A rat briefly delays World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium | iNFOnews.ca
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)

A rat briefly delays World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium

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.

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.

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

A rat briefly delays World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium | iNFOnews.ca
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois attempts to chase 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)
A rat briefly delays World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium | iNFOnews.ca
A rat runs on 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)
A rat briefly delays World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium | iNFOnews.ca
A rat runs on 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)

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