses, 18 points. Wales sit second with 16 points, but they’ve lost twice. North Macedonia are third, still clinging to hope. Kazakhstan? Fourth, barely breathing. And Liechtenstein? They’ve conceded 31 goals in eight games. No wins. No draws. No goals scored. Their goal difference is worse than any team in European qualifying history since 2002.
Belgium’s absence of key players—Amadou Onana and Thibaut Courtois—both injured—makes their record even more impressive. This isn’t the full-strength squad. This is a squad playing with depth, discipline, and hunger.
What Comes Next?
Belgium’s next qualifier is against North Macedonia in March 2026, a game that could seal their World Cup spot. Wales will face Kazakhstan, needing a win to keep pace. Liechtenstein? They’ll face Wales in their final match—another uphill battle. But even in defeat, they showed resilience. They didn’t quit. That matters.
And then there’s Craig Burley, the former Scotland international, who offered commentary on ESPN. "This is what consistency looks like," he said. "Belgium aren’t just winning—they’re building a legacy. Scotland? They’ve got to match this intensity. No excuses. No mercy. Just football." His words echoed in the emptying stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Belgium manage to score seven goals without Courtois and Onana?
Belgium’s depth was the key. Senne Lammens stepped in for Courtois and made three clean saves under pressure. In midfield, Raskin and Tielemans controlled the tempo, freeing up attackers. De Ketelaere and Doku thrived without needing a star striker, while Mechele and Castagne provided width and defensive stability. The system didn’t rely on individuals—it relied on cohesion.
Why is Liechtenstein still winless despite having no injuries?
Liechtenstein’s squad lacks the technical quality and physicality to compete with top-tier European sides. They’re a team of part-time players—teachers, electricians, students—who train evenings. Their tactics are defensive by necessity, but they lack the pace and creativity to break down organized defenses like Belgium’s. Their 0-31 goal difference isn’t just bad luck—it’s structural.
What does this result mean for Belgium’s World Cup chances?
Belgium is virtually guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup. With 18 points and only two games left, they need just one more point to qualify. Even if they lose their final two matches, they’ll finish top of Group J. This win reinforces their status as one of Europe’s most consistent teams—despite aging stars and injuries.
Who were the standout performers for Belgium?
Jérémy Doku was sensational, scoring twice and creating two others. Hans Vanaken opened the scoring and was relentless in midfield. Charles De Ketelaere was clinical, netting a brace in under three minutes. But the real unsung hero? Brandon Mechele—solid at the back, then scoring the fourth goal. He’s been quietly one of Belgium’s most reliable defenders this campaign.
Has any team ever conceded more goals than Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifying campaign?
Yes—but only in the 1990s. San Marino conceded 41 goals in 1994 qualifiers, and Liechtenstein’s -31 is the worst since 2002. No team in the 2026 cycle has been more outclassed. Their defense has faced 117 shots across eight matches. Only two have been on target. They’re not just losing—they’re being overwhelmed.
Why was the match played in Liège instead of Brussels?
Belgium rotates home games across three cities: Brussels, Ghent, and Liège. Stade de Sclessin, home to Standard Liège, has hosted 12 of Belgium’s last 15 qualifiers. It’s smaller than the King Baudouin Stadium, but it’s louder. The atmosphere here is more intense, and the pitch suits Belgium’s fast, technical style. It’s a strategic choice—not just tradition.
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