Dastan Satpayev shocked the away team when he made it 1–0 in the ninth minute. Three minutes into the second half, Belgian captain Hans Vanaken equalized to make the final score 1–1.
The point means that Belgium will be second in Group J at worst, which gives them a playoff spot in March. On Tuesday, the direct spot for the championship in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer can be secured when Belgium concludes the World Cup qualifiers at home against the last-place Liechtenstein. The group also includes North Macedonia and Wales.
England, France and Croatia are the three European national teams that have so far qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Later on Saturday, they could be joined by both Spain and Austria.
A total of 48 national football teams will be allowed to play in the Men's World Cup in the summer of 2026 – 30 places are booked:
Asia (8 direct places): Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan (debutant), South Korea, Uzbekistan (debutant), Qatar, Saudi Arabia.
Africa (9): Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Senegal.
South America (6): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay.
North and Central America and the Caribbean (6): USA, Mexico, Canada (host nations).
Oceania (1): New Zealand.
Europe (16): England, France, Croatia.
Six national teams from Asia, Africa, South America, Oceania, North and Central America and the Caribbean will compete in a playoff for two World Cup spots in March.
