**Craig Bellamy Unveils Wales Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers, Highlights Cardiff Teen Debut**
Wales manager Craig Bellamy has revealed his 27-strong squad for the approaching 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with rising Cardiff City star Ronan Kpakio earning a first senior call-up. Anticipation is high as Wales prepare to face Liechtenstein at home before travelling to Belgium, with fresh talent and returning faces adding intrigue to Bellamy’s selection.
The squad announcement marks a particularly significant moment for Cardiff City’s Ronan Kpakio. Having just celebrated his 18th birthday, Kpakio’s inclusion follows impressive displays during recent national team training camps in both Cardiff and Spain. His call-up sees him joining the senior ranks after a season that, despite being marred by injury, showcased his defensive promise and work ethic.
Kpakio’s journey into the squad reflects Bellamy’s willingness to place trust in youth. The defender began the season with Cardiff’s under-21s, earning opportunities with the senior side before suffering a leg ligament injury in an FA Cup victory against Sheffield United. The setback required surgery and appeared to end his campaign prematurely, but Kpakio’s determination saw him return for Cardiff’s final Championship fixture against Norwich City. His perseverance and progress have not gone unnoticed in Wales’ coaching circles, and his selection signals Bellamy’s commitment to embedding young talent in the national setup.
The manager’s approach to squad selection appears holistic, with a variety of uncapped and emerging players attending recent camps. Alongside Kpakio, fellow Cardiff youths Cian Ashford, Dylan Lawlor and Luey Giles were also part of the training contingent, demonstrating the breadth of young Welsh talent currently being fostered. Swansea City’s Joel Cotterill and Sam Parker, as well as promising players from clubs including Plymouth Argyle, Wolves, Coventry City and Manchester United, have similarly been exposed to senior international standards.
Meanwhile, the squad benefits from the return of established names. Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson, each recovering from injuries that sidelined them in March, are both set to bolster the Welsh midfield and attack. The return of such experienced figures is likely to provide crucial balance in a squad featuring both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic newcomers.
A number of players named in Bellamy’s squad have enjoyed successful domestic campaigns. Brennan Johnson arrives fresh from Europa League triumph, injecting momentum and confidence. Connor Roberts, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Daniel James and Chris Mepham contributed to their respective clubs’ promotions to the Premier League, pointing to an enviable level of form and motivation within the camp.
In terms of fixtures, the home encounter with Liechtenstein at Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, 6 June is expected to draw a vibrant, near-capacity crowd. Welsh supporters are renowned for their passionate backing, and over 4,500 are set to make the journey to Brussels for the vital match against Belgium on Monday, 9 June—a testament to the national fervour surrounding Wales’ World Cup campaign.
Currently, Wales sit second in Group J after securing a commanding 3-0 win over Kazakhstan and a resilient 1-1 draw against North Macedonia. The qualification pathway is straightforward—group winners proceed directly to the World Cup, while second-placed teams must contest a play-off, joined by select UEFA Nations League qualifiers.
The full list of players named by Bellamy underlines the depth and diversity of talent now available to Wales. The manager’s blend of youthful promise and proven ability appears a deliberate gamble, designed to secure immediate qualification ambitions while nurturing the next generation of Welsh football talent.
As Wales gear up for this crucial window of World Cup qualifiers, attention turns not only to those likely to feature in the starting eleven but also to the fresh faces for whom this camp could mark the beginning of long international careers. For players and fans alike, expectation is mounting, and Welsh hopes will be pinned on a blend of passion, pedigree, and youthful exuberance.