Wales predicted XI vs Kazakhstan as Oxford United and Swansea City duo lead attack

Wales begin their 2026 World Cup Qualifying campaign on Saturday night as they face Kazakhstan for the first time ever at The Cardiff City Stadium.

The 26-man squad selected by Craig Bellamy includes youngster Kai Andrews for the first time alongside the return of Rangers midfielder Tom Lawerence who’s last Wales involvement came in 2021. Cardiff City captain Aaron Ramsey misses out on yet another camp having undergone hamstring surgery that has ruled him out of the remainder of the Championship clubs campaign.

Here is the look at the potential starting 11 that could be fielded as Bellamy aims to maintain his unbeaten start as Cymru head coach and qualify for a major competition for the first time.

Danny Ward

Nearing 50 caps for Wales Ward is now in competition with Karl Darlow to claim the number one jersey on route to a potential World Cup in America next summer. The two shot stoppers will both be eager to impress over the campaign with Darlow looking to feature at a major international tournament for the first time in his career.

Connor Roberts

Roberts will be looking to get his international career back up to speed having suffered an injury during the last camp away in Turkey leaving him with a lack of minutes.

Joe Rodon

Rodon has become an integral part at both club and international level with solid defensive performances over the last few months. Wales will need him at his best over this campaign to reach their goal of qualification.

Ben Davies (C)

Nearing the 100 cap mark in a Wales shirt Davies is likely to lead the side yet again in the absence of Ramsey and is ‘excited’ at the prospect of putting right the wrongs of the nations World Cup performance in Qatar.

Neco Williams

Having a strong season with Premier League highfliers Nottingham Forest Williams will be full of confidence heading into another Wales camp and a crack at another World Cup qualification.

Joe Allen

The Swansea City legend may be needed in a midfield thats lacking major experience due to the absence of Ramsey and Leeds United midfielder Ethan Ampadu due to long term injuries.

Jordan James

At just 20 years of age the Stade Rennais midfielder is one of a number of youngsters in this Wales squad picking up regular caps and could join veteran Allen in midfield on Saturday night.

Daniel James

Having been a standout player for Leeds United this campaign James will look to put the agonising penalty miss against Poland behind him and help Wales reach a major competition once again.

Brennan Johnson

Johnson registered a goal and assist last time out for Wales helping them defeat Iceland 4-1 in Cardiff and claim top spot in the UEFA Nations League group. He will be aiming to be an integral cog in Bellamy’s system in their bid for a World Cup place.

Liam Cullen

A sensational performance from Cullen last time out scoring twice and assisting Johnson has really helped his case to be selected again against Kazakhstan. He has the difficult task of competing with the likes of Ollie Cooper and David Brooks for that more advanced midfield role.

Mark Harris

The Oxford United forward has featured heavily as the front man for Wales since the arrival of Bellamy and could be in line for his tenth start as he looks for his first international goal.