Craig Bellamy's Wales and the Republic of Ireland both exited the World Cup 2026 playoffs on penalties on Thursday night, in a dramatic evening of international football. Wales led Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0 until the 86th minute thanks to a stunning strike from Dan James, but a header from veteran striker Edin Dzeko forced extra time. The game ended 1-1, and Bosnia prevailed 4-2 in the shootout after Neco Williams and Brennan Johnson missed their spot kicks.
Ireland's fate was similarly cruel. They led the Czech Republic 2-0 through two Troy Parrott penalties, but the hosts fought back to level at 2-2 in normal time. Extra time saw no further goals, and the Czechs won 4-3 on penalties. Caoimhin Kelleher saved one Czech penalty to give Ireland a 3-2 lead, but misses from Finn Azaz and Alan Browne proved costly. Jan Kliment scored the decisive kick to send Ireland out.
Wales had taken the lead through Dan James' powerful shot from distance, but Dzeko's header from a corner in the 86th minute broke Welsh hearts. In the shootout, goalkeeper Karl Darlow saved the first Bosnian penalty, but Williams and Johnson failed to convert for Wales. Bosnia's Alajbegovic scored the winning penalty.
For Ireland, Parrott scored twice, including a penalty, but the Czechs equalised through Ladislav Krejci and Tomas Soucek. In extra time, Sammie Szmodics was stretchered off after a clash, and Harvey Vale made his international debut. The shootout saw Kelleher save from Mojmir Chytil, but misses from Azaz and Browne ended Ireland's hopes of reaching a first World Cup since 2002.
Both Wales and Ireland will now reflect on missed opportunities, with Wales having led until late in normal time and Ireland having held a two-goal advantage. The defeats mean both nations will miss the 2026 World Cup, extending their absences from the tournament.
