Four years ago Wales followed a route similar to the one they are on now, qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar via the play-offs. That campaign featured a 2-1 semi-final win over Austria and a tense 1-0 play-off final victory against Ukraine, both played in Cardiff. The 2026 path remains the same: home advantage in the play-offs.
If Wales progress, it would be a landmark: the first time the nation has reached back-to-back World Cups and another sign of sustained success after Euro 2016, Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. Cardiff will also stage the opening match and five more games at Euro 2028 — strong returns for a country of around three million.
Wilson to be a difference-maker?
Wales must first get past Bosnia-Herzegovina, which will be far from straightforward. A single moment of brilliance could decide the tie, and Harry Wilson — who has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season for Fulham — looks the likeliest source. For Wales, Wilson has been prolific: in his last five games he has scored five goals and provided two assists.
With Gareth Bale no longer in the picture, Wilson has stepped up. Craig Bellamy credits his development to growing football intelligence and positional awareness. “He’s just an exceptionally good player,” Bellamy said, noting Wilson’s improved reading of the game and ability to find areas where he can hurt opponents.
Bosnia will likely use tight, physical methods to curb Wilson, so his response to close attention will matter. Bellamy’s message is patience: chances will come, and the Cardiff crowd may need to wait for a decisive moment rather than expect a rout. The match is more likely to be tight than Wales’ 7-1 win over North Macedonia suggested.
The stat that shows Bellamy’s imprint
Bellamy expects his team to dominate possession, though not to emulate the full possession profiles of City or Barcelona. Instead, he demands relentless work off the ball, and Wales now rank No.1 among European nations for winning the ball back within five seconds of losing it — a stat he’s proud of.
Over the 20 months Bellamy has been in charge he’s sought a distinct identity; quick ball recovery and high possession have become hallmarks. Wales also produced two high-quality contests with Belgium in qualifying — 4-3 away and 4-2 at home — averaging 64% possession across those games. Expect Wales to hunt the ball down quickly against Bosnia.
Ampadu given the armband
Leadership is important and Ethan Ampadu has been entrusted with the captaincy. At 25 he has captained Leeds United in the Premier League and has more than 50 Wales caps, with experience across the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A. Ampadu plays down the ceremony of the armband, saying he’d lead the same way whether he wore it or not, though he accepts he might speak to referees more.
As a calm, authoritative figure, Ampadu can be decisive in crisis moments — keeping team-mates organised and focused — and Bellamy clearly sees him as a long-term option in the leadership group alongside the likes of Ben Davies and the departed Aaron Ramsey.
Bellamy’s confidence and the next step
Bellamy has made no secret of his belief in the squad, saying Wales should be at the World Cup and suggesting the tournament would benefit from the team’s presence and passionate fans. He knows not to get ahead of himself — Bosnia comes first — but his faith in the players is evident, and he believes they are capable of competing and thriving on football’s biggest stage.