Sabasports Match Preview
World Cup Qualification: Kazakhstan vs Wales
Kickoff Time: 2025-09-04 22:00 (HKT)
Source: REUTERS/Jennifer Lorenzini
This is a match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers. Kazakhstan currently ranks second to last in the group with one win and two losses, making their qualification prospects bleak. In fact, Kazakhstan has long been considered one of Europe’s underdog teams. In the previous two World Cup European Qualifiers, Kazakhstan recorded an embarrassing record of six draws and 12 losses. For this qualifier, managing to secure three points against another underdog team, Liechtenstein, can already be seen as a breakthrough. Looking at the current squad, most players are from the domestic league. The highest-valued player is center-back Nuraly Alip, who started and played the full 90 minutes in the first three qualifiers. In the first leg against Wales, Kazakhstan failed to create any threatening attacks and only managed to score through a penalty kick. Although playing at home this time, Kazakhstan is expected to adopt a 5-4-1 formation, focusing on defensive counterattacks.
Wales is a regular contender in the World Cup, having qualified for the 2022 tournament, and boasts extensive experience in major competitions. Currently, Wales ranks second in the group with two wins, one draw, and one loss, holding the initiative for qualification. The current squad includes several key players from the English Premier League, such as Tottenham Hotspur forward Brennan Johnson, defender Ben Davies, Leeds United forward Daniel James, defender Joe Rodon, goalkeeper Karl Darlow, Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson, and Bournemouth midfielder David Brooks. So far in this qualifier, Wales has scored 10 goals, with nine different players finding the net, showcasing a diversified and formidable attacking front that makes it difficult for opponents to defend against.
The gap in strength between the two teams is significant. For instance, Brennan Johnson alone is valued at €40 million, which is higher than the combined value of the entire Kazakhstan squad. In this match, Kazakhstan, with their limited capabilities, can only hope to minimize the loss.
Kazakhstan‘s Last 5 Games: LLWLW
25-06-09 Kazakhstan 0-1 North Macedonia
25-06-06 Belarus 4-1 Kazakhstan
25-03-26 Liechtenstein 0-2 Kazakhstan
25-03-23 Wales 3-1 Kazakhstan
25-03-20 Kazakhstan 2-0 Curacao
Wales’ Last 5 Games: LWDWW
25-06-10 Belgium 4-3 Wales
25-06-07 Wales 3-0 Liechtenstein
25-03-26 North Macedonia 1-1 Wales
25-03-23 Wales 3-1 Kazakhstan
24-11-20 Wales 4-1 Iceland
Head-To-Head Record
25-03-23 Wales 3-1 Kazakhstan
Prediction: Wales to win