Is Wales Ready to Go All In for the 2027 World Cup?

Rhian Wilkinson's appointment as the successor to Gemma Grainger in February 2024 marks a significant moment for Welsh women's football. With a new four-year cycle ahead, Wilkinson aims for Wales to challenge for a spot at the 2027 Women's World Cup, despite facing a tough qualifying route through League B. The team is in transition following key retirements, but Wilkinson believes they can build towards success, beginning with their upcoming matches against the Czech Republic, Albania, and Montenegro.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Wales has recently been drawn into Group B1 for the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying campaign, alongside the Czech Republic, Albania, and Montenegro. With the team currently struggling, having not secured a win in their last 11 matches, the challenge ahead is daunting. Nevertheless, head coach Rhian Wilkinson has expressed confidence in her squad’s potential to rise to the occasion and believes they can aim for a place in the World Cup, despite the more immediate goal of qualifying for the next European Championship.

Key takeaways

Wales aims to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup despite being in League B.
The team will face the Czech Republic, Albania, and Montenegro in their qualifying group.
Wilkinson emphasises building experience for young players over the next four-year cycle.

Timeline: how we got here

Key milestones in the journey leading to Wales' current situation include:

December 2024: Wales qualifies for Euro 2025, marking their first major tournament appearance.
February 2024: Rhian Wilkinson appointed as head coach, succeeding Gemma Grainger.
October 2023: Wales drawn into Group B1 for World Cup qualifying.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Following the draw for the World Cup qualifying campaign, Wilkinson has outlined her belief in the team's potential, stressing the importance of bringing through younger players as they prepare for upcoming matches. The immediate focus is on analysing their group opponents, with research becoming vital for successful preparation.

What was already established

The recent retirement of key players, including Jess Fishlock, has left a gap in the team. With the absence of these seasoned players, expectations internally and externally have shifted, making the upcoming matches crucial for establishing a new foundation for Welsh women's football.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The performance of the Welsh women's team can influence public interest and support for women's sports in the UK. Success on the international stage can drive greater engagement from fans and sponsors, potentially leading to increased investment at grassroots levels.

Businesses and jobs

As the team prepares for World Cup qualifying, there may be increased opportunities for jobs within sports management, coaching, and event organisation, especially surrounding international fixtures. Local businesses could also benefit from heightened interest in women's football.

Policy and regulation

Wilkinson's leadership may prompt discussions around policy support for women's sports, encouraging further investment in women's football at all levels, particularly in light of recent successes and the visibility of the team on the international stage.

Numbers that matter

11: The number of matches Wales has gone without a win, their worst run since the 1990s.
4: The number of teams in Wales' qualifying group for the 2027 World Cup.
31: FIFA ranking of the Czech Republic, one spot ahead of Wales, ranked 32nd.
72: FIFA ranking of Albania, the lowest in Wales' qualifying group.
85: FIFA ranking of Montenegro, the highest-ranked side in pot four.

Definitions and jargon buster

FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the global governing body for football.
League B: A division in the UEFA Nations League where teams compete for qualification to major tournaments.
Play-offs: A series of matches that determine who qualifies for a tournament after the group stages.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Wales will focus on preparing for their upcoming matches, conducting research on their opponents, and potentially arranging friendly matches to regain momentum and confidence.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the qualifying matches commence in March 2026, Wales will need to concentrate on building team cohesion and performance, aiming to secure enough points to reach the play-offs.

Signals to watch

Results from friendly matches leading up to the qualifiers.
Performance in the initial group stages starting in March 2026.
Potential player selections and injuries that may impact squad depth.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on match schedules and results to gauge team performance.
Support local initiatives promoting women's football to foster community engagement.
Follow training and preparation news for insights into team dynamics.

Don’t

Underestimate the significance of the upcoming matches in shaping the team's future.
Forget to engage with women's football; increased visibility can lead to more support.
Ignore the importance of youth development as the team transitions.

Checklist

Monitor the FIFA rankings of Wales and their group opponents.
Keep track of player retirements and new inclusions in the squad.
Engage with community events related to women's football.
Check for friendly match announcements ahead of qualifiers.
Be aware of the qualifying structure and what it means for Wales' chances.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Despite Wilkinson's optimism, various factors could hinder Wales' progress, including player injuries, performance inconsistencies, and the potential strength of their opponents. The unpredictability of qualifying campaigns adds an element of uncertainty, as the team must navigate through tough group matches and potentially challenging play-offs. Additionally, the transition phase following key retirements may take time to solidify into a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level.

Bottom line

Wales faces a challenging road ahead as they aim for a place in the 2027 Women's World Cup. With Rhian Wilkinson at the helm, the team is at the beginning of a new cycle that emphasises developing young talent and building experience. The immediate focus will be on securing results in the qualifying matches ahead, setting the stage for future successes in women's football.

FAQs

What is Rhian Wilkinson's goal as Wales' head coach?

Rhian Wilkinson aims to challenge for a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup while also focusing on qualifying for the next European Championship.

Who are Wales' opponents in the World Cup qualifying group?

Wales has been drawn against the Czech Republic, Albania, and Montenegro in their World Cup qualifying group.

What challenges does Wales face in the upcoming qualifying campaign?

Wales must navigate a difficult qualifying structure in League B, needing to perform well in group matches to secure a place in the play-offs for the World Cup.