Our 2026 FIFA World Cup dream is still alive - Former Liverpool star

FIFA World Cup Trophy | IMAGO

Our 2026 FIFA World Cup dream is still alive - Former Liverpool star

Hassan Abdulsalam 11:12 - 10.06.2025

Liverpool legend is very confident that Wales is still on track for World Cup

Wales manager Craig Bellamy remains confident that his side is still on course to qualify for the World Cup, despite slipping from the top spot in their group after a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Belgium on Monday.

The clash in Brussels was anticipated to be Wales' toughest test in Group J, and it appeared ominous early on as they conceded three goals within the opening half-hour.

However, Bellamy's resilient side mounted an impressive comeback, leveling the score at 3-3 and seemingly on course for a valuable point, before Kevin De Bruyne secured a late winner for the hosts.

What Bellamy said

Bellamy, who suffered his first defeat as Wales manager following an impressive 10-match unbeaten streak, revealed that the World Cup dream remains alive.

"To come to a top-eight team and play the way we want to play. I think the Belgian players saw it as well," he said.

Bellamy emphasised the team's commitment to their path, "We aren't going anywhere. I will have a couple of weeks now of recharging, but I'm beyond proud and really excited about the future."

Wales currently holds seven points from four matches, marking the halfway stage of their campaign in Group J. North Macedonia leads the standings with eight points, while Belgium, with four points, has only played two fixtures, indicating their strong position with games in hand.

The group winner will automatically qualify for next year’s finals in North America, while the runners-up will proceed to a playoff competition.

Wales' next challenge will be an away trip to fourth-placed Kazakhstan in September, followed by a crucial return clash with Belgium in Cardiff in October.

Wales historically reached the quarter-finals of the 1958 World Cup and did not qualify again until the most recent finals in Qatar in 2022, where they finished at the bottom of their group.

Tags: