Sport
Associated Press

Rat briefly delays World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium

1:15pm
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois attempts to chase a rat off the pitch during the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying match at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois attempts to chase a rat off the pitch during the FIFA World Cup European Qualifying match at the Cardiff City Stadium. (Source: Getty)

Play was briefly delayed in a World Cup qualifier between Wales and Belgium on today 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, October 13, 2025.

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, October 13, 2025. (Source: Associated Press)

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.

SportFootballFIFA World CupAnimals

SHARE ME

More Stories

The official match ball for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Source: Adidas)

Official match ball for 2026 FIFA world cup revealed

Named the Trionda, which translates to "three waves" in Spanish, was designed to celebrate the first tournament hosted across three countries.

Fri, Oct 3

1:30

The New Zealand players celebrate Eli Just's goal against New Caledonia.

'The rivalry is there': All Whites set their sights on Ashes trophy

Tonight will be the 66th time the All Whites have played against Australia.

Fri, Sep 5

1:30

Chris Wood celebrates after scoring during the FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Fiji in Wellington.

All Whites avoiding complacency ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier

The All Whites are just one win away from punching their ticket to the FIFA World Cup in North America next year.

Mon, Mar 24

4:12

The Flying Kiwis founder Matt Fejos.

The All Whites superfan flying across the globe for World Cup qualifiers

The chance at qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for just a third time is tantalisingly close for New Zealand.

Thu, Mar 6

5:47

Chris Wood celebrates a goal against Vanuatu.

All Whites' bid to reach FIFA World Cup to be broadcast by TVNZ

The All Whites come into the semi off the back of big wins in November against Samoa and Vanuatu.

Tue, Feb 25

Romero Britto draws Auckland City FC during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Draw in Miami.

FIFA Club World Cup: Auckland City draws Bayern Munich

Auckland City will play Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors and Benfica at the 2025 Club World Cup.

December 6, 2024

2:16

Latest

Popular

46 mins ago

Te Pāti Māori accuses hīkoi leader of abusing Parliament staff

0:15

Eru Kapa-Kingi.

50 mins ago

Accused Melbourne carjacker arrested after wild police chase

1:18

The man was seen smoking a cigar while walking along the street with a pistol before his arrest.

51 mins ago

Govt confirms shipyard for new Cook Strait ferries

3:01

A current Interislander passenger ferry (file picture).

1:51pm

Woman dies after weight loss surgery at private Gisborne hospital

A scrub nurse preparing surgical instruments.

1:30pm

Complex issues remain for Israel-Hamas ceasefire after hostage release

People react as they gather to watch a live broadcast of Israeli hostages released from Gaza at a plaza known as hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel.

SPONSORED

Nature therapy: Everywhere I go, nature finds me

Sponsored by Department of Conservation

Nature therapy: Everywhere I go, nature finds me
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

Goldie Hawn, from left, Diane Keaton, and Bette Midler appear at the premiere of their film "The First Wives Club" in Los Angeles on Sept.16, 1996.

'One of a kind': Stars pay tribute to Diane Keaton

The Oscar-winning actor died at age 79.

Sun, Oct 12

Chase host Bradley Walsh and the Chasers who feature on the Australian version of the show.

The Chase set to reveal mystery new chaser on spin-off show

Known only as Maverick, the newcomer will join five of the show's regular quiz champions in the high-stakes spin-off of The Chase.

Sun, Oct 12

Diane Keaton.

Oscar-winning actor Diane Keaton dies aged 79

Sun, Oct 12

Sale of the Century co-host Steve Parr.

Newsmakers: The '80s game show host who slid onto NZ screens and into our hearts

Sat, Oct 11

Drake attends the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas in 2019.

Judge tosses Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music

Fri, Oct 10