Belgium’s automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was postponed Saturday after a 1-1 draw with Kazakhstan, leaving the Red Devils needing a win in their final group match to secure a direct berth.
The result, secured despite playing the final 11 minutes against 10 men, exposed vulnerabilities in a Belgian side that had entered the contest unbeaten in Group J and leading by five points. A victory would have guaranteed top spot; instead, Belgium must now defeat Liechtenstein on Tuesday to avoid the uncertainty of the European playoffs.
Kazakhstan struck first in the ninth minute through 17-year-old forward Dastan Satpayev, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot past goalkeeper Matz Sels. The goal silenced the travelling Belgian contingent.
Belgium equalised three minutes into the second half. Club Brugge midfielder Hans Vanaken rose unmarked to head in a Timothy Castagne cross, restoring parity and reigniting hopes of a comeback. The goal marked Vanaken’s fourth in qualifying, tying him with Leandro Trossard atop the team’s scoring charts.
The match tilted decisively in the 79th minute when Kazakhstan midfielder Islam Chesnokov received a straight red card for a high challenge on Jérémy Doku. Referee István Vad’s decision left the hosts depleted, yet Belgium failed to convert the numerical advantage. Doku, Trossard, and substitute Loïs Openda all squandered clear chances in a frantic finale.
Group J standings remain unchanged at the top. Belgium sits on 23 points from nine games, two ahead of North Macedonia, who drew 1-1 with Wales on Friday. Goal difference (+20 versus +8) gives Belgium a cushion, but only a victory over Liechtenstein will eliminate playoff risk.
