With just two games left in UEFA qualifying, Craig Bellamy is staring down the most critical stretch of his managerial career. The 45-year-old former Wales captain, who took over as head coach in summer 2024 after Rob Page’s departure, has the Cymru national team within striking distance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup—but only if they win their final two matches. Wales sit third in Group J, four points behind leaders Belgium, and must defeat Liechtenstein on November 17 in Vaduz and then North Macedonia on November 20 at Cardiff City Stadium to guarantee automatic qualification. The stakes? Nothing less than a return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2022.
A Touchline Ban and a New Captain
Bellamy won’t be on the touchline for the Liechtenstein match. He’s serving a one-game suspension after his second yellow card in the October loss to Belgium. That duty falls to assistant Piet Cremers, a quiet but steady presence who’s been with Bellamy since his days at Anderlecht. Meanwhile, the captain’s armband has passed to Ethan Ampadu, the 24-year-old midfielder with 58 caps. Bellamy didn’t hesitate: ‘I didn’t give it a second thought. Look at how many caps he has, how many games he’s played. He’s not your normal 25-year-old, he’s a smart human being.’ Ampadu’s leadership comes at a crucial time—Ben Davies is sidelined with injury, and Harry Wilson is suspended.
The Liechtenstein Math: Win by Six or Else
Here’s the brutal arithmetic: Wales must beat winless Liechtenstein by six or more goals to have any chance of securing second place with just a draw against North Macedonia. That’s not just a challenge—it’s a psychological test. Liechtenstein have conceded 23 goals in eight games and haven’t earned a point. But they’re not pushovers. They’ve shown grit in tight matches, and their home advantage in Vaduz, where the pitch is narrow and the crowd is deafening, makes them dangerous. Bellamy knows the pressure: ‘We can’t afford to look past them. One slip, and we’re in the play-offs.’
Cardiff City: The Secret Weapon
One of Bellamy’s most overlooked successes? The pipeline from Cardiff City. Four players from the Championship side are in the squad, and Bellamy credits manager Brian Barry-Murphy for building a style that mirrors the national team’s. ‘It’s a dream for me, I have to be honest,’ Bellamy said. ‘He’s benefiting us as a national team.’ Barry-Murphy’s side regularly fields six or seven Welsh players—a rarity in the modern game. That continuity, that shared language on the pitch, is giving Wales a tactical edge. It’s not just about talent; it’s about cohesion.
Why the Celtic Links Don’t Distract
Let’s be real—Celtic’s vacant manager’s job has been a topic in every Scottish paper since the summer. Bellamy, who played for the Scottish giants in 2005 and won the Scottish Cup, is a natural fit. But he shuts it down fast: ‘I definitely understand the links, but to me I love what I’m doing at this present moment, I’m completely focused on what’s to come.’ He’s not being polite. He’s being honest. Bellamy grew up in Cardiff, captained Wales for four years, and still gets emotional talking about the national anthem. ‘I’m a real proud Welshman,’ he said. ‘I don’t believe anyone’s as proud of being Welsh as me.’ That pride isn’t performative—it’s the engine driving this campaign.
Losses as Lessons, Not Failures
Wales lost to England and Belgium in October. The scores were heavy. The criticism was loud. But Bellamy sees it differently. ‘It was nice watching the last games back to have an understanding of where we are and maybe what we can get to. I will not apologise for trying to play the best teams.’ He’s right. You don’t improve by playing the easiest opponents. The 7-1 demolition of North Macedonia last year? That was the blueprint. Now, they need to replicate it—just with more discipline and less chaos.
What Happens If They Don’t Qualify?
If Wales finish third, they’ll enter the March 2025 play-offs, likely via their Nations League performance. But Bellamy isn’t thinking about Plan B. He’s already talking about Euro 2028. ‘This is a massive project,’ he said. ‘We’re not just chasing one tournament. We’re building something that lasts.’ He’s brought in youth—19-year-old striker Kieran Phillips has been called up—and he’s not afraid to rotate. The future isn’t just in Cardiff’s academy. It’s in the minds of players like Ampadu, who’ve learned from the old guard and are now leading the new one.
The Discipline Tightrope
Wales have six players on one yellow card heading into the North Macedonia game. One more booking, and they’re suspended. That’s not just a tactical headache—it’s a nightmare. Aaron Ramsey, the 33-year-old veteran, remains out due to injury and family matters. Bellamy’s tone when speaking of him was soft: ‘He’s an incredible person and incredible player for our country, and we need to let him be him for this period.’ There’s no pressure. Just understanding. That’s the culture Bellamy is building.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Wales need to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup?
Wales must win both their final two matches: against Liechtenstein on November 17 and North Macedonia on November 20. If they win both, they’ll finish second in Group J behind Belgium and qualify directly. Alternatively, if they beat Liechtenstein by six or more goals, a draw against North Macedonia will be enough to leapfrog Belgium on goal difference.
Why is Craig Bellamy banned for the Liechtenstein match?
Bellamy received his second yellow card in the October 2024 match against Belgium, triggering an automatic one-match touchline ban under UEFA rules. He’ll watch from the stands, with assistant Piet Cremers taking charge of tactical instructions on the sideline.
How has Cardiff City helped Wales’ national team?
Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy’s playing style—emphasizing possession, pressing, and youth development—aligns perfectly with Bellamy’s philosophy. The club regularly fields six or seven Welsh players, creating a ready-made core for the national team. This continuity means players understand each other’s tendencies, reducing the learning curve during international windows.
Is Craig Bellamy leaving for Celtic?
Despite speculation linking him to the vacant Celtic job, Bellamy has repeatedly stated he’s fully committed to Wales. His emotional ties to the country, his pride in being Welsh, and his belief in the long-term project he’s building make a move unlikely. He’s focused on the World Cup—and beyond.
What’s at stake for Wales beyond the World Cup?
Even if Wales miss out on 2026, Bellamy has already signaled his intent to build for Euro 2028. With young talent emerging from Cardiff and other Welsh clubs, and a cohesive playing identity taking shape, this squad is being molded into a consistent international force—not just a one-tournament wonder.
Who is leading Wales in the absence of Ben Davies and Harry Wilson?
Ethan Ampadu, the 24-year-old midfielder with 58 caps, has been named captain. His leadership, composure, and experience make him the natural choice. With Wilson suspended and Davies injured, Ampadu’s role extends beyond the pitch—he’s now the voice of the team in the locker room and during matches.