Shakhter dominates 2026 Kazakhstan First League with flawless six-match streak
The 2026 Kazakhstan First League is proving to be one of the most unpredictable seasons yet. After six rounds, Shakhter leads the table with a flawless record, while several teams battle for promotion spots.
Shakhter from Karagandy Region remains the clear front-runner, sitting atop the table with 16 points. The team has scored 22 goals without conceding a single one in six matches. Their dominance sets them apart as the only side with a perfect record so far.
Kairat-Zhas from Almaty holds second place with 14 points after a convincing 3–1 away victory over Ontustik Academy. Meanwhile, Taraz, the 1996 national champions, are pushing hard for a Premier League return and currently occupy third place with 12 points. Khan-Tengri, a privately funded Almaty project, secured a narrow 1–0 away win against Arys, keeping their promotion hopes alive. Kaspiy M from Aktau also made a strong statement, crushing Elimai M 4–0 on the road with a standout performance from their young squad. Elsewhere, Astana M, the capital’s youth team, pulled off an impressive 2–1 away win over Tobol M. Turan Turkestan, however, suffered a 2–0 defeat to Taraz in a regional derby, leaving them in fourth place. Zhayyk Uralsk, another new private club, edged past Ekibastuz 1–0 away, helping Pavlodar consolidate their mid-table standing.
The top two teams at the end of the season will earn direct promotion to the Kazakhstan Premier League. With Shakhter leading and several clubs still in contention, the race for the second spot remains wide open. The competition’s unpredictability ensures a thrilling finish in the coming months.
