Belgium U21 Thrashes Wales 7-0 at Rodney Parade, Euro 2027 Qualifying Boost

When Belgium Under-21 national team blasted Wales Under-21 side 7-0 victory on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Rodney Parade in Newport, delivering a statement win in the UEFA European Under‑21 Championship QualifyingGroup I. Coach Gill Swerts, who took charge of the Belgian U21s in 2024, said the result "sends a strong message to the rest of the group". The first goal arrived in the 4th minute from Jorthy Mokio, setting the tone for what turned into a one‑sided affair.

Match Overview

The atmosphere at Rodney Parade was modest – only 859 fans squeezed into the 8,700‑seat stadium – but the action on the pitch was anything but. Belgium dominated possession (62% to 38%) and completed 471 passes, while Wales struggled to find rhythm. By halftime the scoreboard read 2‑0, with Lucas Stassin doubling the lead in the 40th minute.

In the second half the Belgian onslaught intensified. Romeo Vermant struck in the 49th minute, followed by Stassin’s second of the night at 65 minutes. A red card for Wales defender Edward James in the 62nd minute reduced the home side to ten men, leaving them exposed as Diego Moreira curled a left‑footed effort into the top‑left corner eight minutes later.

Norman Bassette calmly slotted a penalty in the 84th minute, and Noah Adedeji‑Sternberg rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, completing the 7‑0 scoreline.

Goal‑by‑Goal Breakdown

• 4' – Jorthy Mokio (Belgium) – a low drive from inside the box beat Lewys Benjamin.
• 40' – Lucas Stassin (Belgium) – a header from a corner flicked past the keeper.
• 49' – Romeo Vermant (Belgium) – a quick one‑two with Moreira opened space for a finish.
• 62' – Edward James (Wales) – sent off for a second‑bookable tackle, leaving Wales a man down.
• 65' – Lucas Stassin (Belgium) – his second, a shot from the edge of the area.
• 69' – Diego Moreira (Belgium) – a left‑footed strike from 25 metres into the top‑left corner.
• 84' – Norman Bassette (Belgium) – converted a penalty after a handball in the box.
• 92'+ – Noah Adedeji‑Sternberg (Belgium) – close‑range tap after a Mathis Servais cross.

Reactions from Coaches and Players

After the match, Gill Swerts praised his squad’s “collective hunger”. He added, "We didn’t just win – we showed depth. Five different scorers in one game is a sign of a balanced group."

Wales captain Lewys Benjamin admitted his side was “out of sync” and urged fans to stay supportive despite the heavy loss. "We’ll have to regroup quickly; the next fixture against Denmark will be a true test," he said.

Implications for Group I

The result catapulted Belgium to four points, placing them second behind Denmark (three points, +4 goal difference) with a +7 overall goal difference. Wales remain winless, with a –7 goal difference after two games. The standings now read:

1. Denmark U21 – 3 points, +4 GD
2. Belgium U21 – 4 points, +7 GD
3. Austria U21 – 3 points, +1 GD (match yet to be played)
4. Belarus U21 – 1 point, –1 GD
5. Wales U21 – 0 points, –7 GD

Statistically, Belgium’s attack now averages 3.5 goals per game, the highest in the group, while Wales have conceded an average of 4.5 per match. If Wales fail to pick up points in their next two fixtures, they risk finishing at the bottom, a position that could affect future youth funding from the Football Association of Wales.

Looking Ahead

Belgium travel to Vienna to face Austria U21 on October 24. Swerts hinted at possible rotation, crediting the bench players who featured in the latter stages of the Newport game. "We want to keep the momentum but also give our younger lads a taste of international pressure," he said.

Wales, meanwhile, host Denmark U21 three days later. The Welsh FA’s technical director, Gareth Murray, warned that the Danes are “a disciplined side” and that Wales must tighten their defence to avoid another heavy defeat.

Historical Context

Belgium’s U21 side has never recorded a 7‑goal margin in a competitive qualifier. The previous record was a 6‑0 win over Luxembourg in 2019. For Wales, the 7‑0 loss ties their worst defeat at this level, matching the 7‑0 loss to Italy in 2015.

These contrasting fortunes underline a widening gap in youth development pathways across Europe, with Belgium’s recent investments in their national academy beginning to bear fruit.

Key Facts

• Date: October 10, 2025
• Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport, Wales
• Attendance: 859 spectators
• Final score: Belgium U21 7 – 0 Wales U21
• Goal scorers: Jorthy Mokio, Lucas Stassin (2), Romeo Vermant, Diego Moreira, Norman Bassette (pen), Noah Adedeji‑Sternberg
• Red card: Edward James (Wales) – 62'