Welsh Fans Embrace Unique Journey to Kazakhstan for World Cup Qualifier
Some fans have taken to horse riding, while others have indulged in horse dishes prepared in four different ways.
For even the most experienced 'Wales Away' supporters, Kazakhstan presents a uniquely different experience.
When the draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in Europe was announced, Welsh fans collectively sighed at the prospect of facing Belgium for the 11th time in 13 years.
However, the campaign also marks a first trip to Kazakhstan, introducing new rivals and requiring a 7,000-mile round trip—the longest distance Wales' men have ever traveled for a qualifier.
"We’ve been waiting a long time to come here," said Gwilym Boore, a dedicated fan for three decades, as he enjoyed the Astana sunshine. "Some are exploring other options, but our journey continues to Almaty, which is said to be quite different from Astana. Afterward, we plan to visit Uzbekistan, including Tashkent. We hope to catch the final of the Central Asian Republic tournament currently underway, and then we’ll head to Bukhara, Khiva, and Samarkand. There’s a lot of travel ahead, and we haven’t fully decided how we’ll get around—whether by train, flight, or car."
Boore is among over 1,000 Welsh fans who have made the long trek to Astana.
Kazakhstan is a vast nation, ranking as the ninth largest in the world by land area and straddling two continents.
Astana, the capital city since 1997, is a strikingly modern yet somewhat impersonal concrete metropolis.
While this may be the farthest Wales' team has traveled for a qualifying match, the distance has only heightened the allure of the trip for the Red Wall supporters.
"It’s just been absolutely amazing," shared Amanda Jones. "Traveling from mid-Wales, we stayed overnight in Bristol, took an early flight to Istanbul, spent four hours there, and finally arrived in the early hours of Monday morning. The locals have been incredibly welcoming. From the moment we arrived, we’ve felt embraced by the community. The bucket hats have sparked interest, and people have stopped to chat. This experience embodies what it means to be part of the Red Wall: connecting with others, visiting unexpected places, and supporting the team. It’s fantastic!"
Getting to Kazakhstan by plane is already a challenge, but John McAllister has opted for a more adventurous route, traveling overland for the past five weeks.
"I’ve journeyed through about 12 countries, crossing Western Europe, the Balkans, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and into Turkey," he explained. "I thought Kazakhstan would be the most remote and exotic location for a qualification match. It seemed like the perfect opportunity for a bit of an adventure. The popular show 'Race Across the World' certainly inspired me to take on this challenge."
Despite his culinary experiences not matching those of other countries he visited, McAllister has enjoyed his time in Kazakhstan. "The food everywhere has been phenomenal—Turkish and Georgian cuisines are exceptional. However, I had a rather unusual dinner in Kazakhstan that I can only describe as 'horse four ways.' There were various preparations, including some sliced, some in chunks, and even a dish I can only liken to a horse lollipop. Let’s just say I won’t be having that again!"
Horse lollipops are unlikely to be on the menu for Craig Bellamy and his players this week. Unlike the sightseeing enjoyed by the Red Wall, the players will focus solely on their match preparations.
As is typical for international footballers, aside from a brief pre-match stroll, the team will only experience a hotel, stadium, and airport during their stay in Kazakhstan.
With their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance, the team's primary focus is on securing a victory on Thursday, leaving the tourism to their loyal supporters, who are more than willing to explore.
"It’s impressive that we’ve brought such a large number of fans," McAllister noted. "It reflects our dedication as a football nation. We support our team and travel well. Everywhere we go, the locals welcome us warmly. We don’t cause trouble, so there’s a genuine enthusiasm for our presence here."
The warm reception from locals in Astana has been a consistent theme among Welsh supporters. "We went horseback riding in a national park three hours away, which was a fantastic experience," said Dave Fornell. "There are many ways to enjoy horses in Kazakhstan, just as there are various ways to experience Wales away trips."