Kazakhstan loses to Wales in the first 2026 World Cup qualifying match

Daniel James opened the score with a deflected shot in the 9th minute. In the 32nd minute, Kazakhstan captain Askhat Tagybergen equalised the score.

In the 47th minute of the second half, Ben Davies headed a corner. At the end of the match, Rabbi Matondo scored the final goal in favour of the hosts.

Wales  3:1 (1:1) Kazakhstan 

Goals: James 9, Davies 47, Matondo 90+1 - Tagybergen 32 (penalty)

Yellow cards: Samorodov 42, Chesnokov 62

Wales: Darlow (GK), Williams, Davies, Rodon, Roberts, Sheehan, Thomas, James (Matondo 86), Brooks (James 62), Johnson (Harris 62), Cullen

Substitutes: Ward (GK), Davies (GK), Mepam, Cvabango, Dasilva, Allen, Lawrence, Broadhead, Moore

Head coach:  Craig Bellamy

Kazakhstan: Zarutskiy (GK), Vorogovskiy, Bystrov, Alip, Marochkin, Tapalov, Tagybergen (C), Muzhikov (Zhukov 62), Samorodov (Satpayev 75), Chesnokov (Kenzhebek 86), Zhaksylykov (Aimbetov 75)

Substitutes: Pokatilov (GK), Seisen (GK), S. Astanov, Zhumakhanov, Zhumakhanov, S. Astanov. Astanov, Zhumakhanov, Zhaksybayev, Zhagorov, Orazov, Mukhamed

Acting head coach: Ali Aliyev.

Referees: Donatas Rumšas, Aleksandr Radius, Dovydas Sužiedėlis (LTU)

VAR referee: Donatas Šimenas  (LTU)

VAR assistant: Orestas Abramavicius (LTU)

Fourth official: Manfredas Lukjančukas (LTU).

22.03.2025. Cardiff City Stadium, Wales. 32,473 spectators.