Belgium Draws 1-1 with Kazakhstan in World Cup Qualifier

Belgium's hopes of securing an automatic berth at the 2026 World Cup suffered a setback on Saturday when the team was held to a 1-1 draw by Kazakhstan in Astana, delaying qualification until their final group match.

The match at Astana Arena saw Kazakhstan take an early lead in the ninth minute through 17-year-old forward Dastan Satpaev, who broke free and fired past Belgium goalkeeper Matz Sels after a defensive lapse. Belgium, under coach Rudi Garcia, dominated possession but struggled to break down the hosts' resolute defense. The equalizer came three minutes into the second half, with captain Hans Vanaken heading in a cross from Timothy Castagne to level the score at 1-1.

Kazakhstan goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov was the standout performer, making eight saves, including key stops against Vanaken, Leandro Trossard, and Timothy Castagne before halftime. He also denied Vanaken twice more after the hour mark and preserved the draw with a late save on Nicolas Raskin's effort. Belgium's Jeremy Doku came close to a winner, curling a shot over the bar in the closing stages, reminiscent of his recent goal for Manchester City.

The game's turning point came in the 79th minute when...