How Welsh players rated in Belgium defeat

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Which Welsh players performed well during their heartbreak defeat against Belgium?

The result leaves them facing a potentially intense play-off campaign to qualify for the World Cup.

Author | David Sampson

World Cup Qualifying | Wales v Belgium | Wales throw in

Despite the defeat, there were promising performances from a number of players. Yet again, Wales caused a major nation problems, they just didn't have enough quality on the night.

Karl Darlow | 5. 5

Had little chance with either of Kevin De Bruyne’s pinpoint penalties but could have done more to prevent the second goal.

Neco Williams | 7

Strong defensively and lively going forward, showing a much-improved display from the Nottingham Forest full-back.

Ben Cabango | 5

A tough evening for the Swansea defender, who should have reacted better for Belgium’s second goal.

World Cup Qualifying | Wales v Belgium | View from the away end
Wales defending

Ben Davies | 6

Will be relieved to see the back of the electric Jeremy Doku. Despite being under pressure, Davies handled his defensive duties with composure.

Joe Rodon | 7.5

Produced a key block to deny Leandro Trossard in the first half and halted Jeremy Doku superbly after the break. Rose well for a fine header to score. Stephen Chad told us: That was a good performance from Rodon. He’s going to be a crucial player if we are going to qualify for the World Cup from the play-offs.”

Ethan Ampadu | 7

Harshly penalised for the spot-kick. Faced a formidable Belgian midfield trio but held his own impressively throughout. JamesSCFC_ posted on Twitter/X: "Ethan Ampadu is so unbelievably good at football."

Jordan James | 6

Forced a sharp stop from Thibaut Courtois late in the first half and justified Craig Bellamy’s trust with a solid display before conceding the second penalty.

David Brooks | 6

A quieter outing for the Bournemouth midfielder, replaced just before the hour mark after a largely subdued showing.

Harry Wilson | 8

Wales’s main creative spark early on, consistently troubling Maxime De Cuyper down the right flank until the Belgian was withdrawn. After the match, he spoke with BBC Sport Wales and reflected on the defeat and performance as a whole.

Sorba Thomas | 6

Delivered a fine corner for the opening goal and often got the better of Thomas Meunier, but will regret his involvement in Belgium’s later strikes.

Mark Harris | 6

Worked tirelessly leading the line for Wales, though in retrospect Kieffer Moore’s physical presence might have suited the game better.

Another recap of last night's Wales v Belgium World Cup Qualifier from The Guardian

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— Super News Affiliate (@eurosuperfootball.bsky.social) 14 October 2025 at 13:25

Substitutes

Brennan Johnson (for Brooks, 58') | 5

Failed to make a major impact but earned a smile for steering the stray rat out of play shortly after coming on.

Nathan Broadhead (for Davies, 72') | 7

Finished superbly to hand Wales a late lifeline and inject brief hope into the closing stages.

Jay Dasilva (for James) | 6

Had too little time to influence the game but offered energy on the left. 

Kieffer Moore (for Harris, 86') | 7

Should have been introduced sooner, immediately providing a focal point and setting up Broadhead’s goal with a neat assist.

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