European Qualification WC-2026: Opponents and Chances for "Kazakhstan"

Stanislav Cherchesov and "Kazakhstan" to face "Belgium", "Wales", "North Macedonia", and "Liechtenstein" in WC-2026 qualifiers. Discover "Kazakhstan's" chances and expert opinions.

In Group J, Stanislav Cherchesov's team will meet "Belgium", "Wales", "North Macedonia", and "Liechtenstein". The group stage for the WC-2026 qualification will run from March to November 2025, and the playoffs will take place from March 26 to 31, 2026.

Renowned Kazakh expert Almas Kulshinbayev shared his views on the draw and assessed the level of "Kazakhstan's" upcoming opponents. According to him, "Kazakhstan" is not in the toughest group, which is easier than the previous one.

Kulshinbayev noted that "Belgium" is undergoing a generational change. "Wales" and "North Macedonia" are not on the same level as a few years ago, going through challenging times.

Regarding "Liechtenstein", he believes this team is considerably weaker. However, it's important to consider that everyone has learned to defend. If "Kazakhstan" gets lucky, like last time, they can compete for second place, particularly at home.

As for "Belgium", their "golden generation" hasn't achieved significant victories, and "Kazakhstan" has a chance to take points from them, especially at home. Opening matches against "Wales" and "Liechtenstein" away can be both a plus and a minus, but later home games will boost confidence.

The election of a new KFF president could affect Cherchesov's position, but financial considerations might keep him as the coach. In the fight for second place, "Kazakhstan" has a chance, especially considering their home games at "Astana Arena", where the team benefits from artificial turf.