A rat briefly delays World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium

By: The Associated Press Posted:

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CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Play was briefly delayed in a World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium on Monday after a rat entered the field.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 13/10/2025 (348 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CARDIFF, Wales (AP) — Play was briefly delayed in a World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium on Monday after a rat entered the field.

Belgium was leading 2-1 in the second half when the rat was spotted outside the area of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian tried to pick up the rat but it escaped.

Wales forward Brennan Johnson ended up chasing it away through the sidelines as the crowd cheered.

Wales' Brennan Johnson chases a rat off the pitch during the World Cup European Qualifying soccer match between Wales and Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (David Davies/PA via AP)
Wales' Brennan Johnson chases a rat off the pitch during the World Cup European Qualifying soccer match between Wales and Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (David Davies/PA via AP)

The small delay happened after the match was stopped by the referee so a player could receive treatment on the field.

Belgium won 4-2 to take the lead of Group J in European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

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