CYMRU head coach Craig Bellamy has announced a 26-man squad for the pivotal World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein (away, Saturday 15 November) and North Macedonia (home, Tuesday 18 November). The selection largely mirrors the group used in last month’s fixtures, with the only change being the return of Dan James following injury absence.
Among those called up are:
- Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow, Adam Davies, Tom King
- Defenders: Ben Davies, Jay DaSilva, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon, Dylan Lawlor, Neco Williams, Ronan Kpakio
- Midfielders and attackers: Ethan Ampadu, Josh Sheehan, Jordan James, Liam Cullen, Joel Colwill, Rubin Colwill, Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead, Sorba Thomas, Lewis Koumas, Mark Harris, Kieffer Moore, Brennan Johnson, David Brooks, Dan James
Bellamy also confirmed that veteran defender Ben Davies had been declared fit for selection, while Rubin Colwill remains available.
Fixtures, stakes and qualification context
Cymru travel to Liechtenstein on Saturday 15 November (kick-off 17:00 GMT) before returning to Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday 18 November (kick-off 19:45 GMT) to face North Macedonia. Currently third in Group J, Cymru sit three points behind North Macedonia, who have played one game more, and four points adrift of group leaders Belgium.
Only the group winner qualifies automatically for the World Cup, with the runners-up advancing to the play-offs. For Cymru, the task is clear: win in Liechtenstein and secure a result at home to strengthen their play-off chances.
Bellamy upbeat about squad and youth injection
The Cymru boss has expressed satisfaction with the squad’s balance and the emergence of younger players. The likes of Joel Colwill, Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio feature alongside more established internationals, providing fresh options ahead of the final qualifiers.
With Cardiff City’s youth-driven regeneration under manager Brian Barry-Murphy supplying this influx, Bellamy described the current wave of players as “a dream” for the national team. “For the first time in a long, long time, I’ve really enjoyed coming away from Cardiff games with a smile,” he said. “Last year was difficult, the atmosphere was down, but now I get to see a number of Welsh young players playing in a way I like. I only see them improving and selfishly I just see that this is going to benefit the country, so I’m over the moon with that.”
Cardiff youngsters a ‘dream’ for Cymru
Bellamy’s enthusiasm for Cardiff’s emerging talent is evident in his squad choices. Rubin Colwill, 23, has impressed for the Bluebirds but has not always featured for Cymru, despite starring in Cardiff’s League One promotion campaign and EFL Cup run. “Rubin is able, there are still one or two bits that we need more from, but he’s capable,” Bellamy said. “He’s a regular at Cardiff City Stadium for plenty of reasons.”
Alongside Rubin, his brother Joel (21), 18-year-old Ronan Kpakio and 19-year-old Dylan Lawlor have all been selected. Bellamy also hinted at future prospects such as forwards Cian Ashford (21), Isaak Davies (24) and Tanatswa Nyakuhwa (20), plus goalkeeper Matthew Turner (23) and midfielder Dakarai Mafico (18).
“The Cardiff manager is benefiting us, he’s benefiting us as a national team,” Bellamy added. “The way he plays, we’re quite similar in how we try to move. The players he has playing, especially young players coming through – they have an average of six, seven Welsh players in the team, playing the way that we sort of play. It only benefits me, selfishly. So [Barry-Murphy] is a dream for me.”
Key issues and notes to watch
While Cymru appear strong on paper, the final two matches will test both character and consistency. Injuries and fitness remain a consideration, and full availability will be vital. The fixture against North Macedonia at home offers a prime chance to boost qualification hopes — but it also brings added pressure.
With automatic qualification now unlikely, the priority appears to be securing second place and the safer route through the play-offs. A second-place finish would give Cymru a one-off home semi-final against a lower-seeded team before a one-game final, whereas finishing third could involve a difficult first away test against a top seed such as Italy. “If we finish second then maybe it will allow us to avoid one or two top 10 teams on their grounds,” Bellamy said. “That would be beneficial for us. Now that allows us to really be motivated to finish second for those reasons.”
Momentum, optimism, and opportunity
After defeat by Belgium in Cardiff last month, Cymru now head into November’s double-header with a settled squad, optimism, and a healthy dose of momentum. Whether they can convert potential into points will determine the shape of their path to next year’s World Cup finals in North America.
Fixtures & Coverage
Fixtures & Coverage
Liechtenstein v Cymru – Saturday 15 November, kick‑off 17:00 GMT, Rheinpark Stadion, Vaduz
Coverage: Live on BBC Two (or BBC One variation depending region) and S4C with Welsh commentary. Also available to stream on BBC iPlayer and via S4C’s online service.
Cymru v North Macedonia – Tuesday 18 November, kick‑off 19:45 GMT, Cardiff City Stadium
Coverage: Live on BBC One Wales (English commentary) and S4C (Welsh commentary). The match will also be available via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website/app, and S4C’s online platform.
