After the defeat: The captain of the Kazakhstan national team has ended his international career

Kazakhstan national football team captain Askhat Tagybergen has announced his retirement from international football, as revealed by head coach Aly Aliyev during a press conference, Adyrna reports. “Renewing the team is a gradual process. Such changes are currently happening within the squad. One of them is our captain, Askhat Tagybergen, a highly respected player, who has made a courageous decision. It’s never easy to say goodbye to the national team. Askhat made the announcement in the locker room, showing a great example by stepping aside and giving way to the younger generation. Unfortunately, we couldn’t end his final match with a victory. He bid farewell to the national team jersey in the dressing room,” said Aliyev. Tagybergen made his debut for the national team in 2014 and was appointed captain in 2021. Throughout his international career, he earned 63 caps, scored 3 goals, and provided 7 assists. It is worth noting that on June 9, Kazakhstan lost 0–1 to North Macedonia in a Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The game took place at the Astana Arena stadium in the capital.