Wales Begins 2026 World Cup Qualifying Campaign Against Kazakhstan in Cardiff

Craig Bellamy leads an unbeaten Wales team into their first qualifier, focusing on overcoming injuries and past struggles against lower-ranked opponents.

• 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.

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