Kazakhstan stuns Belgium with 1:1 draw in World Cup qualifiers
Kazakhstan’s national football team produced a remarkable result in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, holding Belgium to a 1:1 draw in Astana, reports a Kazinform News Agency correspondent.
The match took place at the Astana Arena and was officiated by a Lithuanian refereeing team led by Donatas Rumšas.
Goals: Satpayev 9 (1:0), Vanaken 48 (1:1).
Red card: Chesnokov 79.
Both sides entered the game with the following starting line-ups:
Kazakhstan: Anarbekov, Alip, Kairov, Kasym, Kenzhebek, Chesnokov, Samorodov, Vorogovskiy, Tapalov, Satpayev, Orazov.
Belgium: Sels M., Sykes H., Theate, Trossard, Doku, De Winter, De Ketelaere, Onana, Vanaken, Castagne, Raskin.
The opening half was decided by a single moment. In the ninth minute, Dastan Satpayev broke into the penalty area and sent a precise shot into the near corner. Both teams then created several threatening attacks, with goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov demonstrating confident play on the line.
Belgium found their response early after the break, when Hans Vanaken headed in the equalizer from close range. The visitors increased the tempo and launched a series of dangerous attacks, repeatedly testing Anarbekov, who delivered several crucial saves to keep Kazakhstan in the match.
The hosts were reduced to ten men in the 79th minute, when Islam Chesnokov received a direct red card for a high challenge on Jérémy Doku. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Kazakhstan held its defensive structure and secured a sensational draw against the group favorite.
Kazakhstan concludes its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with eight points, finishing fourth in Group J.
Earlier, Kazinform News Agency reported that SofaScore once again awarded high ratings to FC Kairat goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov, placing him among the top three performers of the UEFA Champions League round.
