Anarbekov’s heroics for Kazakhstan delay Belgium’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Kazakhstani goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov made a series of stunning saves to deny Belgium the chance of World Cup qualification as they drew 1-1 in their Group J match at the Astana Arena on Saturday.

Belgium are still keen to win the group and book a place in next year’s tournament when they end their qualifying campaign at home to Liechtenstein on Tuesday.

The draw left it two points ahead of second-placed North Macedonia.

Belgium had to come from behind after Kazakhstan, which was down to ten men in the final eleven minutes, scored early through 17-year-old Dastan Satpayev before Hans Vanaken equalized early in the second half.

Kazakhstan stunned the Belgians with the ninth-minute goal by Satpayev, who became the youngest goalscorer for his country’s national team.

A sloppy pass from Arthur Theate allowed the teenager to reach the Belgian goal and fire into a gap left by goalkeeper Matz Sels at his near post.

That was followed by persistent Belgian pressure and a series of excellent saves from Anarbekov, who denied Vanaken, Leandro Trossard and Charles De Ketelaere in the first half.

Three minutes into the second half, captain Vanaken stole through the home defense to easily head home Timothy Castagne’s cross and level the score, with the goalkeeper having no chance to save the ball.

Jeremy Doku’s teasing dribble down the left set up another chance for Vanaken, but Anarbekov stretched to block the effort.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper came to the rescue again in the 61st minute as the ball ricocheted around the penalty area before hitting Nuraly Alip and looked like an own goal before being bundled away by the keeper.

Kazakhstan was down to ten men when Islam Chesnokov was dismissed for a trip from behind on Doku. He initially received a yellow card, but after review, Lithuanian referee Donatas Rumsas changed it to red.

Belgium thought they had won the match and secured World Cup qualification in the final minute when Nicolas Raskin had a chance in front of goal, but Anarbekov made another point-blank save to deny it.

Published on November 15, 2025