Wales faces Bosnia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup European play-off semi-final at the Estadi Ciutat de València on Thursday.
Both teams are just one win away from a play-off final against Italy or Northern Ireland.
Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Thursday, 26th March.
- Kick-off: 7:45pm BST.
- Venue: Estadio Ciudad de Valencia.
Wales Team News
Head coach Craig Bellamy will miss several key players. Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, and Kieffer Moore are out due to injury, along with Connor Roberts.
Aaron Ramsey has not been selected, as he hasn’t played a competitive match since September 2025 for Pumas, leading Bellamy to choose fully fit midfield options.
On a positive note, goalkeeper Danny Ward (Wrexham), winger Rabbi Matondo (Rangers), and left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies (QPR, on loan from Sheffield United) are back in the squad for the first time this season.
Bellamy is expected to field a strong lineup, featuring Premier League players like Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson, Neco Williams, Joe Rodon, and David Brooks. He described this match as a “defining night” for the team.
Before the match, Bellamy highlighted the importance of home support, noting Wales’s past successes at Cardiff and the players’ confidence in performing well under pressure.
Bosnia Team News
Bosnia and Herzegovina also has selection challenges, as defender Dennis Hadzikadunic has had to withdraw due to injury.
In light of this, coach Sergej Barbarez has called up uncapped goalkeeper Osman Hadzikic and defender Nidal Celik to strengthen his defensive options.
Edin Dzeko will lead the attack for Bosnia, bringing experience and form from his club level.
The build-up has included some off-field comments, with Barbarez not apologizing after remarks about Brondby coach Steve Cooper managing Benjamin Tahirovic cautiously.
Form
Wales
Wales finished second in their qualifying group, just behind Belgium, accumulating 16 points from eight games.
The team is in high spirits after a significant 7-1 victory over North Macedonia in their final group match, marking their biggest win in 47 years and securing home advantage for this semi-final.
Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina also placed second in their qualifying group behind Austria to reach this play-off stage.
Recent performances have been solid, showing resilience with an unbeaten run over the last four matches, relying on their experienced players to secure results in close games.
Predicted Lineups
Wales: Darlow; Williams, Rodon, Lawlor, Dasilva; Ampadu, J. James; Brooks, Wilson, Broadhead; Johnson
Bosnia-Herzegovina: Vasilj; Dedic, Muharemovic, Katic, Kolasinac; Bajraktarevic, Tahirovic, Sunjic, Memic; Tabakovic, Dzeko
How to Watch Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina?
UK viewers can watch the game live on BBC One Wales and BBC Two.
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