Belgium will be determined to maintain their upward trajectory and avoid any slip-ups when they welcome Kazakhstan to Anderlecht’s Lotto Park for their fourth match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. With seven points from their opening three fixtures, the Red Devils are well-positioned in their group, but they know that complacency can be costly in international football. Facing a Kazakhstan side that has struggled to find form and consistency, Belgium have a golden opportunity to consolidate their position and build momentum ahead of tougher tests next month. The fixture may appear straightforward on paper, but Rudi Garcia’s men will be wary of the pitfalls that often accompany matches against lower-ranked opposition, especially with qualification stakes on the line.
Belgium’s campaign began with a frustrating draw away to North Macedonia, a result that raised early questions about the team’s cohesion and attacking sharpness. However, those doubts were quickly dispelled in the following matches, as the Red Devils responded with emphatic victories over Wales and Liechtenstein, scoring ten goals across the two games and showcasing the kind of fluid, incisive football that has become their hallmark in recent years. Garcia, who took over the reins with a mandate to rejuvenate the squad and guide them through a transitional phase, has begun to imprint his philosophy on the team. The blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents has given Belgium a dynamic edge, and their attacking depth has proven difficult for opponents to contain. With crucial fixtures against North Macedonia and Wales looming next month, Belgium will be eager to enter that stretch with maximum confidence and a firm grip on the group standings.
Historically, Belgium have been a dominant force in World Cup qualifying, topping their group in each of the last three cycles without suffering a single defeat. Their last loss in a qualifier dates back to October 2009, a testament to their consistency and resilience on the road to major tournaments. That record has helped cement their reputation as one of Europe’s most reliable qualifiers, and it reflects the structural strength of their footballing setup. The current generation, while no longer boasting the full array of stars that defined their golden era, still possesses enough quality to navigate the challenges of qualification with relative ease. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, who continues to orchestrate play with elegance and precision, remain central to Belgium’s ambitions, while new faces such as Maxim De Cuyper are beginning to make their mark on the international stage.
De Cuyper’s goal against Liechtenstein was a highlight of the last match, and his performance has added another layer of competition to Belgium’s squad. Garcia’s willingness to rotate and experiment has created a healthy environment where players are pushing each other to perform, and that internal drive is reflected in the team’s recent results. Youri Tielemans, newly appointed as captain, has embraced his leadership role with gusto, contributing directly to four goals in his last two international appearances. The Aston Villa midfielder is now on the verge of a personal milestone, aiming to score in three consecutive international matches for the first time in his career. His form and influence in midfield have been instrumental in Belgium’s resurgence, and his partnership with De Bruyne offers a potent combination of creativity and control.
Kazakhstan, by contrast, find themselves in a precarious position. With three defeats from four matches, including back-to-back 1-0 losses at home to Wales and North Macedonia, the Hawks are languishing near the bottom of the group and facing an uphill battle to salvage their campaign. Their solitary win came away to Liechtenstein, a 2-0 result that was more functional than convincing. Even that victory stands out as an anomaly in their recent away record, which includes ten defeats in their last eleven matches on foreign soil. The team’s struggles are not merely statistical—they reflect deeper issues in squad depth, tactical execution, and psychological resilience. Head coach Ali Aliyev has been tasked with rebuilding a side that lacks the experience and pedigree of its European counterparts, and while there are flashes of promise, the road ahead remains daunting.
Kazakhstan’s attacking threat is limited, but Galymzhan Kenzhebek has emerged as a player capable of making an impact. Against Wales, he registered more shots than any other player on the pitch, demonstrating a willingness to take initiative and test the opposition. His movement and ability to find pockets of space could pose problems for Belgium if not properly contained, but he will need support from midfield and wide areas to truly influence the game. The absence of Nuraly Alip, who was forced off during the defeat to Wales, adds to Kazakhstan’s woes, depriving them of a key defensive presence. With limited options and a squad low on confidence, Aliyev may opt for a conservative approach, aiming to frustrate Belgium and capitalize on set pieces or counterattacks.
From a tactical standpoint, Belgium are likely to dominate possession and dictate the tempo from the outset. Garcia’s system emphasizes fluid transitions, positional rotations, and quick ball circulation, all of which are designed to break down compact defensive blocks. Against a team like Kazakhstan, who will almost certainly sit deep and defend in numbers, Belgium’s ability to stretch the field and create overloads in wide areas will be crucial. The full-backs, particularly De Cuyper, will be expected to push high and deliver crosses, while the midfield trio will look to control the central zones and feed the forwards. De Bruyne’s vision and passing range will be key to unlocking Kazakhstan’s defense, and his link-up play with Tielemans and the front line could prove decisive.
Defensively, Belgium will need to remain vigilant against counterattacks, especially given Kazakhstan’s tendency to launch quick transitions when they win possession. While the Red Devils have been solid at the back in recent matches, maintaining concentration and avoiding unnecessary risks will be essential. The center-back pairing, likely to include Wout Faes and Jan Vertonghen, will be tasked with organizing the back line and ensuring that Kazakhstan’s forwards are kept at bay. Goalkeeper Koen Casteels, who has deputized effectively in recent fixtures, will also play a role in maintaining composure and distributing the ball efficiently from the back.
The psychological aspect of the match cannot be ignored. For Belgium, the challenge is to maintain intensity and focus against a team they are expected to beat. Matches like these can often become traps if the favourites underestimate their opponents or fail to convert early chances. Garcia will be keen to instill a sense of urgency and professionalism, reminding his players that every point counts and that qualification is not yet secured. For Kazakhstan, the match represents an opportunity to defy expectations and restore pride. A competitive performance, even in defeat, could serve as a building block for future fixtures and help galvanize a squad that has struggled to find cohesion.
The setting at Lotto Park adds another layer of intrigue. Anderlecht’s historic stadium, known for its intimate atmosphere and passionate support, will provide a fitting backdrop for a match that, while lopsided on paper, carries significant implications for both teams. Belgian fans will be eager to see their team continue its march toward qualification, and the players will be motivated to deliver a performance that reflects their ambitions. For Kazakhstan, the challenge will be to silence the crowd and impose themselves, however briefly, on a stage that has rarely been kind to visiting teams.
In the broader context of the group, Belgium’s position is strong but not unassailable. With North Macedonia and Wales still in contention, the Red Devils must continue to accumulate points and avoid any setbacks that could complicate their path. The match against Kazakhstan offers a chance to do just that—to reinforce their dominance, sharpen their tactical execution, and prepare mentally for the tougher battles ahead. For Garcia, it is also an opportunity to assess his squad, experiment with combinations, and build the kind of depth that will be essential in the latter stages of qualification and beyond.
Kazakhstan, meanwhile, must confront the reality of their situation. Qualification for the 2026 World Cup appears increasingly unlikely, but the campaign still holds value in terms of development and experience. Matches against top-tier opposition like Belgium provide a benchmark for progress and expose players to the demands of elite competition. Aliyev’s task is to extract positives, foster belief, and lay the groundwork for future cycles. The road is long, and the odds are steep, but international football is as much about resilience as it is about results.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the narrative is clear: Belgium are the favourites, Kazakhstan the underdogs. But within that framework lies the potential for drama, for moments of brilliance, and for the kind of performances that define careers. Whether it ends in a routine win or a surprising twist, the match will contribute to the evolving story of World Cup qualification—a story shaped by ambition, adversity, and the relentless pursuit of a place on football’s grandest stage.
