Wales player ratings vs Kazakhstan: Cardiff City breakout star shines in narrow win

Wales continued their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with an important 1-0 away win to Kazakhstan.

Kieffer Moore opened the scoring in the 24th minute from close range following a dangerous free-kick delivery from Harry Wilson.

The goal was enough to see Craig Bellamy’s side secure all three points following their 3,000-mile trip to Astana, sitting top of Group J with 10 points.

Wales player ratings vs Kazakhstan

Karl Darlow – 6

A quiet night for the shot stopper who only had to make one save despite nearly being beaten by a long-range strike that struck the crossbar followed by the final kick of the game also hitting the upright.

Chris Mepham – 7

On his 50th senior cap for Wales, Mepham was tasked with providing experience alongside a debutant partner. He rose to the challenge, making several crucial blocks and tackles to deny the hosts.

Neco Williams – 5

It was far from Williams’ best outing in a Wales shirt, as he was kept busy with much of the play directed down his flank. He was wasteful in possession at times, and the right side of Bellamy’s team struggled to make a meaningful impact.

Ben Davies (C) – 7

The captain played a key role in helping the side secure an important clean sheet, stepping up in a defence missing the experience of Joe Rodon due to injury.

Dylan Lawlor – 8

The Cardiff City defender capped his sensational rise in recent months by earning his first senior international appearance. At just 19, he looked composed in possession and handled defensive pressure well, despite the hosts persistently targeting his flank.

Josh Sheehan – 6

Sheehan done well in helping the side build up attacking scenarios and held possession well but did find himself on the wrong side of the ball during transition with Kazakhstan looking to counter quickly.

Liam Cullen – 5

Cullen linked up well with Sorba Thomas during stages of the game but failed to make a major impact in midfield before being replaced.

Brennan Johnson – 3

Johnson often opted for the safe pass rather than backing himself to take on his man, even in moments where he had the chance. It would be encouraging to see him show more initiative and try to unlock a stubborn home defence.

Kieffer Moore – 7

Moore, earning his 50th cap for Wales, marked the occasion in style. Having made a strong start to life in the North with Wrexham, he opened the scoring with his 15th international goal.

Harry Wilson – 7

Always a consistent threat under the new regime, Wilson’s set-piece delivery helped the side open the scoring, though he appeared frustrated at times as the team struggled to regularly break down the home defence.

Sorba Thomas – 7

The Stoke attacker continues to shine under Bellamy, establishing himself as one of the side’s most consistent attacking threats. Unlike Johnson, he backed himself to take on his defender and delivered a number of dangerous balls into the box.

Dan James – 6

Coming on as a second-half substitute for Wales, James was more direct and industrious than Johnson, though he struggled to deliver a clinical final ball in attack.

Mark Harris – 5

A second half change for Wales who failed to have a major impact. Harris continues to search for his first senior goal having now made 12 appearances.

David Brooks – 6

Brooks came on in the final 15 minutes and proved a significant attacking threat, looking to seal the game as Wales searched for a second goal.

Jordan James – 5

Despite surprisingly missing out on the starting XI in Astana, James contributed to Wales’ hard-fought victory, coming on in the final 15 minutes to help secure the three points.

Ben Cabango – 5

A late change for Wales in the aim of helping them get over the line in the final moments. His mistimed challenge put them under pressure late on but luckily was not punished.