Ethan Ampadu played at the 2022 World Cup with Wales
Published April 1, 2026 • Source: bbc.com
By Chris Wathan BBC Sport Wales
Missing out on the World Cup hurt Craig Bellamy more than he expected.
The pain will last for a little while yet, especially when watching other nations enjoy themselves on the biggest stage this summer.
The Wales head coach and fans alike have little choice but to aim for the next major finals.
That just so happens to be a home European Championships, with Wales co-hosting the 2028 tournament with England, Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
So, what needs to happen to avoid such hurt next time around? And what do Wales need to get right to make sure they don't suffer more qualifying heartbreak?
Nations League survival
Avoiding the play-offs would help.
Wales have missed out via this route in successive qualification campaigns, both times on penalties.
A favourable draw would also be welcome, though Wales would need to climb up the seedings to help with that.
Staying in Nations League A would be a huge driver in making that happen, although that will be easier said than done when they come to this autumn's games against holders Portugal, a resurgent Norway and a Denmark side who suffered their own play-off heartbreak on penalties to Czech Republic.
Learn from mistakes
The Nations League campaign - with six games in two months starting in September - will be a big early marker in how much Bellamy and his side have learned from the World Cup disappointment.
Bellamy called losing control of the semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina a "harsh lesson" and vowed not to "be in that position again".
They will have an early chance to show it in the League A test.
Possession has not been a problem but pragmatism might also be needed given the defensive dangers of going toe-to-toe with top-ranked nations.
Young players must discover a more streetwise streak if they are to build on their potential.
Wales and their coach are still developing and will have to continue to learn on the job.
Players progress at clubs
Some things will be out of Bellamy's control.
Like any international manager, how players progress at their clubs will be a key factor he can have little influence over.
With a limited number of players in the Premier League, seeing as many as possible stay in the top-flight would be handy.
Likewise, making sure squad members are playing regularly will be vital.
With a clutch of young prospects at Cardiff City - including the 20-year-old centre-back Dylan Lawlor, who Bellamy described as "outstanding" - the Welsh club's return to the Championship and continued progress under Brian Barry-Murphy would be beneficial.
Hoping Wilson chooses wisely
Having done more than most to step into the boots of talisman Gareth Bale, Harry Wilson still has time on his side.
The forward, who has scored 17 international goals, will be 31 when the Euros come around and there is no real reason why he cannot build on the brilliant form he has shown this season.
With Wilson being tipped to leave Fulham at the end of his contract this summer, Wales and Bellamy will cross fingers he picks the right club from what is expected to be a lengthy list of suitors.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney recently suggested Wilson fitted Fulham perfectly and wondered whether he would get lost at one of the Premier League's top clubs.
It would be natural for Liverpool academy graduate Wilson to want to test himself at the highest level possible, but Wales will certainly want to feel the benefit of him being a certain starter with his club side.
Where Harry heads might well be significant.
Finding new talent
The depth of Wales' player pool will always be something for the manager to contend with.
Bellamy, who has long kept an extraordinarily close eye on the talent coming up from the ranks, hasn't been afraid to turn to youth to bolster options for the present and the future.
There is hope that the likes of Kai Andrews of Coventry City and Leeds United's Charlie Crew will advance at their clubs enough to come into more serious contention between now and the next tournament.
That is without mentioning some of the promise in the levels below, such as Arsenal's Under-19 international defender Brayden Clarke and 18-year-old Manchester City full-back prospect Rhys Thomas.
While attempts to lure Tottenham's young dual-qualified pair Ashley Phillips and Mikey Moore have so far proven unsuccessful, Wales cannot be put off from continuing attempts to add to their numbers via the eligibility route.
Bellamy is said to be hands-on when it comes to talent identification and being proactive in at uncovering potential new caps can only help.
The 73,000 spectator question
The thought of an attendance similar to that at Tuesday's friendly against Northern Ireland rattling around the Principality Stadium is not an appealing one.
But, while fans and players alike have grown comfortable and content at Cardiff City Stadium, the Euro 2028 elephant in the room is that tournament home games â including the opener - will be held at the far larger home of Welsh rugby.
The notion of playing games there before the tournament has already been raised, even if it's not gone down well with supporters who recall the poor atmospheres and occasions of the past.
Bellamy's aim will not just to be part of Euro 2028 but make their mark when they play a first major finals on home soil.
So do Wales stick with the current set-up to give them the best chance of qualifying?
Or are they better off getting used to it sooner rather than later, especially when bigger gates could help bring in much-needed revenue after missing out on the World Cup?
It is a debate that needs to be had.
Leaving nothing to chance
With all that said, there is room for error when it comes to reaching the Euros.
The qualifying campaign gets under way in March 2027 with the draw held in December in Belfast.
The 12 group winners qualify automatically, as well as the eight best-ranked runners up.
There are two 'safety net' places for any of the host nations who do not qualify automatically.
But, even having broken the record of going decades without reaching a major finals, Wales' record of heartbreak means no-one will want to leave anything to chance.