In a crucial World Cup Qualifying match, Kazakhstan will host Belgium at the Astana Arena. The game is scheduled for Saturday and marks a significant event for both teams. While Belgium needs a single win to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Kazakhstan will play for pride, having already been eliminated from contention.
Kazakhstan vs Belgium: Match Preview
Belgium leads Group J, edging North Macedonia by a slim margin. They have previously demonstrated their offensive prowess, scoring 21 goals in six matches. Their last encounter against Wales showcased this strength, culminating in a 4-2 victory that solidified their position at the top of the group.
In contrast, Kazakhstan sits far behind in the standings, ranked 115th globally by FIFA. Their record includes only one win out of seven matches, with their victories coming against weaker opponents like Liechtenstein. Recently, Kazakhstan managed a 1-1 draw against North Macedonia, which provided a glimmer of hope but does not impact their overall standing.
Team News
Belgium will field a robust lineup, although they face some key absences. Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Thibaut Courtois are unavailable due to injuries. This opens opportunities for players like Matz Sels to start in goal and Leandro Trossard or rookie striker Romeo Vermant to lead the attack.
For Kazakhstan, interim coach Talgat Baysufinov will also have to adjust his squad. Key players missing include goalkeeper Aleksandr Zarutskiy and winger Bakhtiyar Zaynutdinov. The Kazakhs will rely on Nuraly Alip as captain and may see rising star Dastan Satpaev in the forward position.
Potential Lineups
| Kazakhstan | Belgium |
|---|---|
| Seysen | Sels |
| Kairov | Castagne |
| Kasym | Debast |
| Alip | Theate |
| Vorogovskiy | De Cuyper |
| Zhukov | Onana |
| Karaman | Tielemans |
| Sviridov | Saelemaekers |
| Samorodov | De Ketelaere |
| Chesnokov | Doku |
| Satpayev | Trossard |
Match Prediction
Despite the challenges posed by absences, Belgium is favored to win this matchup. Their previous encounter ended in a 6-0 victory over Kazakhstan, highlighting their offensive capabilities. This time, however, the Red Devils may face a more resilient defense on Kazakhstan’s home ground.
A prediction of a 2-0 victory for Belgium reflects the team’s strong form and their desire to clinch a World Cup spot in front of their fans. The upcoming match is a pivotal moment as Belgium looks to finalize their preparations for the world stage ahead of the final qualifying fixtures.
