Wales Lose 4-3 to Belgium in World Cup Qualifier, Uphill Group J Battle Ensues

Wales suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat to Belgium in a World Cup qualifier after mounting a remarkable comeback from a 3-0 deficit, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring a late winner. Despite the loss, manager Craig Bellamy expressed pride in his team's belief and fighting spirit, emphasizing a shift from hope to genuine confidence in their ability to compete with top teams. Bellamy highlighted that the team’s resilience and determination are key indicators of progress, refusing to accept being labeled as 'unlucky' and focusing instead on their potential to secure qualification. Players like Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James echoed this sentiment, acknowledging frustration over the early goals but emphasizing pride in the comeback and the team's capability to challenge strong opponents. Wales now face a challenging path to automatic World Cup qualification as they trail group leaders North Macedonia, with Belgium close behind and two games in hand. Bellamy remains optimistic about the future, insisting Wales are not giving up on their qualification hopes despite the setback.