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.

TEAM NEWS - Ampadu captain

Ethan Ampadu returns after suspension and replaces Josh Sheehan in midfield, with Jordan James replacing Liam Cullen from the line-up who beat North Macedonia in November.

Harry Wilson starts; Ampadu is skipper.

Wales: Darlow; Williams, Rodon, Lawlor, Dasilva; Ampadu, J. James; D. James, Brooks, Wilson, Johnson.

Subs: Ward, King, Cabango, Kpakio, Norrington-Davies, J. Colwill, Sheehan, Cullen, Thomas, Broadhead, Koumas, Harris.

Kieran Jackson26 March 2026 18:46

Craig Bellamy on pressure of the play-offs

"It's just normal for this group of players. It's ingrained in them," said Bellamy.

"It's not for us to ride the rollercoaster. Everyone in these play-offs wants to get to the World Cup. We completely understand that and our fans will play a big part.

"Their experience in these games will play a big part, but us as coaching staff and the players, we have to be able to separate ourselves at times from it.

"We feed off it when we need to, because there will be moments where we definitely will, but let's be clear, be calm."

Wales manager Bellamy (PA Wire)

Kieran Jackson26 March 2026 18:25

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)

Kieran Jackson26 March 2026 17:57