Belgium will look to maintain their strong start in World Cup qualifying when they welcome Kazakhstan to Lotto Park in Anderlecht on Thursday evening. The Red Devils are heavy favourites against a struggling Hawks side and will be aiming to build further momentum before crucial clashes later in the group stage.
After opening their qualification campaign with a frustrating 1-1 draw away to North Macedonia, Belgium have found their rhythm. Rudi Garcia’s side responded with a ruthless 5-3 win over Wales before sweeping aside Liechtenstein 5-0, taking their tally to seven points from three matches.
The Red Devils now sit well-placed in Group J and will view this fixture as an ideal opportunity to strengthen their position further. With North Macedonia and Wales awaiting them in October, Garcia will want his team to go into those encounters full of confidence.
Belgium’s record in World Cup qualifying is formidable. They have topped their group in each of the last three campaigns without losing a single match, with their last defeat in this competition coming way back in October 2009. Such consistency has made them one of the most reliable sides in European qualifying, and they will expect nothing less than three points in Brussels.
For Kazakhstan, the path to the 2026 World Cup already looks like an impossible climb. The Hawks have lost three of their opening four matches, including back-to-back 1-0 defeats at home to Wales and North Macedonia. Their only success so far came away to Liechtenstein, where they secured a 2-0 win, though even that display was far from convincing.
That victory remains Kazakhstan’s only triumph in their last 11 away fixtures, with the other 10 all ending in defeat. Ali Aliyev’s side have struggled to generate attacking threat, managing just two goals in this qualification cycle, while their defence has too often been exposed against stronger opponents.
With Belgium unbeaten in 28 World Cup qualifiers and boasting a squad stacked with elite talent, the visitors know they face an enormous challenge at Lotto Park. For them, avoiding a heavy defeat and showing signs of progress will be the realistic aim. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Belgium come into this qualifier without any fresh injury or suspension concerns following their comfortable win over Liechtenstein. Kevin De Bruyne produced a commanding display in midfield during that match, and the Napoli star is expected to start once again in Brussels. Another standout performer was Brighton full-back xMaxim De Cuyper, who marked his international appearance with a goal and should retain his place in the lineup.
Meanwhile, newly-appointed captain Youri Tielemans has been in excellent form for the national side, directly contributing to four goals in his last two matches. The Aston Villa midfielder will look to extend that streak, with the added motivation of scoring in three consecutive internationals for the first time in his career. With the squad in good condition, Rudi Garcia has the luxury of fielding a settled side.
Belgium are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Thibaut Courtois will start in goal, protected by a defensive unit of Maxim De Cuyper at left-back, Arthur Theate and Zeno Debast as the central pairing, and Thomas Meunier on the right.
In midfield, Hans Vanaken will sit alongside captain Youri Tielemans, forming the double pivot. Further forward, Jeremy Doku will provide pace and width on the left wing, with Kevin De Bruyne orchestrating play through the centre and Malick Fofana likely deployed on the right. Up front, Lois Openda is expected to spearhead the attack, offering movement and finishing as the main striker.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Meunier, Theate, Debast, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Vanaken; Fofana, De Bruyne, Doku; Openda
Kazakhstan will travel to Brussels with one fresh concern from their recent defeat to Wales. Defender Nuraly Alip was forced off during that match due to injury, leaving him a major doubt for Sunday’s encounter with Belgium. His absence would be a significant blow for Ali Aliyev’s side, as the 24-year-old centre-back has been a mainstay in their defensive line. Aside from Alip’s injury, there are no suspension worries for the Hawks.
In attack, the visitors will once again rely on Galymzhan Kenzhebek to provide a spark. The forward was their most threatening player against Wales, recording more shots than any of his teammates, and will be key if Kazakhstan are to trouble the Belgian defence.
Kazakhstan are expected to line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation vs Belgium. Temirlan Anarbekov will start in goal, shielded by a back three of Alibek Kasym, veteran Serhiy Malyi, and Nuraly Alip. In midfield, Bagdat Kairov should operate as the right wing-back, with Yan Vorogovsky on the left, while Ramazan Orazov and Damir Kasabulat form the central partnership.
Further forward, Dastan Satpaev and Galymzhan Kenzhebek will likely play just behind the main striker, Maksmi Samorodov, who will lead the line for Kazakhstan vs Belgium.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Anarbekov; Kasym, Maliy, Slip; Kairov, Orazov, Kasabulat, Vorogovskiy; Satpaev, Kenzhebek; Samorodov
Belgium have not lost a World Cup qualifying match since October 2009, going unbeaten in their last 28 qualifiers with 23 wins and 5 draws.
Belgium and Kazakhstan have met four times in World Cup qualifying history. Belgium won three of those games and drew once, conceding just one goal across the four encounters.
The Red Devils have won each of their last 10 World Cup qualifiers on home soil, scoring 34 goals and conceding only 5 in that run.
Kazakhstan have won just one of their last 11 away matches in all competitions, with the other 10 ending in defeat. Their only win in that period came against Liechtenstein.
Under Rudi Garcia, Belgium have scored 10 goals in their last two qualifiers (5 against Wales and 5 against Liechtenstein).
With Romelu Lukaku absent, Belgium have turned to Lois Openda to lead their attack, and the striker has quickly shown why he is regarded as one of the country’s most exciting forwards. After sealing a high-profile move to Juventus this summer, Openda has carried his club form onto the international stage, using his pace, direct running, and clinical finishing to trouble defences.
The 24-year-old thrives on exploiting space behind backlines, and Kazakhstan’s defence, which has looked fragile throughout the qualifying campaign, could be especially vulnerable to his movement. Beyond his goalscoring threat, Openda also offers relentless pressing and the ability to link up effectively with creators like Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku.
Belgium’s attack has already produced ten goals in their last two outings, and Openda will be hungry to add to his tally in front of the home fans at Lotto Park. If he continues his upward trajectory, he could firmly establish himself as Belgium’s long-term answer at centre-forward.
On paper, this is one of the most one-sided fixtures of the qualifying round. Belgium’s attacking depth, combined with their incredible record in qualifiers, makes them the overwhelming favourites. Kazakhstan’s struggles both home and away suggest they will find it difficult to cope with the Red Devils’ intensity and quality.
