What Kazakhstan must do to keep World Cup 2026 dream alive

Tengrinews.kz – After a home defeat to Wales, Kazakhstan’s national football team remains fourth in its World Cup 2026 qualifying group but still has a theoretical chance of advancing.

To continue the fight, Ali Aliev’s squad must reach at least second place, which gives a playoff spot, while the group winner qualifies directly.

Group standings

• Wales – 10 points (5 matches)
• North Macedonia – 8 points (4 matches)
• Belgium – 7 points (3 matches)
• Kazakhstan – 3 points (4 matches)
• Liechtenstein – 0 points (4 matches)

What Kazakhstan must do

Kazakhstan faces Belgium and North Macedonia away, followed by home matches against Belgium and Liechtenstein. Winning all four games (12 points) would guarantee overtaking Belgium and closing in on North Macedonia, who still have to play both Wales and Belgium.

Beating Wales looks unlikely, as they have only three games left, including one against bottom-placed Liechtenstein. But in football, surprises happen — as when few believed Kairat could reach the Champions League group stage until they did.

Group winners secure direct World Cup spots, while second-placed teams advance to the playoffs, where they face other runners-up and Nations League teams.

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