Compared to other UEFA qualifying groups for the 2026 World Cup, Group J is one of the most advanced. In this window dedicated to national team fixtures, the fifth and sixth matchdays are scheduled, so the time is ripe to take stock: currently at the top is not the favorite Belgium – the Red Devils have played two games less – but North Macedonia, on 8 points, followed by Wales on -1.
The British team led by Craig Bellamy has prevailed over the less competitive teams in the group: 3-1 against Kazakhstan and 3-0 against modest Liechtenstein, which was overwhelmed last June in Cardiff. However, against North Macedonia, likely their direct competitors for second place and a playoff spot, Wales could only manage a draw (1-1) in a hard-fought match in which the Dragons only caught up with the Balkan side in injury time. Even more dramatic was the match against Belgium, which they lost 4-3. Bellamy’s men, after coming back from three goals down, capitulated two minutes from the end, struck by a goal from De Bruyne.
Now, it is essential for Wales to beat Kazakhstan once again: one win and two defeats so far for the Eurasian team, victorious only against Liechtenstein.
The Dragons are favorites, even though traveling so far is never easy, as demonstrated by the historic Champions League qualification of a Kazakh team, Kairat. Just a week ago, in fact, it was the Scottish team Celtic that paid the price. Keep an eye on the young talent Dastan Satpaev, who has just turned 17 and was signed by Chelsea after scoring goals in the Champions League preliminaries with Kairat. Among those excluded from Bellamy’s squad is former Juventus player Aaron Ramsey, now with Pumas in Mexico.
Odds comparison
Wales’ victory is priced at 1.50 on GoldbetGoldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “No Goal” bet is priced at 1.63 on Goldbet Goldbete Lottomatica and 1.65 on Snai.
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The prediction
In official matches since November 2023, Kazakhstan has only beaten Liechtenstein and drawn with Norway. Otherwise, it has been almost nothing but defeats. Therefore, we can consider a win for Wales, which already beat Kazakhstan quite comfortably in the first leg: once again, it is very likely that the British will manage to keep a clean sheet. Read the predictions on scorers, shots on goal, and yellow cards for Kazakhstan-Wales here.
Probable lineups for Kazakhstan vs. Wales
KAZAKHSTAN (5-4-1): Seysen; Tapalov, Alip, Maliye, Kairov, Vorogovskiy; Chesnokov, Muzhikov, Orazov, Zaynutdinov; Samorodov (Satpaev).
WALES (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Williams, Mepham, Rodon, Davies; Jordan James, Sheehan; Johnson, Wilson, Thomas; Moore.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 0-2