PARIS (France): Wales kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan on Saturday, while Erling Haaland starred in Norway’s dominant 5-0 win over Moldova.
Wales, aiming for a second consecutive World Cup appearance after Qatar 2022, took control early in Cardiff.
Daniel James opened the scoring with a deflected shot in the 9th minute.
Kazakhstan equalised from the penalty spot through Askhat Tagybergen after a handball by Connor Roberts.
However, Wales regained the lead early in the second half when captain Ben Davies scored a header. Rabbi Matondo sealed the win late on, ensuring a solid start to their qualification hopes.
In Group I, Norway easily defeated Moldova. Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson gave Norway the lead, and Haaland extended it with a goal from an Andreas Schjelderup assist.
Haaland, with 39 goals in 40 appearances, added another to his tally before Thelo Aasgaard and Alexander Sorloth completed the rout. Substitute Aron Donnum added a fifth.
Norway, who haven’t qualified for a major tournament since 2000, are aiming for their first World Cup since 1998. Czech Republic edged the Faroe Islands 2-1 with a late double from Patrik Schick. In Group L, Montenegro beat Gibraltar 3-1. – AFP
