CYMRU have named 18-year-old uncapped midfielder Kai Andrews in their squad for this month’s World Cup qualifiers against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia. The teenager’s inclusion comes amid a series of injury setbacks, with captain Aaron Ramsey ruled out once again after sustaining another hamstring injury on Tuesday. As a result, Tom Lawrence has been recalled to the squad.
Andrews’ surprise call-up
Andrews, who has represented Cymru at Under-19 level, is currently on loan at Motherwell from Coventry City. Despite having started only three league games for the Scottish Premiership side since joining in January, he made a strong impression in their recent victory over Rangers, playing the full 90 minutes.
Cymru manager Craig Bellamy has described Andrews as a “high-potential” player who could be given a chance due to the squad’s limited midfield options.
“I watched his games with the under-19s,” said Bellamy. “Physically, he’s impressive, but also his ability to look after the ball. There are plenty of habits that need improving, but with young players, that’s understandable.”
Bellamy added: “At Anderlecht, we gave debuts at 16, so it’s quite normal. I see him as a high-potential player in an area we need quality. He’s maybe a bit more fast-tracked than usual in international football, but it’s an area we need to strengthen.”
Ramsey’s absence and Cymru’s injury woes
Ramsey, 34, had been expected to return to the squad for the first time since September but was forced off during Cardiff City’s 2-1 defeat against Luton Town. His absence adds to Cymru’s growing list of injuries, with Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu and Fulham playmaker Harry Wilson also unavailable.
Ipswich Town winger Wes Burns and Sheffield United left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies are sidelined as well, although Swansea City midfielder Ollie Cooper returns from injury.
Bellamy expressed his support for Ramsey, acknowledging the veteran midfielder’s long-standing contributions.
“I spoke to him this morning. It’s tough for him,” said Bellamy. “But personally, football-wise and from a selfish capacity in the Cymru job, I don’t really care. Him as a person is more important. I’ve known him since he was five. To watch his hard work – not just now, but throughout his career – the consistency, the elite level he’s played at, the person he is. I care about that more.”
Cymru’s World Cup qualifying campaign
Cymru begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign at home against Kazakhstan on Saturday, 22 March, before travelling to North Macedonia three days later. They have also been drawn in Group J alongside Belgium and Liechtenstein.
The top team from each of the 12 European groups will qualify automatically for the World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The second-placed teams will enter the play-offs.
Bellamy remains unbeaten as Cymru head coach, having guided the team to promotion to the Nations League’s top tier with three wins and three draws in 2024. Winning their Nations League group has also effectively guaranteed Cymru at least a play-off spot for World Cup qualification.
Having introduced a bold new playing style alongside these promising early results, Bellamy’s next objective is to lead Cymru to what would be only their third World Cup in history. Despite an illustrious club career, the former Cymru captain never had the opportunity to represent his country at a major tournament. Now, in his first senior managerial role, he hopes to achieve that long-held dream.
Cymru squad for World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Danny Ward (Leicester City), Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Adam Davies (Sheffield United).
Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Chris Mepham (Sunderland, on loan from Bournemouth), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City).
Midfielders: Joe Allen (Swansea City), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Jordan James (Stade Rennais), Ollie Cooper (Swansea City), Kai Andrews (Motherwell, on loan from Coventry City), Sorba Thomas (Nantes, on loan from Huddersfield Town), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Tom Lawrence (Rangers).
Forwards: Kieffer Moore (Sheffield United), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur), Daniel James (Leeds United), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Nathan Broadhead (Ipswich Town), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Lewis Koumas (Stoke City, on loan from Liverpool), Rabbi Matondo (Hannover 96, on loan from Rangers).
Cymru gear up for World Cup qualifiers
