Wales National Football Team Updates
The head coach Craig Bellamy of the Wales national football team has announced the inclusion of teenage talent Ronan Kpakio in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Liechtenstein and Belgium. The Cardiff City right-back, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday, has earned his place in the senior squad for the first time after participating in a training camp in Spain earlier this month.
Ronan Kpakio’s Journey
Kpakio, a product of Cardiff’s youth academy, has had limited playing time with the senior team, recording just six appearances, including his debut in the EFL Cup last August and making his first championship league start on the last day of the season.
Upcoming Matches and Squad Changes
As Bellamy gears up for the matches scheduled for June 6 at Cardiff City Stadium and June 9 in Brussels, he is also pleased to welcome back two key players: Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson. Both players missed the opening matches of the campaign due to injuries sustained in March. Ampadu, who leads the Leeds United squad, and Wilson, who plays for Fulham, are expected to bring significant experience back to the team.
However, amid these reinforcements, Wales will be without captain Aaron Ramsey, who is sidelined due to injury, and long-time midfielder Joe Allen, who recently announced his retirement.
Coach’s Perspective
Bellamy, a former player and coach at Cardiff, expressed his long-standing admiration for Kpakio, highlighting his remarkable development over recent years.
“I’ve kept an eye on him since he was young and even sought to bring him to Burnley last year,”
Bellamy stated. He believes Kpakio has immense potential, describing him as exceptionally athletic and intelligent for his age, which is particularly advantageous as Wales seeks to strengthen its right-back options.
Looking ahead, Bellamy is optimistic about having both Ampadu and Wilson in the squad. He praised Wilson’s contributions to the team and emphasized Ampadu’s unique qualities, which have been missed since his absence last September. The coach acknowledged the changes necessitated by injuries, stressing the importance of having a full roster, particularly for crucial matches against formidable opponents capable of quick transitions.
Group Status and Future Outlook
Currently, Wales ranks second in Group J following a strong start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, including a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan and a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia. North Macedonia leads the group on goal difference, while Belgium, the top-seeded team, has yet to play their first qualifier. The group winners will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the next four spots will be determined through playoffs involving runners-up and teams from the previous year’s Nations League phase. Wales appears well-positioned to secure a playoff spot if needed, having topped their Nations League group.
The upcoming squad for Wales includes a range of players, from experienced campaigners like Karl Darlow and Ben Davies to promising youngsters like Kpakio. As the team prepares for a pivotal stage in their journey toward the 2026 World Cup, they look to build on their recent successes at the club level, with several players coming off strong seasons.
