Nations League: Unbeaten Wales eye World Cup thanks to belief in Craig Bellamy
Published 20 November 2024
Wales' players believe they will get better and better under Craig Bellamy as they look to take Nations League momentum towards the World Cup.
A 4-1 win over Iceland in Cardiff - coupled with Turkey's defeat in Montenegro - sealed Wales' promotion to League A as group winners.
That outcome also gives Wales a chance of securing a 2026 World Cup play-off place - if needed - regardless of how they fare in next year's qualifying campaign.
But with the victory making it six unbeaten under Bellamy since he replaced Rob Page in July, the Wales dressing room is mirroring the mindset of their head coach by aiming beyond second chances.
"That's the dream, we all want to make the World Cup," said Swansea City striker Liam Cullen, who scored Wales' first two goals against Iceland, his first for his country.
"I don't think there was a better way than this to start off the manager's reign and hopefully we can take it into the qualifiers. We can go into that campaign full of confidence."
Wales will be seeded second in the World Cup qualifying draw that will take place on 13 December.
As group winners - and having avoided Nations League play-offs - they are likely to be in a five-team group that starts in March.
"It is going to be a long wait, but we'll be ready," said defender Ben Cabango, also of Swansea.
"We have shown by going to places like Turkey where it was hostile [and Wales drew 0-0] that we have the togetherness to get through tough spells.
"And then you have nights like this one where the performance is brilliant and it makes you feel like you're progressing all the time.
"It's not just going unbeaten, it's the way we've played and we feel we're getting better with each game. As long as he (Bellamy) is here and we keep working hard, we'll keep improving."