Craig Bellamy’s ‘unrealistic’ goal? Make Wales a top international team

That’s the real question Bellamy has been pondering. Everything about this Nations League campaign has been geared towards the ultimate goal of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

The qualifying draw will take place in Switzerland on December 13 and Wales will be among the runners-up.

The 12 group winners will automatically qualify, while the 12 runners-up will enter the play-offs along with the four highest-placed Nations League group winners who have not automatically qualified.

Since the group winners in League A, such as Spain, Germany and France, will almost certainly qualify automatically and will not require a play-off, those Nations League places are likely to go to the winners of League B, of which Wales is one.

So even if Bellamy’s team fail to finish in the top two of their World Cup qualifying group, they are close to being guaranteed a place in the play-offs.

He is a precious back-up option, who has helped Wales in the past, but Bellamy will aim to qualify automatically.

When the draw is made next month, some of Europe’s superpowers could be lurking in pot one, and Bellamy believes games like last Saturday’s draw in Turkey in an intimidating atmosphere will equip his players with the kind of experience they they will need. thrive against tough opponents next year.

“You’ll be stressed when it’s hot, but that will give us more of a say against this type of equipment in the future,” he says.

“This is the type of football team I want us to be, no matter where we go, no matter who the opponent is, we have a big say in the games.”