Wales latest: Craig Bellamy gives update on future after devastating World Cup play-off loss | OneFootball

Craig Bellamy said Wales will ‘hurt’ after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina (REUTERS)

Wales missed out on a second consecutive World Cup in heartbreaking fashion after losing on penalties in their play-off semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Cardiff.

Dan James scored a second-half screamer to seemingly set Wales on their way, but Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko equalised with four minutes remaining to send the contest to extra time.

Penalties felt inevitable amid a nervy extra half-an-hour and, in the end, it was Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams who missed crucial spot-kicks, as the visitors caused an upset away from home to emerge 4-2 winners in the shoot-out.

"We're going to hurt, but there's a bright future,” manager Craig Bellamy said. “It's hard to think about now, even though I'm trying. We've got a home nations Euros coming up, what an incredible time. We wanted to be in a World Cup this summer, but the future is very bright. There are some good years ahead for Wales.”

The devastating symmetry of how Wales and Ireland missed out on 2026 World Cup

Both Wales and the Republic of Ireland were minutes from hosting a World Cup play-off final on Tuesday – only for near-post headers and penalties to be their undoing

The devastating symmetry of how Wales and Ireland missed out on 2026 World Cup

Both Wales and the Republic of Ireland were minutes from hosting a World Cup play-off final on Tuesday – only for near-post headers and penalties to be their undoing

Kieran Jackson27 March 2026 08:15

Craig Bellamy wants to lead Wales into next ream of co-hosting Euro 2028

"We've got a home nations Euros coming up, what an incredible time.

"We wanted to be in a World Cup this summer, but the future is very bright. There are some good years ahead for Wales.

"I'm disappointed for the players we couldn't get back-to-back World Cups because we are a good team."

Jamie Braidwood27 March 2026 07:50