Wales are preparing for a crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium.
Having taken the play-off route to the 2022 World Cup, they missed out on Euro 2024 at the final hurdle.
The winners will be at home to Italy or Northern Ireland five days later, for a place in this summer’s showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Wales Aim to Replicate 2022 World Cup Qualification
Wales have recent experience of navigating the play-offs, having successfully qualified for the last World Cup.
That secured their place in the finals for the first time in 64 years.
The current 26-man squad includes 12 members of the matchday 23 from when Wales beat Ukraine 1-0 in their play-off final in June 2022.
Wales can take encouragement from the knowledge that so many of their players have experience of winning these big matches.
Bellamy’s Perspective Ahead of Bosnia Clash
Craig Bellamy has won eight of his 16 games since taking charge of Wales in July 2024.
“We’ve done everything we can,” said head coach Craig Bellamy. “You always feel a lot calmer as it goes along. The more you tick off something, the more you reassure yourself.
“Imagine if you’re going into an exam and you haven’t put the work in and you’re expecting good results to happen. The players have been top and they’re used to this.”
Calmness is Key for Wales
Bellamy says it’s normal for this group of players.
“It’s just normal for this group of players. It’s ingrained in them,” said Bellamy.
“Everyone in these play-offs wants to get to the World Cup. We completely understand that and our fans will play a big part.
“Their experience in these games will play a big part, but us as coaching staff and the players, we have to be able to separate ourselves at times from it.
“We feed off it when we need to, because there will be moments where we definitely will, but let’s be clear, be calm.”
Wales know what they must do to keep their World Cup dream alive when they take on Bosnia in Cardiff.
- Wales v Bosnia-Herzegovina
- Cardiff City Stadium
- 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final
- Thursday, 26 March at 19:45 GMT
The consistency with which Wales are reaching these stages is a far cry from the barren half a century which preceded Euro 2016.
But those 58 years without being at a major tournament are beginning to fade in the rearview mirror.