Kazakhstan vs Belgium

Astana is preparing for a crucial World Cup qualifying fixture as Kazakhstan welcome Belgium to Astana Arena on 15 November 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 local time. Belgium arrive as favorites in the group, while Kazakhstan aim to defend resolutely on home soil.

Kazakhstan face some absences heading into the match. Goalkeeper Aleksandr Zarutskiy and midfielder Bakhtiyar Zaynutdinov are unavailable, which will require adjustments in defense and midfield. Belgium have a longer list of absences, including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Zeno Debast, and Malick Fofana. Thibaut Courtois is also out, opening the door for Matz Sels in goal. Coach Rudi Garcia has called up Nathan Ngoy and Romeo Vermant to reinforce the squad.

Tactically, Belgium are expected to play a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation, focusing on central midfield control and exploiting wide areas to create goal-scoring opportunities. Despite the injuries, their attacking structure aims to stretch Kazakhstan and dominate possession. Kazakhstan, coached by Talgat Baysufinov, are likely to adopt a compact setup, focusing on defensive organization and looking to hit Belgium on counterattacks or capitalize on set-pieces.

Media narratives differ significantly between the two countries. Belgian outlets emphasize that a victory would nearly secure qualification and highlight the squad’s ability to adapt despite injuries. Kazakh media acknowledge the challenge of facing a top side but stress the importance of home pride and the opportunity to frustrate Belgium with disciplined defending.

Studio analysts are concentrating on three major points. Belgium’s injury-depleted squad may test their depth, Kazakhstan’s ability to maintain compact defensive structure could be decisive, and the psychological stakes will influence performance: Belgium need a convincing display to confirm their status, while Kazakhstan can play freely and look for rare opportunities to threaten. Most pundits expect Belgium to dominate possession, but a well-organized Kazakhstan could still create occasional danger.