Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has spoken about the challenges ahead as his side prepare to take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Off in Cardiff next month.
“I’ve watched a lot of their games, and I have to be impressed,” explained Bellamy in an interview with UEFA ahead of the recent Nations League draw. “It will be a tough game. Their physicality is exceptional, they’re disciplined, well coached and they’re experienced.”
Cymru hose Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday, 26 March. A victory would setup a winner-takes-all match against Italy or Northern Ireland in the capital on Tuesday, 31 March for a place at the FIFA World Cup finals that will take place in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Should Cymru make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup they will take on Switzerland, Qatar and Canada in Group B following the draw that took place last December.
Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently 71st in the FIFA World Rankings but finished runners-up in their qualifying group under head coach Sergej Barbarez to book their place in the Play-Offs. Captain Edin Džeko was a two-time Premier League with Manchester City and is the all-time leading appearance holder and goalscorer for his country.
“They have a lot of quality,” Bellamy added. “They get behind the ball very quickly. In transition, they’re exceptional. One of the better teams in Europe. They always end up with an effort on goal, so we have to be aware of that. There’s a lot of complications about the game, but there has to be. This is the play-offs to go to a World Cup, so we have to expect that.
“Can we be the best-prepared team in those two games? I look forward to these games with a lot of excitement, but I don’t lose where the focus is. It would be great to actually prepare a team for that type of tournament, but all we can do is be at our best. If someone’s better than us, then not a problem, I can take that every time. But they’re going to have to be good.”
Cymru were handed home advantage for both ties and tickets for both games are now sold out. There is no doubt that there will be an incredible atmosphere as Cymru look to make consecutive appearances at the World Cup finals for the first time in their history, while Bellamy highlighted the benefits of not having to travel for these decisive games.
“We meet up on the Sunday, and we have to play on Thursday,” he added. “We haven’t had the players in for three and a half, four months, and then we have three days to get them prepared for an incredible, big game. Not having a day to travel is really important, so I’m really grateful for that.”
The last time Cymru were in action was in November last year as they completed the qualifying campaign with a memorable 7-1 win over North Macedonia in Cardiff. Harry Wilson captained the side for the first time that night and marked the occasion with a hat-trick to continue his incredible form for club and country.
The 28-year-old has become a pivotal figure for Cymru since the retirement of Gareth Bale in 2023. After making his debut at the age of just 16 in 2013, Wilson has now scored 17 goals in 67 appearances for his country, including nine since the appointment of Bellamy in the summer of 2024.
“It’s very difficult to speak highly enough of him,” said Bellamy. “What I like about him is that his journey hasn’t been easy. He’s had a lot of ups and downs, but even when he wasn’t starting at Fulham, when he came to us, he was in good shape. You could see a real pro who looks after himself.
“That’s where it’s very important for me to judge him. We can all be in great shape and in a great mood when things are going our way, but when they’re not, what type of personality, what type of mentality, do you have? That allowed me to have the belief that he’s a strong player, and he’s proven that this season.”
Bellamy has also called on the Red Wall to play their part. “The atmosphere that we’re able to generate at home, it’s definitely going to help. The momentum can change, there can be stoppages of three or four minutes, but that’s where we need the supporters to be at their best.
“The fans, they’ve got experience in these moments. Do you know when you see those teams always at the top, always challenging? Their fans know exactly the moments when to do it, they know when they are needed, and we’re going to need them in these two games.”
