Belgium will have to put their celebrations on hold. The Red Devils failed to secure an early ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being held to a draw by Kazakhstan in Astana.

The hosts struck back after Belgium’s opener, and the final whistle confirmed a 1–1 draw — a result that adds a touch of intrigue to the closing stages of the UEFA qualifiers. Despite the setback, Belgium remain firmly on top of their group and will play their final match at home against Liechtenstein, a side that has yet to score a single goal in the campaign.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

Kazakhstan - Belgium 1:1 (1:0)
Goals: Satpayev, 9 (1:0); Vanaken, 48 (1:1)

Kazakhstan: Anarbekov; Alip; Kairov; Kasym; Tapalov (Zhukov G., 92); Samorodov (Karaman D., 80); Vorogovskiy; Orazov (Kasabulat, 91); Chesnokov (till 79); Kenzhebek (Ashirbek, 57); Satpayev (Sviridov I., 56)
Substitution: Sviridov I. (from 56); Ashirbek (from 57); Karaman D. (from 80); Kasabulat (from 91); Zhukov G. (from 92)
Bench: Shaizada; Seysen M.; Malyi; Zhagorov N.; Astanov E.; Zhumat; Astanov S.
Yellow Cards: Tapalov 29; Satpayev 46; Kairov 69; Chesnokov 77; Anarbekov 84
Red cards: Chesnokov 79'

Belgium: Sels; Seys (De Cuyper, 80); Theate; De Winter K.; Onana A. (Tielemans, 71); Castagne; De Ketelaere (Openda, 71); Vanaken; Raskin (Vermant, 89); Trossard (Saelemaekers, 71); Doku J.
Substitution: Tielemans (from 71); Saelemaekers (from 71); Openda (from 71); De Cuyper (from 80); Vermant (from 89)
Bench: Lammens; Vandevoordt; Mechele; Vanhoutte; Witsel; Moreira D.; Lukebakio
Yellow Cards: Onana A. 40