Wales are just 90 minutes away from securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup finals, and head coach Craig Bellamy believes that his team has the talent to make the most of this golden opportunity. The Welsh national team's ambitions have been elevated significantly since the appointment of Bellamy, who is now tasked with leading Wales to the ultimate goal of winning the coveted tournament.
The standards of football in Wales have been raised substantially over the past nine years, ever since Gareth Bale and other world-class players left the country. Today, a talented squad can field a starting lineup composed entirely of Premier League players or their equivalents from top-flight leagues around the world. This impressive depth has made it easier for Bellamy to assemble a strong team that's capable of competing at international levels.
Bellamy's background as an assistant coach under Vincent Kompany is highly regarded, reflecting his modern coaching style that emphasizes knowledge, attention to detail, and effective use of resources. The new head coach is known to be young, energetic, and keen to bring success to Wales football, having successfully managed the team in recent years.
There has been a significant influx of investment into Welsh football over the past few years, which has greatly improved the overall quality and competitiveness of the national teams. In 2025, the FAW's chief executive took on an increasingly influential role in promoting the men's football side, ensuring that resources were allocated to produce high-quality players who can compete at international levels.
However, a recent loss to Belgium left some doubts about Wales' chances against North Macedonia in their upcoming World Cup qualifier. The team was expected to dominate possession but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. This has led many to wonder if they have what it takes to break through against the well-organized Macedonian defense.
Bellamy believes that Wales can succeed by controlling games and scoring early, rather than relying on long periods of possession dominance. He warned that his team must be wary of North Macedonia's tendency to park their bus and defend deep, but also be prepared for counter-attacks. He expressed a desire to avoid any VAR controversy, which has marred past international matches.
Ultimately, Wales' next 90 minutes will determine whether they can achieve their goal of reaching the World Cup finals in 2026. With Bellamy at the helm, his team is now more optimistic than ever about securing that spot and making history for Welsh football.
The standards of football in Wales have been raised substantially over the past nine years, ever since Gareth Bale and other world-class players left the country. Today, a talented squad can field a starting lineup composed entirely of Premier League players or their equivalents from top-flight leagues around the world. This impressive depth has made it easier for Bellamy to assemble a strong team that's capable of competing at international levels.
Bellamy's background as an assistant coach under Vincent Kompany is highly regarded, reflecting his modern coaching style that emphasizes knowledge, attention to detail, and effective use of resources. The new head coach is known to be young, energetic, and keen to bring success to Wales football, having successfully managed the team in recent years.
There has been a significant influx of investment into Welsh football over the past few years, which has greatly improved the overall quality and competitiveness of the national teams. In 2025, the FAW's chief executive took on an increasingly influential role in promoting the men's football side, ensuring that resources were allocated to produce high-quality players who can compete at international levels.
However, a recent loss to Belgium left some doubts about Wales' chances against North Macedonia in their upcoming World Cup qualifier. The team was expected to dominate possession but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities. This has led many to wonder if they have what it takes to break through against the well-organized Macedonian defense.
Bellamy believes that Wales can succeed by controlling games and scoring early, rather than relying on long periods of possession dominance. He warned that his team must be wary of North Macedonia's tendency to park their bus and defend deep, but also be prepared for counter-attacks. He expressed a desire to avoid any VAR controversy, which has marred past international matches.
Ultimately, Wales' next 90 minutes will determine whether they can achieve their goal of reaching the World Cup finals in 2026. With Bellamy at the helm, his team is now more optimistic than ever about securing that spot and making history for Welsh football.