Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina LIVE: Team news and updates ahead of World Cup play-off semi-final | OneFootball

Harry Wilson during Wales’ 7-1 qualifying win over North Macedonia (Getty Images)

Wales are two wins away from sealing back-to-back World Cup finals but will need to go through Bosnia and Herzegovina to earn that shot at qualification.

Craig Bellamy’s side missed out on top spot in their qualifying group to Belgium but thrashed North Macedonia 7-1 on the last matchday to ensure they would get a lifeline in the ever-perilous play-offs.

The Dragons have home advantage for tonight’s play-off semi-final, facing Bosnia in the cauldron of the Cardiff City Stadium, and could be back there on Tuesday night to face either Italy or Northern Ireland in the decisive finale.

Against a Bosnian side spearheaded by veteran striker Edin Dzeko, Wales will be hoping for a repeat of their 2022 heroics, when they navigated the play-offs to end a 64-year wait for World Cup qualification in Qatar.

Wales' Ethan Ampadu on importance of home fans:

“It can drag us over the line. That was shown in the last play-offs when we got to the World Cup,” he said.

“We know games are going to be difficult, and the fans are the 12th man. No matter what happens, they’re right behind us. It gives you confidence – you might run that little bit further without even thinking about it because they push you on.

“It’s so exciting to play in front of the Red Wall. A lot of people know that. So for us, having that home advantage is massive – but it’s only massive if we use it and take advantage of it.”

Ethan Ampadu (PA Wire)

Who could Wales play in play-off final?

Should Wales progress tonight, they will host either Italy or Northern Ireland (who face-off in Bergamo this evening) on Tuesday night at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Excruciatingly, the losers of both ties will also face off, in what would amount to a friendly nobody wants to play.

Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso (AP)

Kieran Jackson26 March 2026 17:43

Craig Bellamy's message ahead of tonight's semi-final:

“We’re going all out, we’ve got to go full gas. We want 100mph football. It might not be perfect. That’s what I love about our game.

“We ain’t sitting back. You might look at me after the game, maybe I need to change. We’ll deal with that question then, but this is us. This is who I am. This is what the players are. So why not?

“But this is what I like and I hope the fans like it.”

(PA Wire)

Kieran Jackson26 March 2026 17:35