Belarus must cling to its lead against Belgium U21 in qualifier

On 24 September 2026 the Belgium U21, known as the U21 Duivels, meet Belarus at the Westerlo stadium in a must‑win European Championship qualifier. Belgium sit top of Group I with three games remaining, while the Belgi side must secure three points to stay ahead of the group’s last‑placed Wit‑Russia.

Group stakes and coach's warning

België's U21 currently lead Group I with ten points, followed by Austria on ten points but inferior goal difference, while Wit‑Russia sit bottom with four points. Bondscoach Gill Swerts warned that the Belarus side is a “very treacherous eleven”, adding that their counter‑attack can be dangerous. He stressed that a win is essential to keep the group lead.

Line‑up and missing striker

The starting eleven features Arthur Vermeeren in midfield, flanked by Nonge and Van De Perre, with Bassette and Romeo Vermant leading the attack after the injury‑hit Lucas Stassin returned to Sevilla without a replacement. Een change in the attack was forced by Stassin's injury, and the deep‑lying striker role will be filled by Norman Bassette and Vermant. The match is broadcast LIVE on the Voetbal programme, and fans can also follow highlights on the Tennis and Formule channels.

Live action and early chances

From the first whistle the Belgi side dominated possession, recording 83 percent in the opening minutes. At seven minutes Mbangula received the ball on the left and tried a low cross, but the Belarus defence stayed compact. Met a few early forays the U21 Duivels kept the pressure on the Wit‑Russia back line.

Nineteen minutes in Mbangula created the first genuine chance, cutting inside before his shot was blocked. Two minutes later a potential penalty was denied when Mbangula’s arm brushed Novykh, but the referee did not spot the handball, and with no VAR in Westerlo the score remained 0‑0.

At twenty‑eight minutes a free‑kick from a promising position was taken by Mbangula, but his strike sailed over the bar. Het moment offered a glimpse of relief, yet the ball fell harmlessly to the opposition.

The first half ended without a goal, leaving the teams level at nil‑all. The live commentary highlighted the lack of cutting edge, and both sides headed to the dressing rooms at Westerlo to regroup. In the second half, fifty‑five minutes saw another denied penalty when the referee waved play on. Sixty‑two minutes brought drama as a red card was shown after Romeo Vermant’s challenge, and Apetenok received his second yellow, reducing Wit‑Russia to ten men.

Group winners qualify directly for the final tournament, while the best runners‑up also advance. The European U21 Championship will be staged in June 2027 in Albania and Serbia, with the group leader securing a place without a play‑off.