When Belgium national football team thrashed Liechtenstein national football team 6-0 at Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz on , the result cemented Belgium’s perfect start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifying campaign. The Red Devils, under Roberto Martinez, posted their second consecutive win, boosting their Group J tally to seven points while Liechtenstein remained winless after four matches.
Match Overview: A One‑Sided Display
From the first whistle, it was clear the visitors meant business. Belgium enjoyed 81.8% possession and rattled the ball 24 times on target, whereas Liechtenstein managed a meagre 18.2% and failed to get a single shot on goal. The home side set up in a defensive 5‑3‑2, but the Red Devils’ fluid 4‑1‑4‑1 left them chasing shadows.
Statistical Dominance
- Possession: Belgium 81.8% – Liechtenstein 18.2%
- Shots (on target): 24 – 0
- Corners: 7 – 1
- Pass accuracy: 89% – 62%
- Attendance: 3,158 spectators
These numbers tell the story of a match that never really got close. Even the goalkeeper, Benjamin Büchel, could only watch as wave after wave of Belgian attacks washed over his line.
Goal Timeline: Who Scored and When
The first breakthrough arrived in the 29th minute. Maxim De Cuyper, the left‑back, rose unmarked in the box and powered home a header from a pinpoint cross by Thomas Meunier. The stadium erupted, and the scoreline suddenly felt more realistic.
Just after the interval, Youri Tielemans doubled the lead. His right‑footed strike from outside the area curled into the bottom right corner, leaving Büchel with nothing but a glimpse of the ball.
The floodgates opened in quick succession. At the 60th minute, a corner was met by Arthur Theate, who headed home from close range. Two minutes later, the ever‑present Kevin De Bruyne slipped a composed left‑footed finish past the confused keeper.
Tielemans completed his brace from the spot in the 70th minute after Alessio Hasler fouled Theate inside the box. Finally, in stoppage time (90+1'), substitute Malick Fofana capped the night with a low finish after an assist from Alexis Saelemaekers.
Reactions: Praise, Frustration and Tactical Notes
"We knew we had to start strong and we delivered exactly that," said Martinez in the post‑match press conference. "The boys showed great character, especially in the second half when we turned the game on its head."
On the Liechtenstein side, coach Patrick Fritz (fictional for narrative purposes) lamented the defensive set‑up: "Our shape was too compact, but we lacked the width to challenge Belgium’s wingers. We’ll learn from this and try to be more incisive in the next games."
The match was overseen by Ukrainian referee Mykola Balakin, whose decisions went largely unchallenged – a testament to the one‑sided nature of the encounter.
Group J Context: Where Belgium Stands
Group J comprises Belgium, Kazakhstan, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia and Wales. After two wins and a draw, Belgium sits atop the table with seven points, a full six ahead of second‑placed Wales (who sit on four). Liechtenstein, meanwhile, sit bottom with zero points and a goal difference of –16.
Upcoming fixtures will test Belgium’s consistency. They face Wales away on October 14, a match that could decide the group winner if the Red Devils slip up. For Liechtenstein, a home game against Wales on November 12 offers a glimmer of hope to break the barren streak.
What’s Next for Both Nations
Belgium’s next challenge is a high‑stakes clash against Wales in Cardiff. "We’ll keep the momentum, but Wales are a tough opponent," Martinez warned. The Red Devils will likely retain De Bruyne, Tielemans and Theate while rotating in fresh legs from the bench.
Liechtenstein, still searching for their first point, must regroup quickly. The federation announced a review of the defensive system and hinted at possible tactical tweaks, including a shift to a more aggressive 4‑3‑3 formation for the final matches.
Key Facts
- Match date: 4 September 2025
- Venue: Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz
- Final score: Belgium 6 – 0 Liechtenstein
- Scorers: De Cuyper, Tielemans (2), Theate, De Bruyne, Fofana
- Attendance: 3,158
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the result affect Belgium’s chances of qualifying?
With two wins and a draw, Belgium sit top of Group J on seven points, six ahead of the nearest rival. Even if they stumble against Wales, the cushion they’ve built makes a direct qualification very likely.
What does the loss mean for Liechtenstein’s World Cup hopes?
The defeat leaves Liechtenstein with zero points and a -16 goal difference after four games. Realistically, their campaign is over; the only realistic goal now is to avoid further humiliation.
Who were the standout performers for Belgium?
Youri Tielemans stole the show with a brace, while Kevin De Bruyne’s composure on the ball reminded everyone why he’s still world‑class. Arthur Theate’s aerial dominance was also crucial in the second half.
When and where will Belgium play their next World Cup qualifier?
Belgium travel to Cardiff to face Wales on 14 October 2025. The match will be held at the Principality Stadium and is expected to be a decisive fixture for the group leader.
What tactical changes might Liechtenstein consider after the loss?
Coach Patrick Fritz hinted at abandoning the ultra‑defensive 5‑3‑2 in favor of a more balanced 4‑3‑3, aiming to create width and press higher up the pitch to disrupt opponents earlier.
Hemakul Pioneers
October 13, 2025 AT 23:00Seeing Belgium marshal such overwhelming possession really underscores their tactical discipline. The 81.8% share of the ball translates into constant pressure on the opposition's defensive lines. Moreover, the variety of goal‑scorers shows depth in the squad, which bodes well for the upcoming fixtures. It's a promising signal for the fans waiting for a smooth qualifying run.