Wales Pursue World Cup Qualification in Kazakhstan

Wales will face Kazakhstan at the Astana Arena in Astana on September 4, 2025, in a Group J match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with kick-off at 7:00 PM local time (3:00 PM BST). Wales, currently second in the group behind North Macedonia, are looking to recover from a recent 4-3 loss to Belgium and maintain their push for automatic qualification. Craig Bellamy, Wales' manager, has made several squad adjustments due to injuries and fitness concerns, including the absence of captain Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu. Kazakhstan, sitting near the bottom of the group with three points, will be without their retired captain Askhat Tagybergen and injured goalkeeper Alexander Zarutskyi, while spotlighting young talent Dastan Satpaev, set to join Chelsea next year. The match is notable for the logistical challenges Wales face traveling some 3,000 miles east and playing on an artificial surface, with approximately 1,000 Welsh fans expected to attend. Broadcast coverage will be available live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, and other BBC platforms in the UK, with analysis and commentary provided throughout the event.