**Wales March On with Emphatic Victory Over Liechtenstein in World Cup Qualifier**
Wales have maintained their unbeaten run in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, clinching a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Liechtenstein at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday evening. Under the guidance of Craig Bellamy, the Welsh side produced a professional, if unspectacular, performance to secure three crucial points ahead of a challenging fixture against group favourites Belgium.
From the outset, the home team set the tempo, enjoying the lion’s share of possession against a Liechtenstein squad whose struggles on the international stage are well-documented. Heading into the match, Liechtenstein had not secured a competitive win for five years. Yet, Bellamy remained cautious in the build-up, admitting that the fixture had cost him a few nights’ sleep, keenly aware of the jeopardy that can arise when facing unfancied opposition.
Despite Wales’ control, clear chances were initially scarce. Harry Wilson offered the first real warning shot with a wayward effort, while Neco Williams forced visiting goalkeeper Benjamin Büchel—one of only three professionals in the Liechtenstein squad—into a save. On the flanks, Sorba Thomas looked menacing, repeatedly troubling the Liechtenstein defence, though a telling final ball was hard to come by. A worrying moment came after 20 minutes when Neco Williams was forced off with an ankle injury—an incident that casts some doubt over his involvement in Monday night’s key showdown with Belgium.
Set pieces soon became a fruitful avenue for Wales, with Ben Davies and Kieffer Moore going close from corners. An audacious overhead kick from Ethan Ampadu forced Büchel into an improvised scramble, underlining the ever-present threat from sustained Welsh pressure. The breakthrough eventually arrived six minutes before half-time; another precise delivery from a corner found Joe Rodon, whose firm header left Büchel helpless and sent the home crowd into celebration.
Liechtenstein attempted to respond after the interval, making a change to combat Thomas’s threat on the left. Yet, scarcely had the second half begun before their substitute Kenny Kindle found himself booked for clattering into the lively Welsh winger, indicating the growing frustration in the visitors’ ranks. Meanwhile, Wales nearly doubled their lead as Brennan Johnson’s dangerous cross evaded Moore by inches, before the latter spurned a header at the back post.
The eventual second goal duly arrived down the left flank, courtesy of substitute Lewis Koumas recovering possession. Jay Dasilva whipped in a pinpoint cross which was expertly nodded home by Harry Wilson, effectively ending any lingering hopes Liechtenstein had of mounting a comeback. Within minutes, the contest was put beyond doubt, Brooks latching onto another cross only to see his effort repelled, with the rebound falling to Moore for a simple finish inside the six-yard box.
With a commanding lead, Wales continued to press, creating additional opportunities as Liechtenstein fatigued. David Brooks and Jordan James both threatened to extend the advantage, but Büchel’s heroics kept the scoreline to three. Despite several late half-chances, the match ended as a convincing Welsh victory, in line with Bellamy’s straightforward instructions simply to “win the game”.
Reflecting on the result, it must be noted that Wales played with discipline and intensity, even if the final minutes saw the energy dip with the points already secured. The result leaves Wales well positioned in Group J, and will provide a morale boost heading into their high-stakes encounter with Belgium—a team that, on the same evening, were held to a draw by North Macedonia, potentially blowing the group wide open.
For neutral observers, the match was a classic case of a superior side methodically breaking down determined but limited opponents. The gulf in quality was ever apparent, but Liechtenstein’s spirited resistance, particularly from their goalkeeper, deserves respect. For Wales, the task now is recovery and preparation before facing sterner opposition in the week ahead—a test which may reveal even more about the ambitions of Bellamy’s promising team.