Belgium had to wait to secure their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being held to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Kazakhstan, as the hosts, reduced to 10 men, extended their unbeaten run to three games.

Unbeaten in the group, Belgium knew a win would guarantee World Cup qualification and started strongly, dominating possession. However, Kazakhstan proved dangerous on the counter.

Galymzhan Kenzhebek was first to threaten with a powerful run down the left before cutting inside, forcing an outstanding fingertip save from Matz Sels to keep the ball out.

Belgium’s warning went unheeded, though, as a loose pass from Arthur Theate allowed Chelsea-bound Dastan Satpayev to break through and finish at the near post, giving Kazakhstan an early lead.

The visitors responded with chances of their own. Leandro Trossard found space in the box mid-half, but his angled finish was brilliantly saved by Temirlan Anarbekov.

Kazakhstan continued to push forward, with Kenzhebek coming close to doubling the lead with a curling effort that went just wide. Belgium finally threatened just before half-time, only to be denied twice as Anarbekov produced reflex saves from Charles De Ketelaere and Timothy Castagne.

After the interval, Belgium quickly drew level. Castagne found space on the right to deliver a cross into the six-yard box, allowing Hans Vanaken to nod home from close range.

From then on, Belgium dominated proceedings, but Anarbekov kept Kazakhstan in the game with several incredible saves, denying Vanaken from close range and even preventing an own goal by Nuraly Alip.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes remaining when Islam Chesnokov received a straight red card. Despite Belgium throwing everything at finding a winner, Anarbekov made one final outstanding stop, this time denying Nicolas Raskin.

The draw means Belgium must now defeat Liechtenstein in their final qualifying match to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, ended their campaign with a respectable eight points.