Kazakhstan’s World Cup Dream Fades After Skopje Draw

Kazakhstan’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end following a 1:1 draw with North Macedonia in Skopje.

The Group J qualifier, played at Todor Proeski Arena, saw Kazakhstan briefly raise hopes with a 54th-minute opener from Dinmukhamed Karaman, The Caspian Post informs via Kazakh media.

But the hosts equalized in the 74th minute through a well-taken free kick by captain Enis Bardhi. Despite several late opportunities, neither side managed to find a winning goal.

The result leaves Kazakhstan with 7 points from 7 matches-fourth in the group standings. Even if they win their final match against Belgium, they would only reach 10 points, falling short of the threshold needed to secure second place and a potential playoff spot.

As of now, Group J is led by Belgium with 14 points from 6 games, followed by North Macedonia with 13 points from 7 matches. Wales sit in third with 10 points (6 matches), Kazakhstan in fourth with 7, and Liechtenstein at the bottom with no points from 6 games.

Kazakhstan had previously recorded a dominant 4:0 victory over Liechtenstein, but inconsistency throughout the campaign proved costly. With only one match remaining, the national team is now looking ahead to future competitions, as hopes of a debut World Cup appearance are once again deferred.