Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has warned that his side must not take Kazakhstan for granted as they travel for a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Thursday, September 4, at 3pm.
Bellamy described Kazakhstan as athletic and stubborn, saying he gained a strong impression from watching their game against Cymru in Cardiff earlier in the campaign. He noted they defend deep even at home and that the upcoming trip will bring a different tempo, stressing there are no excuses in World Cup qualifying and that the trip is a test worth embracing.
He also highlighted the impact of Kazakhstan’s progress, pointing to FC Kairat’s breakthrough into the UEFA Champions League group stage after beating Celtic on penalties in the play-offs. “Don’t underestimate what that can do for their nation,” Bellamy said. “Having players exposed to Champions League-level intensity and quality will lift Kazakhstan, and we’ll see that improvement in four or five months.”
Cymru captain Aaron Ramsey has not been selected after recently returning to action with Mexican side Pumas UNAM, with Bellamy explaining that he hadn’t played enough to justify a call-up given travel demands and the hamstring issue. Ethan Ampadu and Connor Roberts are sidelined through injury, while Bellamy has also handed opportunities to several younger players, including uncapped teenagers Kai Andrews (Coventry City), Ronan Kpakio and Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), and two others, Charlie Crew and Louis Koumas.
Bellamy spoke about the need to build depth in the squad, noting there are positions where they lack serious competition. He praised Cardiff’s rising youngsters for stepping into men’s football and suggested their experiences will be crucial for the team’s development. Rubin Colwill was not picked this time, with Bellamy explaining that while he’s been impressive, the coach wants to see more consistency before calling him up, even though he’s someone Bellamy likes.
Kieffer Moore has been in good form for Wrexham and could reach 50 international appearances soon. Cymru sit second in Group J, just one point behind leaders North Macedonia, and Bellamy stressed that there is plenty of football left in the group and that the aim remains to win every remaining match.
After the Kazakhstan game, Cymru will face Canada in an International Challenge Match at the Swansea.com Stadium on Tuesday, September 9 (7.45pm). Tickets for the match are on sale now.
Summary and context
– Key road trip for Cymru as they push for World Cup qualification.
– Bellamy emphasizes respect for Kazakhstan and the importance of squad depth, with several young players stepping up.
– Ramsey’s absence and injuries to Ampadu and Roberts shape selection, while emerging talents gain valuable exposure.
– The team remains in a tight battle in Group J, with more fixtures to come and a home-friendly against Canada to follow.
Additional notes
– The inclusion of young players could accelerate the team’s development and provide a broader pool for future campaigns.
– The mix of domestic club experience and international exposure for the squad aims to strengthen Cymru’s resilience in later qualifiers.