Wales kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a testing but morale-boosting victory over Kazakhstan in Cardiff.
Craig Bellamy’s men opened the scoring with less than 10 minutes on the clock as Dan James latched onto a loose ball in the penalty area after a short corner play. He whipped a shot at goal and a deflection took it past the goalkeeper to send the Red Dragons in front.
Despite dominating play and possession they conceded an equaliser as Connor Roberts gave away a penalty for handling the ball in the area. Kazakhstan’s captain Askhat Tagybergen scored the spot kick but Karl Darlow almost kept it out only for the ball to spin back over the line.
The fans in the stadium were tense but Ben Davies eased their concerns with a headed goal less than two minutes into the second half and Rabbi Matondo scored his first international goal in the 90th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Relive the updates from the Cardiff City Stadium below:
Wales vs Kazakhstan LIVE: World Cup qualifier updates
- Wales defeat Kazakhstan in the first match of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign
- 90’ GOAL! Matondo nets first goal for Wales and secures points (WAL 3-1 KAZ)
- 47’ Davies’ header sends hosts back in front (WAL 2-1 KAZ)
- 32’ GOAL! Tagybergen equalises from penalty spot (WAL 1-1 KAZ)
- 9’ GOAL! James’ deflected strike sends Wales ahead (WAL 1-0 KAZ)
Craig Bellamy’s midas touch brings Wales victory in opening World Cup qualifier
22:12 , Mike JonesWales opened their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan.
Daniel James gave Wales an early advantage before a near-capacity 32,473 crowd at the Cardiff City Stadium but that was wiped out by Askhat Tagybergen’s penalty, awarded after Connor Roberts had handled.
Kazakhstan were threatening to throw a spanner in the works but skipper Ben Davies and Rabbi Matondo, with his first Wales goal in the final minute, ensured a winning start for Craig Bellamy’s side.
Craig Bellamy’s midas touch brings Wales victory in opening World Cup qualifier
Reaction from Dan James:
22:03 , Mike Jones“We spoke all week about getting off to a good start and that's what we did tonight. I'm delighted. It's always nice to get on the scoresheet.
"We were a bit unfortunate with the penalty but we got stuck in there.
"Second-half we came out and scored a great set-piece, in international football set-pieces are really important and it's something we've been practising.
"He [Bellamy] told us at half-time to keep digging in. There were moments in the first-half where we didn't control the game as much as we wanted to, but in the second-half we controlled it much more.
"It's so important to get the win tonight and push on for Tuesday. We've got a lot of positives to take from tonight, it's going to be a really tough game on Tuesday going to North Macedonia but it's one we're really looking forward to"
Full-time! Wales 3-1 Kazakhstan
21:39 , Mike JonesIncredible work from Wales. They kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a testing but confident win in Cardiff.
Craig Bellamy’s impressive reign goes on and the Red Dragons will take some momentum into Tuesday’s match with North Macedonia.
GOAL! Wales 3-1 Kazakhstan (Rabbi Matondo, 90')
21:37 , Mike JonesThere’s the third!
Sorba Thomas runs into acres of space on the right hand side of the pitch.
He drives up to the edge of the box and rolls the ball back into the middle where Rabbi Matondo whips it into the back of the net.
It’s a first international goal for Matondo!
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:33 , Mike Jones87 mins: Rbbi Matondo replaces Dan James for Wales with time ticking away.
James receives a very warm round of applause as he walks around the ground having come off at the far side.
His goal put Wales ahead before the penalty in the first half.
The Leeds attacker continuing his fine season.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:31 , Mike Jones84 mins: Dan James makes another run to the byline and ust about keeps the ball in play before it is cleared by the visitors.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:26 , Mike Jones81 mins: Less than 10 minutes to go.
Wales’ lead is comfortable for now. Kazakhstan haven’t been able to really challenge Karl Darlow from open play.
If Wales keep possession, as they have been doing, they should see this game out.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:25 , Mike Jones78 mins: Oh hello!
Askhat Tagybergen floats a fine ball into the Wales penalty area where Abat Aimbetov is waiting.
He beats Joe Rodon in the air but his header loops up and is caught by Karl Darlow.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:22 , Mike Jones75 mins: Wales want a third goal. There’s 15 minutes left to play in this match and Bellamy’s men are hunting.
One more and they’ll absolutely take the points but while they only have a one-goal advantage they are vulnerable.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:17 , Mike Jones71 mins: Wales want another penalty after bursting down the right side.
James sends the ball to Harris who passes to Cullen.
He goes down under a tackle and the referee waves away the appeals again.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:14 , Mike Jones68 mins: Save! A trick free kick is rolled to Neco Williams by Liam Cullen.
Williams shoots low but the goalkeeper punches it away.
There’s a pinball in the box but the visitors hook it out of play for a corner.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:13 , Mike Jones66 mins: That’s a massive moment for Kazakhstan.
If that goal goes in then the match is effectively over but they’re still in this fight.
Wales are pushing them deeper and win themselves a free kick just outside the box,
Opportunity to score again here...
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:12 , Mike Jones63 mins: Save! Dan James receives the ball on the right wing.
He drills a low pass into the area and picks out substitute Jordan James.
He shoots first time and hits it well only for Aleksandr Zarvtskiy to leap to the right and push it away!
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:06 , Mike Jones59 mins: Kazakhstan have been good value tonight. They fly forward on a quick break with Samorodov driving the move.
He lays it off to Vorogovskiy who shoots from range only for Brooks to deflect the effort into the hands of Karl Darlow.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
21:03 , Mike Jones56 mins: Wales seem to have their confidence back but they’ll need to be wary.
A long ball down the left wing is collected by Samorodov who spins into the box and pulls it back to Chesnokov.
He shoots but scuffs it well wide of the target.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
20:58 , Mike Jones53 mins: Some slick one-touch passes almost see Brennan Johnson clear on the left side of the box but he can’t collect the final ball and Kazakhstan clear their lines.
Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan
20:56 , Mike Jones50 mins: Wales deserve to be in front and they’ve started both halves quickly.
Craig Bellamy will know that things could change quickly so he’ll want a third goal to give his team a cushion.
GOAL! Wales 2-1 Kazakhstan (Ben Davies, 47')
20:53 , Mike JonesWhat a start!
Wales win a corner with pretty much their first attack of the second half.
The corner is whipped over to the back post as goalkeeper Aleksandr Zarutskiy totally misreads the flight.
He flaps wide of the ball which drops on the head of Ben Davies who guides it home!
Second half! Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
20:51 , Mike JonesWales kick off the second half by sending the ball to Josh Sheehan who works it out to the right wing.
No changes made by Craig Bellamy.
HT Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
20:44 , Mike Jones45 minutes left to play in this game and there’s a bunch of substitutes warming up for Wales.
Craig Bellamy will need to decide when the time is right to make changes.
HT Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
20:40 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
20:36 , Mike Jones45+4 mins: The whistle goes to end the first half and Wales are locked into a battle in Cardiff.
Things haven’t totally gone their way despite dominating most of the half.
Dan James’ goal was cancelled out and the Welsh will need to score again to secure a win.
Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
20:31 , Mike Jones45 mins: Four minutes of added time to play in the first half.
Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
20:28 , Mike Jones42 mins: No red card!
Samorodov is shown a yellow card for the dangerous tackle.
A wise decision I think, there was no malicious intent in the challenge and the match continues with 11 vs 11.
Wales take their free kick. It’s a dainty move that sets up Brooks for a shot but he curls the effort high and wide.
Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
20:27 , Mike Jones40 mins: Hold up. There’s a VAR check here for a potential red card.
The incident is from Maksim Samorodov sticking his leg onto the knee of Connor Roberts.
Roberts was the one to pass the ball to Sheehan before he was fouled.
The referee is looking at it on the monitor...
Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
20:24 , Mike Jones39 mins: Brennan Johnson goes down in the box but the referee is unmoved.
The ball comes out to Josh Sheehan who is brought down and wins a free kick in a dangerous area.
Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
20:23 , Mike Jones38 mins: Kazakhstan have lost their last eight away games.
They are level with Wales with half-time approaching quickly.
It’ll be a strong 45 minutes for the visitors if they get to the break on level terms.
Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
20:21 , Mike Jones35 mins: Kazakhstan will play the same way. Lots of men defending closing down the space and trying to limit where Wales can operate.
Can Wales get themselves back in front?
Craig Bellamy isn’t best pleased on the sidelines by the penalty decision.
GOAL! Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan (Askhat Tagybergen, 32')
20:18 , Mike JonesAskhat Tagybergen steps up for the visitors.
The captain of the team. He shoots and it’s a poor penalty.
Karl Darlow dives to the right but manages to get a good chunk of the ball.
It spins and rolls back over the line!
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
20:16 , Mike Jones31 mins: It is a penalty!
Kazakhstan have a great chance to get themselves on level terms here...
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
20:16 , Mike JonesPenalty to Kazakhstan!
30 mins: Islam Chesnokov brings the ball forward and takes it to the edge of the box.
He looks for a cross which Connor Roberts blocks. The ball strikes his left hand which is slightly away from the body.
VAR is going to check it after the referee points to the spot...
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
20:15 , Mike Jones28 mins: James releases Brooks with a one touch pass and the attacking midfielder breaks into the box.
He squares the pass towards Sorba Thomas but underhits it and the defenders get back to clear their lines.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
20:12 , Mike Jones27 mins: All bar two of the Kazakhstan squad are fasting due to ramadan.
That has to have an effect on their energy levels which may explain why Wales look sharper and quicker.
Samorodov picks up the ball on the left. He dribbles forward and whips in a cross.
The inital ball is dealt with but the visitors recycle it to the far post where Connor Roberts nods it behind.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
20:10 , Mike Jones24 mins: Wales are slowing the tempo right down when their defenders have the ball and then they try to inject some pace in and around the final third.
Smart play from Craig Bellamy’s men.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
20:07 , Mike Jones21 mins: The tackle on Dan James was pretty ferocious but first contact, which is minimal, came outside the box anyway.
James is causing some trouble to the Kazak defence though.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
20:05 , Mike Jones18 mins: Wales are in control. Kazakhstan are reluctant to come too far out of their own half to press the ball.
At 1-0 they are still in the match so they’ll want to settle down and keep Wales at bay.
Dan James weaves his way into the box and gets brought down but the referee waves away the penalty appeal.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
20:00 , Mike Jones15 mins: Kazakhstan are playing in a 5-4-1 formation making it tough to find space inside the box.
Wales’ goal will free the shackles though and another would completely settle the nerves.
Joe Rodon heads wide from a corner after the hosts catch the visitors dallying to set up.
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
19:59 , Mike Jones12 mins: Wales have plenty of confidence now. The fans are enjoying themselves and the hosts are camped inside the final third.
James takes another shot which is blocked before Brennan Johnson is sent forward on the left.
He dances inside and shoots but the ball is nudged out for a corner.
GOAL! Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan (Dan James, 9')
19:56 , Mike JonesWales strike first!
A short corner is passed to Connor Roberts who sends it to Dan James.
James gives it to David Brooks but he is tackled inside the box.
Liam Cullen is quick to challenge and pokes it to James who shoots and sees his deflected shot land in the back of the net!
Wales 0-0 Kazakhstan
19:54 , Mike Jones8 mins: When Wales gives the ball up Kazakhstan are quick to transition into attack.
Yan Vorogovskiy gets forward on the left and looks for a teammate in the box only for his pass to get blocked.
As Wales sweep forward, Dan James receives the ball from Connor Roberts and dribbles forward before winning a corner.
Wales 0-0 Kazakhstan
19:51 , Mike Jones6 mins: Sheehan gives the ball away and is brought forward by Maksim Samorodov.
He weaves inside from the left and takes a shot from the edge of the box whcih Joe Rodon blocks.
Kazakhstan come again and win a corner which Wales deal with without too much trouble.
Wales 0-0 Kazakhstan
19:48 , Mike Jones3 mins: Wales take up possession from the goal kick. They seem to be set up in a back three with Josh Sheehan sitting as the lone defensive midfielder.
A long ball is sent over to the left wing for Sorba Thomas to chase but he take keep it in play.
Kick off! Wales 0-0 Kazakhstan
19:46 , Mike JonesThe visitors get the ball rolling at the Cardiff City stadium.
Kazakhstan work the ball over to the right wing and send it forward but the pass goes out of play.
Wales vs Kazakhstan
19:38 , Mike JonesThe lights go out in the stadium and atmosphere is electric.
The teams gather in the tunnel before heading out onto the pitch.
There’s a small section of Kazakhstan fans in the stadium having made the 7,000 mile journey to watch their team tonight.
Kick off is up next...
Wales without Bale
19:35 , Mike JonesThe now-retired Gareth Bale has scored each of Wales' past three World Cup qualifying goals and this will be the first time Wales' first match of a World Cup qualifying campaign will not feature Bale since September 2004 against Azerbaijan, a match that featured manager Craig Bellamy in the Wales starting XI.
A terrible record
19:30 , Mike JonesSince beating the Faroe Islands in September 2013, Kazakhstan have won none of their last 21 World Cup qualifiers (seven draws, 14 defeats).
Among European nations, only San Marino (76) and Liechtenstein (41) are on longer winless runs currently.
Wales in World Cup qualifiers
19:25 , Mike JonesWales have lost just two of their last 22 World Cup qualifiers (11 wins, nine draws).
One of those defeats was in their first game of the last qualifying campaign against Belgium in March 2021.
Kazakhstan's losing run
19:20 , Mike JonesKazakhstan have lost seven of their last eight competitive games, including the past five in a row.
They last had a longer losing run between November 2016 and October 2017 (six).
Tournament experience ‘so valuable’ for Wales
19:15 , Mike JonesCraig Bellamy believes Wales’ experience of playing at major tournaments will have a positive bearing on their attempt to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Wales start their qualifying campaign against Kazakhstan in Cardiff on Saturday before visiting North Macedonia three days later.
Group favourites Belgium and minnows Liechtenstein complete the section, with Bellamy confident Wales will benefit from participating at three major tournaments in the last decade.
Tournament experience ‘so valuable’ for Wales – Craig Bellamy
Wales in great form
19:10 , Mike JonesWales have lost just two of their last 16 matches in all competitions with seven wins and eight draws.
Those defeats were a 4-0 defeat away at Slovakia in a friendly in June 2024 and a penalty shootout loss to Poland in their Euro 2024 play-off final three months earlier.
Kazakhstan's home nations record
19:05 , Mike JonesKazakhstan have won three of their last four meetings with the British home nations, beating Scotland in March 2019 and winning home and away against Northern Ireland in June and September 2023.
Bellamy on facing England before Belgium
19:00 , Mike Jones“I liked the opposition, England, because we have got Belgium,” said Craig Bellamy, about the scheduled friendly with the Three Lions later this year.
“I needed the high intensity, but I didn’t need it on a Friday (three days before the Belgium game).
“I needed England to work on a Thursday and we didn’t want to travel, so ideally it was to be a home game.
“But I wanted to keep the pitch OK as well because of the importance of the Belgium game.
“So, the high intensity and quality of the opposition without travelling, England was perfect.”
Craig Bellamy says England friendly ideal to help Wales qualify for World Cup
18:55 , Mike JonesWales boss Craig Bellamy says playing a friendly against England later this year is ideal to help them qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Wales meet England at Wembley on October 9, just four days before hosting Group J favourites Belgium in a World Cup qualifier.
Belgium’s trip to Cardiff City Stadium is expected to be pivotal to Welsh hopes of topping the section and qualifying for their second successive World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Craig Bellamy says England friendly ideal to help Wales qualify for World Cup
Kazakhstan line-up
18:51 , Mike JonesKazakhstan XI: Zarutskiy, Tapalov, Bystrov, Marochkin, Alip, Vorogovskiy; Chesnokov, Tagybergen, Muzhikov, Samorodov; Zhaksylykov
Subs: Pokatilov, Seisen, Astanov, Zhumakhanov, Zhaksybayev, Kenzhebek, Zhagorov, Zhukov, Aimbetov, Satpayev, Orazov, Mukhamed
New rivals
18:45 , Mike JonesThis will be the first meeting between Wales and Kazakhstan at men’s senior level.
Kazakhstan are ranked 110 in the world, 81 places below Wales, and were relegated from the second tier of the Nations League in November with only one point from six games.
But Wales should beware complacency: Kazakhstan won six of their 10 Euro 2024 qualifiers and beat Northern Ireland home and away, as well as upsetting Denmark and Finland.
Tuchel on facing Wales in October
18:40 , Mike JonesEngland boss Thomas Tuchel said: “The games against Senegal and Wales will present good challenges for us against two very different opponents.
“Facing a strong African team in a passionate city with rich football heritage and then a derby match at the iconic Wembley; two big occasions that can only help us on the road to the World Cup.”
England to host Wales at Wembley as Thomas Tuchel builds towards World Cup
18:35 , Mike JonesThomas Tuchel’s new-look England will host Wales in a Wembley friendly this October.
The neighbours have met on 104 occasions, most recently during the 2022 World Cup group stage, and will go toe-to-toe once more on October 9.
The Football Association has also announced a friendly against Senegal – another nation England faced in Qatar – at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground on June 10.
England to host Wales at Wembley as Thomas Tuchel builds towards World Cup
Wales line-up to face Kazakhstan
18:32 , Mike JonesWales XI: Darlow; Roberts, Williams, Rodon, Davies; Sheehan, Brooks; Johnson, Cullen, Thomas; James
CYMRU XI 🏴🇰🇿
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) March 22, 2025
Our team to face Kazakhstan in the capital 🙌
💻 https://t.co/3RqUX2u87x pic.twitter.com/920aaRcEWg
Who is the number one?
18:25 , Mike JonesBellamy rotated his goalkeepers during the Nations League campaign with Danny Ward and Karl Darlow playing three games each.
Neither Ward nor Darlow are starting at their respective clubs, Leicester and Leeds, but surely the time is right for Bellamy to choose a number one for Wales’ World Cup adventure.
Overcoming injuries
18:20 , Mike JonesWales have been dealt a cruel double blow with injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson, arguably their two most important players.
Wilson scored in four of Wales’ six Nations League games and Ampadu’s influence is massive in a central midfield are where Bellamy is short of options.
Skipper Aaron Ramsey is also absent with hamstring issues that have plagued him in recent times.
Building on Nations League success
18:15 , Mike JonesBellamy remains unbeaten after six games – the best start by a Wales manager.
Wales topped their Nations League group in the autumn with three wins and three draws, finishing above Turkey, Iceland and Montenegro to secure top-tier status in the next edition of the competition.
The aim now is to maintain the feel-good factor prevalent since Bellamy succeeded Page last summer.
Bellamy's crusade
18:10 , Mike JonesWales boss Craig Bellamy never came close to gracing the World Cup as a player.
“I’ve got to be honest, we weren’t good enough to qualify. Even if we had all the luck in the world, we still didn’t have enough quality,” said Bellamy.
So the 45-year-old former Newcastle and Liverpool striker has added motivation to lead Wales to their second successive World Cup after Rob Page’s side bowed out at the group stage in Qatar in 2022.
'Hopefully I can help the team'
18:05 , Mike JonesLawrence also spoke about what it is like to be back in the Wales squad under new boss Craig Bellamy.
“It feels like I’ve not been gone that long. When you’re back here everyone’s together, so it feels good,” he said.
“There’s a few younger ones than when I was last here, I’ve got a few more grey hairs, new staff, new manager. I’ve been watching the games and they’ve been brilliant so far.
“It’s just adapting now to how the manager wants me to play and the team to play, it’s just taking everything in.
“I’m four years older since I was last here. I’ve played in a lot of big games since I’ve been at Rangers and that’s only going to help you. Hopefully, I can help the team here.”
Lawrence on disagreements with Rob Page
18:00 , Mike JonesTom Lawrence is back in the Wales squad after three years following a dispute with previous boss Rob Page.
Speaking about why he wasn’t selected during Page’s tenure, Lawrence explained:
“He had his own way of doing things and I wasn’t to be a part of that. For what reason, you’d have to ask him.
“I asked that same question, he couldn’t give me it. I’m a pretty simple guy. When someone’s not honest with me, then I don’t have all the respect in the world for them.
“There were questions I asked that weren’t answered and that was the way it went. I don’t think I need to go into it completely. Let’s just say we didn’t see eye to eye in certain things.”
Tom Lawrence happy to return to Wales squad
17:55 , Mike JonesTom Lawrence is aiming to make a World Cup impact after fearing his Wales career was over following a falling-out with previous manager Rob Page.
Rangers forward Lawrence has not played for Wales since a friendly win over Mexico in March 2021, and his former Derby boss Wayne Rooney suggested Page had ignored the player due to a “bit of history” between the pair.
But the 31-year-old has been recalled by Page’s successor Craig Bellamy as Wales begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with fixtures against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.
It feels good – Tom Lawrence happy to return to Wales squad under Craig Bellamy
Lawrence back in Wales set up
17:50 , Mike JonesTom Lawrence has replaced Aaron Ramsey in the Wales squad for this camp and the Rangers man could feature for the national team for the first time since March 2021.
Previous Wales boss Rob Page decided against selecting the forward but Craig Bellamy had no such concerns.
“I’ve been trying to get Tom involved in the last couple of camps but he’s been injured,” Bellamy said.
“We’ve been in contact and we’ve been waiting for the right moment to bring him in.
“He has a good understanding of the game. Good discipline. He’ll definitely add to the squad.”
'Ramsey has nothing to apologise for' says Bellamy
17:45 , Mike Jones“I’ve spoken to Aaron and it’s a tough one for him,” Bellamy said after omitting the midfielder from the squad due to his most recent hamstring injury.
“Personally, football-wise and from a selfish capacity in the Wales job I don’t really care. Him as the person is more important.
“I’ve known him since he was five. To watch his hard work, and it’s not just this period, throughout his career, the consistency he’s been able to show, the elite level he’s been able to play at, the person he is. I care about that more.
“As a person I think he tried to be a little apologetic to me. The first thought in my head was, ‘Don’t you ever apologise to me’. I couldn’t be more proud of him as a person, his playing career has been incredible.
“What he’s done for us as a country, club football, and young people in Wales, and beyond, I’m proud to know him.”
'Andrews has high potential'
17:40 , Mike Jones18-year-old midfielder Kai Andrews has made only eight senior appearances – two for Coventry and six at Motherwell – but has been fast-tracked to the Wales national team with Craig Bellamy admitting the side are short in the midfield department.
“I watched his games with the (Wales) 19s,” Bellamy said. “Physically and his ability to look after the ball.
“I see him as a high potential player in an area we need quality. He’s in an area we need to strengthen.”
Coventry teenager Kai Andrews handed Wales call up for World Cup qualifiers
17:35 , Mike JonesCoventry teenager Kai Andrews is the surprise name in a Wales squad disrupted by injuries for the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Andrews, a Wales Under-19 international, is currently on loan at Motherwell and impressed in their William Hill Premiership victory at Rangers last weekend.
The 18-year midfielder, who qualifies for Wales through his Abercarn-born grandmother, has made two senior appearances for Coventry and was sent out on loan by Sky Blues boss Frank Lampard in January to gain first-team experience.
Coventry teenager Kai Andrews handed Wales call up for World Cup qualifiers
Bellamy without Ampadu agin
17:30 , Mike JonesEthan Ampadu’s injury means he will be unavailable for Wales again after missing four Nations League games last Autumn with a separate issue.
Reflecting on losing Ampadu in the autumn, Wales boss Craig Bellamy said:
“Huge player. I would have said that is one area where you don’t want an injury.
“I literally lost about three nights of sleep when he got injured. Anyone’s going to miss him.”
Wales will be without injured Ethan Ampadu
17:25 , Mike JonesWales will be without injured Ethan Ampadu for the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Ampadu damaged a knee in training in February and scans revealed the influential 24-year-old has suffered a cartilage injury.
Daniel Farke, Ampadu’s manager at Leeds, said: “Bit complicated situation. A surgery would have meant he was out for the season because if you do a surgery, it would be a few months.
“We have, after more consultations, decided to try the conservative route. There’s a good chance if rehab works properly it will be successful but it still means he’ll be out for four to six weeks.
“We won’t see him back in team training before the international break.
“There’s still a chance he will still need the surgery. Fingers crossed, 50-50 chance to have him back for the run-in.”
Wales v Kazakhstan predicted line-ups
17:20 , Mike JonesWales XI: Darlow; Roberts, Rodon, Davies, Williams; Sheehan, James; Johnson, Brooks, James; Harris.
Kazakhstan XI: Pokatilov; Astanov, Kasym, Alip, Yorogovskiy; Chesnokov, Tapalov, Tagybergen, Samorodov; Zaynutdinov, Aimbetov.
Early Wales team news
17:15 , Mike JonesWales are without the midfield trio of Aaron Ramsey, Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson for this camp, though Swansea’s Ollie Cooper is available again.
Craig Bellamy enjoys almost a full cohort of defenders including Joe Rodon, Ben Davies, Nico Williams and others, while in attack, Brennan Johnson and Daniel James are fit too.
How can I watch it?
17:10 , Mike JonesThe match will be shown live on BBC One Wales and S4C, with coverage also available online on BBC iPlayer and S4C Online.
Coverage begins at 7.20pm.
When is Wales vs Kazakhstan?
17:05 , Mike JonesThe match is due to kick off at 7.45pm GMT on Saturday, 22 March at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Wales vs Kazakhstan
17:00 , Mike JonesWales start their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup this evening as they face Kazakhstan in Cardiff.
Craig Bellamy’s side managed to turn around the poor form they’d shown under Rob Page last year and eventually finished top of Nations League Group B4, overtaking Turkey on the final matchday and ensuring a place in the ‘A’ league when the next edition comes round.
But while Bellamy has been widely praised for a somewhat remarkable turnaround since the Welsh failed to qualify for Euro 2024, his first real test is to secure qualification for the next World Cup.
The tournament is an expanded edition, meaning Bellamy should have a slightly easier job qualifying, though their group still pits them against Belgium as well as North Macedonia and Liechtenstein.
Good evening!
12:53 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s World Cup qualifier between Wales and Kazakhstan.
Craig Bellamy hopes to kick off this qualifying campaign in fine fashion with a victory at the Cardiff City Stadium as Wales seek to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup.
We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and updates throughout the night so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 7.45pm.
