Belgium stomps Kazakhstan in World Cup qualifiers
The Belgium national football team eliminated Kazakhstan with a 6-0 victory (Kevin De Bruyne 42’, 84’; Jérémy Doku 44’, 60’; Nicolas Raskin 51’; and Thomas Meunier 87’) in Brussels. Being the third loss for the Kazakhstani team led by coach Ali Aliyev, this leaves them with no theoretical chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Previously, the Kazakh team lost to North Macedonia and Wales, both with a 0-1 score at the Astana Arena.
This outcome restores the tradition for the Kazakhstani team of losing their chances for a spot long before the finish line in qualifiers, later focusing on local tasks such as avoiding last place or preparing a new squad. The only exception was the Euro 2024 qualifiers, when, under coach Magomed Adiyev, the team still had a chance to advance from the group until the very last game. After Adiyev’s departure, the team slipped back to its previous position.
The 5-4-1 formation remained the same as in the home game against Wales. Only some of the players changed. In particular, no representatives of Kairat Almaty were included in the starting lineup. In goal, Temirlan Anarbekov was replaced by Mukhammedzhan Seysen. Damir Kasabulat, who debuted in the game against Wales, gave way in central midfield to Serikzhan Muzhikov. Dastan Satapayev remained on the sidelines as an ace up the team’s sleeve, with Oralkhan Omirtayev starting in the eleven.
In the center of defense, Ular Zhaksybaev replaced Sergey Maliy, who had received yellow cards. Right back Bagdat Kairov was replaced by Sultanbek Astanov.
After Belgium’s 6-0 victory in Liechtenstein, the team lined up in an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation and quickly took control. Kazakhstan defended as best they could but conceded twice before the break, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku on target. In the second half, the hosts fully dominated: Nicolas Raskin scored, followed by Doku, then De Bruyne again, and finally Thomas Meunier. The match ended 6-0, with Belgium superior in every aspect of the game.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. This will be the first time when 48 national teams will play from six confederations.
