Belgium vs Brazil: World Cup head-to-head record
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Belgium and Brazil have met twice in World Cup history, with each nation winning once: Brazil beat Belgium 2-0 in the 2002 Round of 16, while Belgium famously turned the tables with a 2-1 victory in the 2018 Quarter-finals. The all-time World Cup head-to-head record stands at perfectly level — played 2, Belgium won 1, Brazil won 1, with no draws.
Despite their limited number of meetings, both encounters came at the knockout stage, making this one of the more high-stakes head-to-head rivalries in World Cup history. Neither clash went to extra time or penalties, with a winner decided in 90 minutes on each occasion.
All-time World Cup H2H Summary
Belgium and Brazil have crossed paths at the World Cup just twice, yet both matches were high-profile knockout ties. The head-to-head record is perfectly balanced: one win apiece, zero draws, and four combined goals across 180 minutes of football. It is a rivalry defined by quality over quantity.
Match-by-Match Record
| Year | Round | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Round of 16 | Brazil 2-0 Belgium | Brazil |
| 2018 | Quarter-finals | Brazil 1-2 Belgium | Belgium |
Context and Key Moments
In 2002, a Brazil side featuring Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho proved too strong for Belgium in Kobe, Japan, cruising into the quarter-finals. Sixteen years later in Kazan, Russia, Belgium exacted revenge in spectacular fashion. Goals from Fernandinho (own goal) and Kevin De Bruyne put Belgium 2-0 up before Renato Augusto pulled one back for Brazil, but the Red Devils held on to eliminate the favourites and reach the semi-finals. If these two giants meet again at the 2026 World Cup, you can track every moment live on Bola 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Have Belgium and Brazil ever drawn at the World Cup?
No. In their two World Cup meetings — 2002 and 2018 — there have been zero draws. Brazil won in 2002 and Belgium won in 2018, leaving the head-to-head record perfectly level with one victory each.
What was the score when Belgium beat Brazil at the 2018 World Cup?
Belgium beat Brazil 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup Quarter-finals in Kazan, Russia. Kevin De Bruyne and a Fernandinho own goal gave Belgium a 2-0 lead before Renato Augusto reduced the deficit, but Belgium progressed.
Will Belgium and Brazil meet at the 2026 World Cup?
It is possible but not guaranteed. The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams across a new group-and-knockout format. Whether Belgium and Brazil end up in the same group or meet in the knockout rounds depends on the draw results and how each team progresses through the tournament.