Craig Bellamy has reignited his feud with Canada manager Jesse Marsch after the two nations were drawn in the same World Cup qualifying group. Bellamy, the Wales head coach, took issue with Marsch and his staff celebrating before the final whistle in Canada's 1-0 friendly victory in Swansea in September.
Bellamy responded to the premature celebrations by saying: 'I hope I see you at the World Cup.' Marsch later accused Bellamy of 'ridiculousness', claiming his comments were a distraction from the defeat. The two nations were then paired together in Friday's World Cup draw, should Wales progress through the playoffs in March, and would face each other in the Group B opener in Toronto on 12 June 2026.
Reflecting on a potential reunion, Bellamy said: 'We've got to get there first but, if that is the case, then we'll definitely have a nice conversation before that. I've got nothing against that guy, by the way, I think he's got something against the world. There's a part of me that really likes him from afar without really knowing him.'
Bellamy criticised the nature of Canada's celebrations, stating: 'All those wind me up, I've got to be honest, they all do. Be respectful. It's not about the opposition, that's part of the game I see through. It's maybe more for TikTok or Instagram. I'm not a dinosaur, trust me. I'm not like old-fashioned, but there's a level of respect.'
Wales host Bosnia and Herzegovina in their playoff semi-final in Cardiff on 26 March. Victory would see them play Italy or Northern Ireland at home five days later for a place at the World Cup. Bellamy emphasised the importance of focusing on the immediate challenge, saying: 'You don't want to get too far ahead. My whole psyche goes back to Bosnia. Bosnia is the most important.'
