Kazakhstan’s 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev was the hero on home soil as Kazakhstan stunned Belgium in a 1-1 draw at the Astana Arena on Saturday.
Satpayev managed to squeeze home a shot at Matz Sels’ near post in the first half to put the home side in front.
However, Group J leaders Belgium equalised early in the second half when Hans Vanaken headed in Timothy Castagne’s cross.
The draw denied Belgium the chance to wrap up the 2026 World Cup qualification with a game to spare.
Kazakhstan, who were already eliminated from qualifying, were reduced to 10 men late on when Islam Chesnokov was sent off.
Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku sent a good chance wide as Belgium pushed for the winner that would seal automatic qualification, but Kazakhstan defended well as Temirlan Anarbekov made some fine saves to keep Belgium out.
The Belgians had thrashed Kazakhstan 6-0 in their first meeting in Group J in September, and would likely have expected another comfortable.
Belgium remain top of Group J and will cement qualification with a win at home to Liechtenstein on Tuesday.
However, the result will give the chasing pack some hope with North Macedonia second, two points behind Belgium, and Wales third – they play Liechtenstein later on Saturday
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