Belgium vs. Wales – World Cup Qualifier, March 24, 2021

It’s safe to say that Wales could not have dreamed of a tougher way to kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Ryan Giggs’ men face Belgium – the world’s number-one ranked national team – in Leuven on Wednesday, March 24, meaning they are likely to find it extremely difficult to pick up three points.

After assessing the Belgium vs. Wales odds and looking at both sides, I will give you my prediction and betting pick for Wednesday’s clash.

Let’s face it, Belgium should win this one – and the bookmakers’ odds clearly reflect that.

The online sportsbooks aren’t giving Wales much of a chance here. But given that Giggs’ men have only lost one of their last 14 games in all competitions, the big price for the draw could attract plenty of attention.

Keep reading to see my Belgium vs. Wales prediction.

Belgium’s run to the summit of the FIFA World Rankings has seen them suffer just one defeat in 18 matches since 2018. Remarkably, the Red Devils have only recorded one draw along the way, meaning they have picked up 16 wins in that time.

Roberto Martinez’s men produced a perfect European Championship qualifying campaign back in 2019, winning all ten of their matches to finish six points clear at the top of Group I. They also scored 40 goals while conceding just three in the process.

Belgium played a total of eight games in 2020, registering six wins, one draw, and one defeat. Still, Martinez’s side heads into Wednesday’s clash on a four-match winning streak.

Despite a COVID-19 outbreak within the Inter Milan camp, Romelu Lukaku has been called up by Martinez. The striker has bagged 57 goals in 89 appearances for his country and 19 goals in 26 Serie A games this season.

There is no hiding from the fact that Belgium’s results have been hugely impressive of late. However, Wales has also picked up plenty of positive results in recent games.

Not only have the Dragons lost just one of their last 14 matches, but they also head to Belgium on a five-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, with three wins and two draws coming since October 2020.

Victories over Bulgaria, Ireland, and Finland have enabled Giggs’ men to generate even more belief. At the same time, they did no harm to their reputation in a goalless draw with the USA in November.

Gareth Bale’s recent return to form is also a major bonus for Wales. The Real Madrid star – currently on loan at Tottenham Hotspur – has contributed four goals and two assists in his last five EPL games, so Belgium will have to be wary of his threat.

Having said that, Bale’s team-mates will need to bring their A-game, too. Wales has often been accused of playing one-dimensional soccer when Bale is in the team, so players like Aaron Ramsey must step up.

A lot has changed since Wales knocked Belgium out of Euro 2016, hasn’t it? The Dragons’ fans will always remember that result, but Belgium is a completely different animal now.

Under Martinez, the Red Devils have become one of the most dangerous national teams on the planet. I’m sure that Wales will give them a run for their money, but I’m confident that Belgium will come out on top on Wednesday.