Cymru kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, delivering an impressive performance that demonstrated both resilience and attacking strength.
Cymru made a strong start, taking the lead in the 9th minute. Daniel James capitalised on a defensive mistake by Kazakhstan, scoring to give the hosts an early advantage. The visitors responded in the 32nd minute with a penalty converted by Askhat Tagybergen, awarded after Connor Roberts handled the ball in the area.
Just after the break, Cymru regained the lead when Ben Davies headed home from a corner, marking his third international goal in 93 appearances. The match was sealed in stoppage time when substitute Rabbi Matondo netted his first international goal following a well-executed team move, ensuring a 3-1 win for Cymru.
Despite the positive result, manager Craig Bellamy pointed out areas for improvement. He highlighted the need for greater composure and patience when facing defensively organised teams and stressed the importance of maintaining control to avoid counterattacks. While the win was crucial, Bellamy acknowledged that there was still much to work on as the qualifiers progress.
Key performances came from Daniel James, whose early goal set the tone for Cymru, and Ben Davies, whose header proved vital in restoring the lead. Matondo’s goal was a particular highlight, marking a triumphant return to the national team after a difficult season and a loan spell at Hannover 96. His performance showcased his potential impact on the squad.
The match also saw the return of Tom Lawrence to the national squad after a four-year absence. Lawrence expressed his joy at rejoining the team, acknowledging the challenges he had faced in recent years and the support he had received from Bellamy.
Cymru will now turn their attention to Tuesday’s qualifier against North Macedonia at the Philip II Arena in Skopje. North Macedonia come into the match in excellent form, having won their last six matches, including a 1-0 victory over the Faroe Islands in November 2024. Cymru, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in their last seven matches, including a commanding 4-1 win over Iceland.
This will be the first competitive meeting between Cymru and North Macedonia, with both teams eager to assert dominance in Group J. The match promises to be a closely contested fixture as both sides aim to continue their strong starts in the World Cup qualifiers.
Cymru’s victory over Kazakhstan has provided a solid foundation for their qualifying journey. The team’s performance, marked by contributions from both seasoned players and returning talents, reflects a blend of experience and renewed energy. As they prepare for the challenge of North Macedonia, maintaining focus and building on recent successes will be crucial in their quest for World Cup qualification.
