Wales and Bosnia go head-to-head in a 2026 FIFA World Cup European play-off semi-final at the Estadi Ciutat de València on Thursday.
Both sides are 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 be without several experienced names. Ben Davies, Chris Mepham and Kieffer Moore all ruled out through injury, while Connor Roberts is also sidelined.
Aaron Ramsey has not been called up after failing to play a competitive game since September 2025 for Mexican side Pumas, as Bellamy opted for fully match-fit options in midfield.
There is some positive news for the hosts, as goalkeeper Danny Ward (Wrexham), winger Rabbi Matondo (Rangers) and left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies (QPR, on loan from Sheffield United) return to the squad for the first time this season and are available for selection.
Bellamy is expected to name as strong a side as possible, with Premier League-based talents Harry Wilson, Brennan Johnson, Neco Williams, Joe Rodon and David Brooks all in contention to start in what the manager has described as a “defining night” for his team.
Speaking ahead of the game, Bellamy stressed the importance of home support, saying Wales “have proved before what Cardiff can do on nights like this” and insisting his players “believe they can deliver again under pressure.”
Bosnia team news
Bosnia and Herzegovina arrive in Cardiff with selection issues of their own, as Sampdoria defender Dennis Hadzikadunic has been forced to withdraw from the squad due to injury.
In response, head coach Sergej Barbarez has called up uncapped goalkeeper Osman Hadzikic and defender Nidal Celik to bolster his options at the back.
Edin Dzeko remains the focal point of Bosnia’s attack and is expected to start, bringing leadership and big-game experience after maintaining good form at the club level.
The build-up has not been without off-field noise either, with Barbarez refusing to apologise after suggesting Brondby boss Steve Cooper – a Welshman – had managed Benjamin Tahirovic cautiously in recent weeks
Form
Wales
Wales finished second in their qualifying group behind Belgium, narrowly missing automatic qualification despite collecting 16 points from eight games.
Craig Bellamy’s side come into this play-off in a buoyant mood after thrashing North Macedonia 7-1 in their final group match in November, their biggest victory in 47 years and a result that secured home advantage in this semi-final.
Bosnia
Bosnia and Herzegovina also finished second in their qualifying group, behind Austria, to reach this play-off phase.
Recent performances have been more solid than spectacular, but Barbarez’s side has shown resilience, grinding out results and leaning on their experienced core in tight games that resulted in their current four-game unbeaten run.
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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