Overview
- Wales will face Kazakhstan, ranked 110th in the world, in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday.
- Manager Craig Bellamy, unbeaten in six matches since taking charge, aims to guide Wales to their second consecutive World Cup appearance after a group-stage exit in 2022.
- Key players Ethan Ampadu, Harry Wilson, and Aaron Ramsey are sidelined with injuries, posing challenges to the team's midfield and attacking options.
- Bellamy emphasizes the importance of Wales' recent major tournament experience, including Euro 2016, Euro 2020, and the 2022 World Cup, in building confidence for this campaign.
- Despite Kazakhstan's lower ranking, Wales is wary of underperforming against lesser-ranked teams, a recurring issue in past qualification campaigns.