Wales hope to build on their run to the last 16 of Euro 2020
(Getty Images)
Wales are revealing their 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup this evening ahead of their first appearance in the tournament since 1958. The Welsh find themselves in Group B with USA, Iran and neighbours England, and will hope to repeat their feat of progressing to the knockout rounds in both of the past two European Championships.
Tylorstown Welfare Hall has been chosen as the understated venue for this announcement. Tylorstown is situated in the Rhondda Valley between Cardiff and Swansea and is the hometown of manager Robert Page, who has chosen the location to announce Wales’ first World Cup squad in 64 years quite deliberately in an effort to show the pride in his roots to his players, the Welsh supporters and the wider football world.
The core of the Wales squad picks itself, with Wayne Hennessey likely to wear the gloves ahead of Danny Ward, Ben Davies and Joe Rodon in defence, Aaron Ramsey and Dan James adding threat from midfield, and captain Gareth Bale supplying the spark in attack. But Page has faced decisions over a number of players, including whether Joe Allen is fit enough to travel to the tournament following a hamstring injury, whether to bring 20-year-old Cardiff midfielder Rubin Colwill, and final attacking positions with QPR’s Tyler Roberts sweating on his place.
Follow all the latest news from the Wales squad annoucement below.
Wales World Cup squad announcement
At Sweden ’58, Wales advanced past the group stage by beating Hungary 2-1 in a play-off, having finished level on points with the Magyars, before going down 1-0 to eventual winners Brazil in the quarter-finals as a 17-year-old Pele burst on to the world stage. In Qatar, there is no reason why the 2022 version of the Welsh side can’t match their predecessors and reach the knockouts as they try to navigate a group containing Iran, USA and fierce rivals England.
Lawrence Ostlere9 November 2022 16:42
Wales World Cup squad announcement
Not since 1958 have Wales played at a World Cup. As comedian and Welsh football fanatic Elis James will tell you, that was so long ago it was before the invention of the duvet… But 64 years on, a new generation finally have the chance to replicate the exploits of John Charles, Ivor Allchurch, Cliff Jones and co.
Lawrence Ostlere9 November 2022 16:34
Wales World Cup news live
Robert Page will be doing the squad unveiling in his hometown of Tylorstown, with the announcement being shown live in Wales, naturally.
The head coach will be doing a Q&A with the audience as well, who have paid for tickets to enable proceeds to go towards repairing Welfare Hall after flood damage.
It’s a huge day for the nation, who hadn’t qualified since 1958 before this year.
Wales manager Robert Page (Zac Goodwin/PA)
(PA Wire)
Karl Matchett9 November 2022 16:30
Wales World Cup news live
We are around three hours from knowing the Welsh squad to head to Qatar.
A few of the names, of course, we can pretty much guarantee are going to be there: Gareth Bale, Wayne Hennessey and Chris Gunter all have over a century of caps for the Dragons already and there’s more chance of Mark Hughes or Neville Southall getting a late call-up than any of them not being on the plane.
Not involved in the last squad in September, but who we would expect to be in this time, include Aaron Ramsey, Harry Wilson and Ben Davies.
Karl Matchett9 November 2022 16:24
World Cup news live
There are five nations naming squads today – two are already done, with Wales and France around the same time and then USA naming their squad later today.
Switzerland and Croatia went early though, both confirming their 26-man squads who will head to Qatar.
Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic headline Dalic’s squad, with Yakin handing few surprises out other than naming four goalkeepers in the Swiss group.
Karl Matchett9 November 2022 16:17
Wales World Cup squad announcement
Follow all the latest news as Wales’ 26-man squad for the World Cup in Qatar is revealed by manager Rob Page.
Lawrence Ostlere9 November 2022 16:00