Wales face Kazakhstan in pivotal World Cup qualifier in Group J

Wales travel to Astana to face Kazakhstan on Thursday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier that could alter the shape of UEFA Group J as the campaign moves into its second half. The match kicks off at 1500 BST at the Astana Arena, with Wales seeking a win that would move them above group leaders North Macedonia and into pole position for the single automatic qualification spot.

Wales sit second on seven points from four games, one point behind North Macedonia, having won at home against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein, drawn away in North Macedonia and lost 4-3 in June at Belgium. Kazakhstan are fourth with three points from three matches and have a game in hand after beating Liechtenstein and losing to Wales and North Macedonia. Only the group winner qualifies directly for the 2026 finals in North America, making Thursday's result particularly significant.

Wales head coach Craig Bellamy has left captain Aaron Ramsey out of the squad, saying the midfielder "hasn't played enough football over a period" and that it would be unfair to expect him to travel and play after limited minutes since his return from Mexico. Bellamy also faces multiple absences through injury. Leeds captain Ethan...