2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Kazakhstan vs Wales

Kazakhstan host Wales in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier in UEFA Qualifying Group J. 

Victory would lift Kazakhstan up to third before Belgium head to Liechtenstein in the evening kick-off, whilst Wales can go top with a win.

 

Team News

Kazakhstan have no fresh injury concerns with a full squad available.

Wales will be without Rubin Colwill due to a knock suffered in Cardiff’s League One win over Plymouth, which meant that he was replaced by his brother, Joel Colwill.

Danny Ward (elbow), Joe Rodon, Jay Dasilva and Nathan Broadhead (all unspecified) are ruled out, with Tom King and Rhys Norrington-Davies called up as replacements alongside Colwill.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Kazakhstan host Wales on Thursday 4 September at Astana Arena, Astana, at 7pm DST (3pm BST), live on BBC One Wales in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Kazakhstan lost 3-1 to Wales in their only previous meeting in all competitions, which came away in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in March 2025.
• Wales are making their first competitive visit to Kazakhstan.
• Kazakhstan kept just one clean sheet in their three qualifiers so far (W1, L2).
• Harry Wilson has scored in Wales’ last two qualifiers (W1, L1).

 

Prediction

With just one win from three and with North Macedonia not in action this matchweek, Kazakhstan realistically need to win this to put themselves in contention for qualification and that includes a much more clinical performance than they mustered in a 3-1 loss in Wales in March.

Wales meanwhile saw their unbeaten start narrowly ended in Belgium but this is a chance to reset now that a fresh season is underway, especially with the attacking quality in their squad and I really expect them to go and take the fight to Kazakhstan despite it being new away territory for them.

Kazakhstan also have failed to score in their last four games at home so this should ideally be a routine win for Wales if they bring their usual high-intensity play and tighten up at the back, after Belgium exposed their defensive vulnerability in June.

Prediction: Kazakhstan 0-2 Wales