Wales begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign tonight as they face Kazakhstan at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Craig Bellamy’s side managed to turn around the disappointment of failing to qualify for Euro 2024 and even finished top of Nations League Group B4 last year, surpassing Turkey on the final matchday.
Former Wales captain Bellamy received plenty of plaudits for that turnaround, though he will undoubtedly feel that his first real test is to secure a place at the next World Cup.
The fact that the 2026 is the first expanded tournament means that Bellamy should have a somewhat easier job task in securing qualification, though Group J still pits Wales against Belgium, North Macedonia and Liechtenstein.
Follow all the latest build-up, team news and updates from the Cardiff City Stadium below:
Wales 1-1 Kazakhstan
38 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
35 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′)
Askhat 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
31 mins: It is a penalty!
Kazakhstan have a great chance to get themselves on level terms here…
Wales 1-0 Kazakhstan
Penalty 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
28 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
27 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
24 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
21 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
18 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.