Fans began leaving the Brussels Roi Baudouin Stadium after the European Championship qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was halted following a terrorist attack in the Belgian capital. The game, which had been halted mid-competition, was suspended as authorities responded to the incident in central Brussels. [Source: Het Laatste Nieuws]
In the aftermath of the attack, two Swedish fans were killed. The assailant shouted the chant “Allahu Akbar” during the crime. A chilling reminder of the dangers at large public events, the incident prompted swift action by security services and a public safety response. [Source: Het Laatste Nieuws]
A video later circulated on social media in which the attacker claimed responsibility by saying he had “killed infidels.” He was seen wearing an orange jacket, and his social media profiles contained posts related to the conflict between Palestine and Israel, signaling a possible ideological motive. [Source: Het Laatste Nieuws]
At halftime, the score stood 1-1. Swedish player Viktor Diekeres had put his side ahead in the 15th minute, only for Romelu Lukaku to level the score with a penalty in the 32nd minute. The match atmosphere shifted from competitive tension to a somber mood as authorities investigated and security measures were heightened. [Source: Het Laatste Nieuws]
Following the chaos in the city center, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo urged residents of Brussels to exercise caution. He urged people to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary movements while security services hunted the assailant who managed to flee. The crisis center advised residents to limit outings to essential needs as a precautionary measure. [Source: Het Laatste Nieuws]
Earlier encounters between Belgium and Sweden had also been interrupted due to the tragic murder of two Scandinavian fans, underscoring how violence can cast a shadow over international fixtures and the surrounding community. [Source: Het Laatste Nieuws]