Kazakhstan Holds Belgium to 1:1 Draw in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Kazakhstan’s national football team delivered a remarkable performance in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, securing a 1:1 draw against Belgium in Astana.

The match took place at Astana Arena under the supervision of a Lithuanian refereeing team led by Donatas Rumšas, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

Scorers:

Satpayev 9’ (1:0)

Vanaken 48’ (1:1)

Red card: Chesnokov 79’.

Starting line-ups:

Kazakhstan: Anarbekov, Alip, Kairov, Kasym, Kenzhebek, Chesnokov, Samorodov, Vorogovskiy, Tapalov, Satpayev, Orazov

Belgium: Sels M., Sykes H., Theate, Trossard, Doku, De Winter, De Ketelaere, Onana, Vanaken, Castagne, Raskin

The decisive moment of the first half came in the 9th minute, when Dastan Satpayev broke into the penalty area and fired a precise shot into the near corner, giving Kazakhstan an early lead. Both teams launched several attacking threats, with goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov making key saves to maintain the advantage.

Belgium responded quickly after halftime, with Hans Vanaken heading in the equalizer in the 48th minute. The visitors intensified their attacks, repeatedly testing Anarbekov, who produced a string of crucial saves to keep the score level.

Kazakhstan was reduced to ten men in the 79th minute when Islam Chesnokov received a direct red card for a high challenge on Jérémy Doku. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the home side maintained a solid defensive shape, earning a sensational draw against the group favorite.

Kazakhstan finishes its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with eight points, securing fourth place in Group J.

Earlier, Kazinform reported that SofaScore once again rated FC Kairat goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov among the top three performers of the UEFA Champions League round.