Women's World Cup qualifying matches
Why it matters
The match between Wales and Albania represents a crucial moment for qualification for the Women's World Cup, with Wales looking to reach their first world cup tournament. Former coach Gemma Grainger, now in charge of Norway, could become a significant obstacle for Wales on the road to the 2026 World Cup, making the challenge even more intense.
Context
Gemma Grainger previously managed Wales and brought the team to the brink of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup. Now, as Norway coach, she represents a challenge for the Welsh players, who will have to give their all to overcome Albania and face her new team.
Key points
- Women's World Cup qualifying matches.
- Wales face Albania in the Women's World Cup play-offs, a crucial match which could lead to a reunion with former coach Gemma Grainger.
- Women's World Cup qualifying play-offs: Gemma Grainger reunion looms as Wales face Albania - BBC Sport.
The prospect of a reunion with Grainger, almost three years after he left his post with Wales, is intriguing. Appointed manager in 2021, Grainger's job was to end Wales' wait for a major championship appearance, and she came close when her team were defeated by a late goal from Switzerland in the 2022 World Cup play-off final. Grainger signed a new long-term contract with Wales in 2023, but resigned in January 2024 to take charge of Norway. "She was a great person for us," said Welsh defender Lily Woodham. “We've had her for a long time, we've developed as a nation under her leadership and we've learned a lot of different things.” Grainger faced some criticism following Wales' relegation from the Nations League A top division in 2023. However, his management was generally considered a success, with Wales moving closer to the World Cup and attracting increasing numbers of fans to its matches. Among the players brought in during the Grainger era is Holland, a former youth international who received her first senior call-up five and a half years ago. “She was a great influence on me at the beginning of my international career and I will always be grateful to her for that,” Holland said. Now with over 50 caps, Holland is one of Wales' key players but will be absent from the matches against Albania due to injury. Wales will hope to have enough quality to make up for Holland's absence as they face opponents currently ranked 67th in the world, 36 places below them. Holland was already absent through injury when Wales faced Albania twice during the group stage of the World Cup qualifier in April. Wales claimed a convincing victory in the first of those matches, triumphing 4-0 at Wrexham, before battling to a 1-0 away success four days later. "We played them and did well and not so well, but we beat them," said Woodham, who participated in both victories against Albania. “They are a really tough opponent, so we will have to work very hard to get through this first round.” Delivering a convincing away performance is Wales' first task after they failed to convince on their travels during the group stage. While they were convincing winners at home against Albania, Montenegro (6-1) and, in the decisive final match, the Czech Republic (3-1), Wales could only draw in Montenegro after saving a point against the Czechs at Uherske Hradiste in March. “It's difficult to play on the road and travel has an impact,” Woodham assessed. “We looked at those away games, we analyzed them and hopefully this time we will succeed.” If they avoid a surprising elimination against Albania, Wales will try to surprise Norway, currently 14th in the FIFA rankings and having reached the round of 16 in the last World Cup. Wales have never beaten a team in the world's top 20 in a competitive game. However, Wales have made breaking new ground a habit in recent years. Woodham, who reached 50 caps in the win over the Czech Republic in June, assures there is "no doubt in the group" that Wales have the potential to defeat Norway should the opportunity arise later this year. Even if they make it through both rounds of the play-offs, Wales may still have to work to secure their place at the World Cup, given the complexity of qualifying. The lowest-ranked team among Europe's play-off winners will compete in the inter-confederation play-offs early next year and, if they get that far, it could be Wales. That said, should they end up in inter-confederation games, Wilkinson's side are likely to be well placed to progress. Although they missed out on qualifying for the last World Cup, Wales have shown they can deliver in crucial knockout matches, having come through the play-offs to reach Euro 2025, the first major championship in the nation's history. Wilkinson's players struggled at the tournament, exiting in the group stage after defeats to the Netherlands, France and England. However, there is a sense that reaching a second major tournament will be slightly easier than making your way to the first. “We're really looking forward to hopefully qualifying for the World Cup because I think we've taken a weight off our shoulders by qualifying [for the European Championships],” Holland said. "It's exciting. I know all the girls are looking forward to it."
What happens now
Wales will face Albania in the play-off semi-final, with the first match taking place in Shkoder. If Wales get through, they could meet Grainger's Norway in the play-off final in December, a match that promises to be full of emotion and meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened with Wales and Albania?
Wales are about to face Albania in the semi-final of the play-offs to qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
Who confirmed the match between Wales and Albania?
The match has been confirmed by the football authorities and will be broadcast live on BBC.
Why do Wales now face Albania?
Wales are trying to qualify for their first Women's World Cup and must overcome Albania in the play-offs.
What changes have there been in the Welsh team?
Former Wales manager Gemma Grainger now coaches Norway, who could face Wales if both teams advance.
When will the match between Wales and Albania take place?
The match will take place on Friday 9 October at 5pm BST at the Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder.
