By OkayGoal
Wales begin a two-legged World Cup play-off semi-final against Albania in Shkoder on Friday 9 October, with kick-off at 17:00 BST. The tie is the next step in their attempt to qualify for a Women’s World Cup for the first time. The 2027 tournament will be held in Brazil next summer.
The second leg follows in Llanelli four days after the opening game. Rhian Wilkinson’s squad go into the tie unbeaten in their past eight internationals.
The winners will not have long to celebrate. A two-legged play-off final is scheduled for December. Wales’ likely opponents are Norway, who meet Romania in the other semi-final and are firm favourites to progress.
Gemma Grainger in the Norway dugout
If Norway and Wales both get through, Wales would face their former head coach. Gemma Grainger now manages Norway. Under her, Wales came closer to a World Cup than under any previous manager, during qualifying for the 2023 tournament.
That would be a tough test. Norway regularly qualify for major tournaments, and Wales players accept that beating a team led by someone who knows their game so well would take something special.
Midfielder Ceri Holland welcomed the prospect of meeting Grainger, but said the squad’s attention is on Albania for now, as she told BBC Sport Wales.
“It’s a really exciting draw. I think she has done a very good job [with Norway]. Obviously we have got to get through the Albania tie first. Then we can look ahead.”
Shkoder first, then Llanelli
Playing the first leg away gives Wales the chance to settle the tie in front of their own supporters in Llanelli. Their run of eight internationals without defeat means they arrive in Albania in good form.
Qualification would be a first for the Welsh women’s team. They have never played at a Women’s World Cup finals.
Norway’s semi-final with Romania runs alongside Wales’ tie this month. Both results will set the December final, one tie away from a place in Brazil.
