CARDIFF: Wales overcame awkward opposition from Kazakhstan to make a winning start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Wales might have envisaged a comfortable night’s work when Daniel James put them in front with a deflected shot in the ninth minute – but they were stunned when Kazakhstan scored their first competitive goal since 2023 to equalise.

The visitors, ranked 110th in the world, were awarded a penalty when Islam Chesnokov’s cross hit Connor Roberts’ arm, and Kazakh captain Askhat Tagybergen’s spot-kick just about dribbled over the line having almost been kept out by Karl Darlow.

If the home crowd were getting edgy with their team level at half-time, captain Ben Davies lanced the growing apprehension a minute after the interval as he headed in from Sorba Thomas’ corner to restore the hosts’ lead.

Craig Bellamy’s side were still unable to properly take control as they missed several chances, with Kazakh goalkeeper Alexandr Zarutskiy making some inspired saves.

But they at least did enough to secure victory even if the performance was lacking, as substitute Rabbi Matondo swept in his first international goal in added time from another Thomas pass.

Next up is Tuesday’s trip to North Macedonia, who started their campaign with a 3-0 win over Group J’s bottom seeds Liechtenstein.

That was North Macedonia’s sixth successive victory and, while Wales may start as slight favourites in Skopje, they will need a vast improvement on this display against Kazakhstan to make it six points from six.

Bellamy had made an excellent start to his tenure last year, unbeaten in six games and introducing an enterprising new playing style as he led Wales to promotion to the Nations League’s top tier.

His ultimate aim, however, was for Wales to not only qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but to make a more meaningful impact when they get there having meekly exited at the group stage in 2022.

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