Watch: Controversial Belgium Red Card Upends Euro 2026 Qualifier—Fans, Pundits React

ROME — A dramatic “Belgium red card” comeback headline lit up the UEFA Nations League on 10 October as the Red Devils overturned a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Italy after Lorenzo Pellegrini’s straight dismissal turned the match on its head. Italy had raced ahead inside 24 minutes through Andrea Cambiaso and Mateo Retegui, seemingly cruising toward a third consecutive Group A2 victory. But the contest pivoted on 45 minutes when VAR spotted Pellegrini striking Belgium defender Arthur Theate; French referee François Letexier produced the red card, reducing the Azzurri to ten men. Belgium scented opportunity immediately. Three minutes after the restart Maxim De Cuyper curled a clever free-kick routine beyond Koen Casteels, sparking belief among visiting supporters. Sustained pressure finally paid off on 61 minutes: Wout Faes’ towering header was prodded home by Leandro Trossard to level the tie and cement the keyword-worthy “Belgium red card fightback.” Key takeaways for search audiences • Group picture: the draw keeps Italy top on seven points, France second on six and Belgium third on four, leaving the Red Devils still chasing a Nations League quarter-final berth. • Selection intrigue: Belgium mounted the rally without injured talisman Kevin De Bruyne or Romelu Lukaku, showcasing depth as youngsters De Cuyper and Theate impressed. • Historical context: Italy have now failed to beat Belgium in their last three competitive meetings, while the Red Devils remain unbeaten in Rome since 1970. What’s next? Belgium travel to Paris on Monday in a must-win clash against France; Roberto Martínez’s side could leapfrog Les Bleus with victory, depending on Israel-Italy. For Italy, suspension to Pellegrini forces Luciano Spalletti into midfield reshuffle when they visit Israel. SEO spotlight Fans searching “Belgium red card vs Italy,” “Pellegrini red card video,” or “Belgium comeback Nations League” will find highlights and analysis trending ahead of the France showdown. Expect renewed debate on VAR consistency and Belgium’s ability to capitalise on numerical advantage as the group race tightens.