Wales have received a major boost for their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes, as they are set to host the play-off final should they overcome Bosnia and Herzegovina in the semi-final. The Red Dragons finished second in Group J, two points behind automatic qualifiers Belgium, and will now face Group H runners-up Bosnia at the Cardiff City Stadium in March.
If Wales progress, they will have home advantage for the final against either Italy or Northern Ireland, both of whom impressed in the group stages but missed out on top spots. The news comes as a surprise to Craig Bellamy's side, who had not expected to host the decisive match.
Bellamy, speaking after Wales' 7-1 thrashing of North Macedonia, said: 'There are tricky teams still left in it, but we'll adapt. Big congratulations to Scotland as well. I love seeing the home nations do well. That's given us more incentive. For me personally, I want to be joining them. So hopefully we can do that.'
Wales will be aiming to improve on their 2022 World Cup performance, where they finished bottom of Group B with just one point. The Republic of Ireland also have a chance to qualify, facing Czechia in their semi-final, with a potential final against Denmark or North Macedonia.
