Belgium missed the chance to wrap up qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a game to spare as they were held to a surprise draw by Kazakhstan.
The Belgians had thrashed the same opponents 6-0 in their first meeting in Group J in September, and would likely have expected another comfortable win in this fixture.
But instead they were stunned in the first half when Kazakhstan took the lead through 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev, who managed to squeeze home a shot at Matz Sels’ near post.
Temirlan Anarbekov made some fine saves to keep out Belgium, but they managed to equalise early in the second half when Hans Vanaken headed in Timothy Castagne’s cross.
Kazakhstan, who were already eliminated from qualifying, were reduced to 10 men late on when Islam Chesnokov was sent off.
Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku sent a good chance wide as Belgium pushed for the winner that would seal automatic qualification but Kazakhstan defended well to secure the hugely impressive draw.
Belgium remain top of Group J and will cement qualification with a win at home to Liechtenstein on Tuesday.
However, the result will give the chasing pack some hope with North Macedonia second, two points behind Belgium, and Wales third – they play Liechtenstein later on Saturday.
