Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2026 World Cup Qualification match.
Wales return to action riding the momentum of their promotion to the Nations League A, while Kazakhstan arrive in Cardiff after a disastrous campaign in League B. Though Kazakh interim boss Ali Aliyev made a solid impression with a 2:0 win over Curaçao, this clash in Cardiff will be a much sterner test.
Wales
Following their failure to qualify for Euro 2024, Wales have entered a period of transition, with long-time stars Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey stepping away from international football. Under Craig Bellamy, Wales have adopted a 3-4-3 setup focused on counter-attacking football. With Dan James and Neco Williams providing width and defensive cover, the team conceded the fewest goals (4) in a Nations League group that included Montenegro, Turkey, and Iceland, and won three matches to top the table.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, on the other hand, are still recovering from a disastrous spell under Stanislav Cherchesov, which saw the team go winless in the Nations League, suffering five defeats and scoring no goals in a group with Norway, Austria, and Slovenia. Ali Aliyev’s immediate goal isn’t to turn Kazakhstan into an attacking powerhouse—it’s about restoring structure and solidity.
Wales vs Kazakhstan Prediction
In what will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides, the initiative will rest with Wales. However, with both teams prioritising defensive stability and Kazakhstan aiming to avoid a heavy defeat, a low-scoring affair seems likely.
