Two teams that failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup will face each other in a friendly match on Sunday, 7 June 2026 at 00:00 WITA local time in Lombok, NTB, as Armenia host Kazakhstan.
Both teams view this fixture as a vital preparation ahead of the UEFA Nations League, which is scheduled to begin in September.
Armenia have never appeared in a World Cup and only managed one win during the qualifiers — a 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland thanks to goals from Eduard Spertsyan and Grant-Leon Ranos.
Under coach Eghishe Melikyan, the team suffered five defeats in their other qualification matches, including heavy losses of 9-1 and 5-0 against Portugal.
In fact, the win over the Republic of Ireland remains Melikyan’s only victory since replacing former Ajax coach John van ’t Schip last year.
In their most recent outing, Armenia were beaten 2-1 by Belarus in a friendly in March, with Melikyan admitting he was “disappointed with the result” and blamed it on a “lack of experience.”
Armenia have named a youthful and relatively inexperienced squad for this month’s friendlies, with only six of their 27 players having more than 20 international caps.
Kazakhstan have also never featured in a World Cup and finished fourth in their qualifying group, recording two wins against Liechtenstein and draws with North Macedonia and Belgium.
The 1-1 draw with Belgium was particularly impressive considering they had been thrashed 6-0 by the same opponents just two months earlier. Youngster Dastan Satpayev gave Kazakhstan the lead before Hans Vanaken netted the equaliser.
It should be noted that the 6-0 defeat occurred under former coach Ali Aliev, and results have improved significantly under new head coach Talgat Baysufinov, who has achieved three wins, two draws, and one defeat since taking charge.
In their last matches in March, Kazakhstan beat Namibia 2-0 and Comoros 1-0 in friendlies, with Yan Vorogovskiy, Alibek Kasym, and Ramazan Orazov all finding the net.
However, Kazakhstan have only beaten Armenia twice in eight encounters, with their last victory being a 1-0 win back in 2007.
Armenia have five players who could make their debuts, along with another five who have only one international appearance to their name.
Captain Kamo Hovhannisyan is expected to provide much-needed experience in defence, likely lining up alongside Julio Bueno, Erik Piloyan, and Nair Tiknizyan.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan are expected to rely on 17-year-old Satpayev to lead the attack.
The teenage forward has been hailed as one of the brightest footballing talents Kazakhstan has ever produced and has already agreed to join Chelsea when he turns 18 in August.
Satpayev will be supported by Hearts star Islam Chesnokov and Galymzhan Kenzhebek on the flanks, while Ramazan Orazov and Islambek Kuat are expected to start in midfield.
Armenia: Avagayan; Hovhannisyan, Bueno, Piloyan, Tiknizyan; Arutyunyan, Avanesyan; Shaghoyan, Spertsyan, Hovhannisyan; Ranos
Kazakhstan: Anarbekov; Mrynskiy, Kasym, Alip, Vorogovskiy; Orazov, Kuat; Chesnokov, Samorodov, Kenzhebek; Satpayev
Although Armenia have a stronger record against Kazakhstan, the visitors are currently in better form, and we back them to secure a win.
Predicted Score: Armenia 0-1 Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan come into this match with better momentum. Their recent wins over Namibia and Comoros during the last international break, along with evident improvement since the coaching change, show clear progress. The draw against Belgium in qualifiers also proves they can compete with stronger sides.
However, Armenia cannot be underestimated. Despite inconsistent form and dependence on young players, they still possess quality individuals like Eduard Spertsyan and Grant-Leon Ranos who can make a difference up front. Playing at home also provides a significant psychological advantage.
One factor that makes this match hard to predict is the nature of friendly games. Both coaches are likely to test new combinations ahead of the UEFA Nations League, which could lead to fluctuating tempo throughout the match.
Kazakhstan may appear slightly more tactically organised at present, especially with players such as Ramazan Orazov, Islambek Kuat, and Dastan Satpayev. Yet, Armenia’s individual brilliance gives them a chance to capitalise on opportunities in front of their fans.
Considering the relatively balanced strength of both teams at the moment, a draw seems to be the most reasonable outcome. Kazakhstan have the momentum, while Armenia have home advantage and creative players capable of scoring.
TribunLombok Score Prediction: Armenia 1-1 Kazakhstan
