Belgium failed to book their spot at the 2026 World Cup after being held to a 1-1 draw against Kazakhstan in Astana.

Kazakhstan goalkeeper Temirlan Anarbekov produced a brilliant display at Astana Arena, making eight saves in the qualifier after Hans Vanaken cancelled out Dastan Satpaev's ninth-minute opener.

Matz Sels did well to tip a curling effort from Galymzhan Kenzhebek around the post, but the hosts took the lead moments later when Satpaev ran at Koni De Winter before creating room for himself to fire a shot past the goalkeeper.

Anarbekov then sprang into action for his side. The 22-year-old denied efforts from Vanaken and Leandro Trossard before also turning Timothy Castagne's powerful effort over the bar on the stroke of half-time.

However, Belgium equalised just three minutes after the break through their captain. Vanaken made no mistake from close range as he headed Castagne's cross home with ease.

Anarbekov denied the Red Devils' skipper twice shortly after the hour mark, and Kazakhstan's chances of securing a point became slimmer when Islam Chesnokov was sent off for a foul on Jeremy Doku heading into the final 10 minutes.

Doku almost found the net in similar fashion to his goal against Liverpool, but this time his shot curled over the bar, while Anarbekov made one final save to deny Nicolas Raskin as Kazakhstan held on for a point.

Data Debrief: Belgium falter in De Bruyne's absence

Belgium were without top scorer Kevin De Bruyne, who is currently recovering from hamstring surgery, and their wastefulness in front of goal proved costly.

They produced 2.5 expected goals (xG) from 20 shots, compared to Kazakhstan's 0.34 from nine attempts, while registering 77.2% of possession.

Captain Vanaken did his best to find a winner, taking shots and accumulating 1.27 xG of his own, while Doku created a game-high eight chances and won nine of his 14 duels.

Nevertheless, Belgium, who are now unbeaten in their last 26 World Cup qualifiers, can still secure their place at next year's tournament with a win in their final match against Liechtenstein.