Wales' automatic World Cup qualification hopes are all but over after Belgium came from behind to win a pulsating Cardiff encounter 4-2.
2026 World Cup qualification Europe
2-4
Match Report
It looks highly likely that the play-offs will be the path Craig Bellamy's side have to take if they are to qualify for the summer tournament in North America, after VAR and some brilliant Belgium finishing took the game away from them.
Bellamy asked for intensity before kick-off after his side succumbed to England at Wembley, and a raucous Cardiff had lift-off when Joe Rodon headed in Sorba Thomas' corner after just eight minutes.
It was exactly what Wales deserved after pinning Belgium back - but VAR would have its say by giving Belgium a route back in.
Charles De Ketelaere's clip hit Ethan Ampadu's arm from close range and while it wasn't given on-field, VAR forced an on-field review, which then allowed Kevin De Bruyne to tuck a spot kick home.
Six minutes later, the tie was turned on its head when the excellent Jeremy Doku pulled the ball back for Thomas Meunier to smash a brilliant finish into the roof of Karl Darlow's net.
Belgium should have added to their lead with Wales' momentum completely gone. Leandro Trossard saw a goal-bound shot blocked by Rodon, while Arthur Theate and De Bruyne missed good chances from inside the box.
Harry Wilson, whose booking will see him miss the next qualifier in Liechtenstein, nearly put the ball into his own net in stopping a counter attack - then spurned a good chance from the other end, while Jordan James fired at Thiabut Courtois.
Doku had two good chances to get a Belgium third after half-time, but then the visitors did put the game to bed. James' needless handball from Trossard's flick gave Belgium a second penalty, with De Bruyne obliging once again.
Nathan Broadhead came off the bench to produce a smart finish ahead of seven minutes of stoppage time and create some noise from the Red Wall - but Belgium quietened Cardiff almost immediately as Trossard finished from close-range.
The result moves Belgium four points above Wales with two games remaining - and with bottom side Liechtenstein on the Red Devils' agenda next month, they will surely get the points to end Wales' top-spot hopes.
However, with North Macedonia drawing at home to Kazhakstan, second place is still in Wales' hands with two November wins needed. Third is still likely to mean a play-off spot for Bellamy's squad, so Wales have lots to play for.
Line-ups
Wales XI: Darlow, Ben Davies, Harry Wilson, Brooks, Joe Rodon, Ampadu, Sorba Thomas, Mark Harris, Ben Cabango, Neco Williams, Jordan James
Subs: Kieffer Moore, Josh Sheehan, Adam Davies, Jay Dasilva, Tom King, Nathan Broadhead, Mepham, Liam Cullen, Brennan Johnson, Rubin Colwill, Lewis Koumas, Ronan Kpakio
Belgium XI: Courtois, De Bruyne, Meunier, Trossard, Nicolas Raskin, Amadou Onana, Maxim De Cuyper, De Ketelaere, Doku, Zeno Debast, Arthur Theate
Subs: Witsel, Sels, Vanaken, Batshuayi, Mechele, Castagne, Dodi Lukébakio, Openda, Senne Lammens, Koni De Winter, Malick Fofana, Joaquin Seys