Wales vs Kazakhstan LIVE: Score and updates from opening World Cup 2026 qualifier

31 mins: It is a penalty!

Kazakhstan have a great chance to get themselves on level terms here…

30 mins: Islam Chesnokov brings the ball forward and takes it to the edge of the box.

He looks for a cross which Connor Roberts blocks. The ball strikes his left hand which is slightly away from the body.

VAR is going to check it after the referee points to the spot…

28 mins: James releases Brooks with a one touch pass and the attacking midfielder breaks into the box.

He squares the pass towards Sorba Thomas but underhits it and the defenders get back to clear their lines.

27 mins: All bar two of the Kazakhstan squad are fasting due to ramadan.

That has to have an effect on their energy levels which may explain why Wales look sharper and quicker.

Samorodov picks up the ball on the left. He dribbles forward and whips in a cross.

The inital ball is dealt with but the visitors recycle it to the far post where Connor Roberts nods it behind.

24 mins: Wales are slowing the tempo right down when their defenders have the ball and then they try to inject some pace in and around the final third.

Smart play from Craig Bellamy’s men.

21 mins: The tackle on Dan James was pretty ferocious but first contact, which is minimal, came outside the box anyway.

James is causing some trouble to the Kazak defence though.

18 mins: Wales are in control. Kazakhstan are reluctant to come too far out of their own half to press the ball.

At 1-0 they are still in the match so they’ll want to settle down and keep Wales at bay.

Dan James weaves his way into the box and gets brought down but the referee waves away the penalty appeal.

15 mins: Kazakhstan are playing in a 5-4-1 formation making it tough to find space inside the box.

Wales’ goal will free the shackles though and another would completely settle the nerves.

Joe Rodon heads wide from a corner after the hosts catch the visitors dallying to set up.

12 mins: Wales have plenty of confidence now. The fans are enjoying themselves and the hosts are camped inside the final third.

James takes another shot which is blocked before Brennan Johnson is sent forward on the left.

He dances inside and shoots but the ball is nudged out for a corner.

A short corner is passed to Connor Roberts who sends it to Dan James.

James gives it to David Brooks but he is tackled inside the box.

Liam Cullen is quick to challenge and pokes it to James who shoots and sees his deflected shot land in the back of the net!