Kazakhstan vs Wales preview: 3/1, 11/4 and 7/2 tips for 2026 World Cup qualifier
Wales travel to Kazakhstan for a must-win clash in their latest 2026 World Cup qualifiers in a 3 pm BST kick-off on Thursday afternoon.
Football writer Steve Day picks out 3/1, 11/4, and 7/2 bets for the match.
The tension is mounting in Group J of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the UEFA section, as second-placed Wales travel to group underdogs Kazakhstan, knowing anything but a win could terminally damage their qualification hopes.
Wales have picked up 7 points from a possible 12 after four group matches. North Macedonia top the group on 8 points from 4 games played, with Belgium sitting in 3rd on 4 points, having only played 2 matches so far.
The previous meeting between these two sides saw Wales come away with a 3-1 win, but it was far from convincing. The Dragons had gone 1-0 up within the first 10 minutes through Daniel James, but Kazakhstan equalised through an Ashat Tagybergen penalty in the 32nd minute.
A goal from the unlikely source of Ben Davies just after half-time restored the lead for Craig Bellamy's men, before a Rabbi Matondo goal in injury-time sealed the win. The game was characterised by Kazakhstan's determination to put men behind the ball and rely on the counter-attack. It is likely to be the same in this return fixture.
The Welsh side heads into this game with some big names being forced to withdraw from the initial squad after it was announced. Danny Ward, Joe Rodon, Jay Dasilva, Rubin Colwill, and Nathan Broadhead join the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Connor Roberts on the injury list.
Those withdrawals have given potential opportunities to several new faces, including Tom King, Rhys Norrington-Davies, and Joel Colwill, who have been called up as late replacements. There are also a few youngsters aiming to earn their first cap for their country, such as Dylan Lawlor, Ronan Kpakio, and Kai Andrews.
This remains a Wales squad packed with talent, though. Experienced Premier League players such as Karl Darlow, Ben Davies, Neco Williams, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, and Brennan Johnson are all fit and ready to go.
It's worth noting that Kazakhstan boast a few faces that have recently haunted British football. Temirlan Anarbekov, Damir Kasabulat, and Dastan Satpaev were part of the Kairat squad that eliminated Celtic from the UEFA Champions League this season.
One thing Wales have become associated with since Bellamy took charge of the national team is an ability to score goals. The team has scored 14 goals in their last 5 matches, scoring at least three goals in four of those matches. That includes hitting the net three times away against group favourites Belgium.
However, there is a sense of vulnerability in the spine of this Wales squad with Rodon and Ampadu both missing. Bellamy is likely to need to shuffle things at the back and in the middle of the park to add some stability. That comes with its risks.
Backing Wales to win and both teams to score at 3/1 looks like a tempting option. It's also sure to be a game where the pace of the Wales attack off the ball will be the way they break down a packed Kazakhstan back-line that will adopt a low block. Brennan Johnson to score anytime at 5/2 is a great price.
If you're looking at your bet builders, then it's worth noting that Harry Wilson is a player you'll want to consider, having scored 8 goals and grabbed 5 assists in his last 15 Wales games. He is 11/4 to score anytime and 9/2 to get an assist in this game. Sorba Thomas is another player to watch, having bagged two assists in the 3-1 win over Kazakhstan, and he is listed at 7/2 to get an assist here.
1pt - Wales to win and BTTS - 3/1 (PricedUp)
0.5pt - Harry Wilson to score anytime - 11/4 (Paddy Power)
0.5pt - Sorba Thomas to get over 0.5 assists - 7/2 (Boylesports)
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
Steve Day is a seasoned content writer and editor for Odds Now, with over 15 years of experience in the sports betting industry.
Steve has written for a number of high-profile sites, including Football League World, Punters Lounge, and Cricket365.
His main area of expertise is football betting, where his understanding of the game and betting markets has enabled him to provide expert tips and analysis over the years. He also dips his toes into other sports including horse racing, cricket, and ice hockey.
Steve is a lifelong Cardiff City FC fan and is a follower of the Wales national football team. He can often be found taking in Glamorgan Cricket Club matches at Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Devils ice hockey matches at the Vindico Arena.
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