But the home fans were, at least, treated to a moment of lighthearted entertainment as a rodent disrupted the game.
The rat entered the field of play just past the hour mark, with the visitors 2-1 up and well on top of proceedings, having carved out several good chances to further their lead.
Courtois is widely considered among the best goalkeepers in world football, with his form in recent years helping Real Madrid to win multiple trophies, but his moves were no match for the nippy rat, who evaded his substantial grasp, and surely contributed to some of the seven minutes added on as second-half stoppage time.
After several failed attempts by Courtois, it took Tottenham Hotspur and Wales forward Brennan Johnson to usher the rat to the sidelines, with its exit greeted by big cheers from the home crowd.
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Thibaut Courtois of Belgium looks on as a rat runs across the pitch during the Group J FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Wales and Belgium
Image credit: Getty Images
Strangely, it was not Courtois’ first rat-related encounter on the pitch.
While his attempts to extinguish that situation were fruitless, it was to be a successful night for Courtois and his side in their hopes of World Cup qualification as they beat Wales.
They fought back after Joe Rodon opened the scoring for Wales inside eight minutes, with Kevin De Bruyne and Thomas Meunier replying to make it 2-1 at the break.
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Wales’ midfielder Brennan Johnson chases a rat off the pitch during the 2026 World Cup Group J qualifier football match between Wales and Belgium
Image credit: Getty Images
The tie remained finely balanced in the second half until De Bruyne established a two-goal cushion, his second from the penalty spot, around 15 minutes after the rat-induced delay.
Nathan Broadhead threatened an unlikely Welsh comeback when he cut the deficit in the 89th minute, but Leandro Trossard sealed the victory just moments later for Belgium to put them top of Group J – a point above second-placed North Macedonia with a game in hand.
Wales, meanwhile, are third with 10 points. Their clash against North Macedonia on November 18 looks to be a decisive one in deciding who finishes second in the group, but before that, Wales meet Liechtenstein, who are languishing on zero points from six matches thus far.
“We knew we needed to win, we were here to win,” said Wales head coach Craig Bellamy after the match.
“The draw wasn’t going to get us first place. We knew that. We’re aware of our play-off positioning as well.
“But I honestly love playing these top teams. It’s so good. Your heart is in your mouth at times, you’re really living on the edge.”
