Following the frustration of lacking out on this summer season's World Cup, Craig Bellamy's Wales aspect return to aggressive motion within the Uefa Nations League.
Wales start their League A Group 4 Marketing campaign with 4 matches in 10 days, beginning at Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in Lisbon on Thursday, 24 September (19:45 BST).
They then journey to Denmark on Sunday (17:00 BST), earlier than internet hosting Norway and Denmark at Cardiff Metropolis Stadium on 1 October and 4 October respectively.
Right here's the whole lot you might want to know concerning the upcoming fixtures.
Methods to comply with Wales' 4 matches
Bellamy's crew's 4 matches towards Portugal, Denmark and Norway might be proven reside throughout BBC One and BBC Two Wales, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport Web siteand app.
You possibly can hearken to reside commentary on BBC Sounds by way of BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio Cymru.
Commentary can also be accessible on BBC Sport On-line and by way of BBC Radio Wales on FM/DAB & DTV.
Reside textual content commentary might be accessible on the BBC Sport web site and app.
How Wales' Nations League Group appears
Two of Wales' Nations League opponents loved relative World Cup success this summer season.
Portugal reached the final 16 earlier than being edged out by eventual winners Spain because of a late Mikel Merino strike and Norway had been overwhelmed 2-1 by England within the quarter-finals courtesy of a Jude Bellingham brace.
Either side additionally boast a few of world soccer's greatest names. Erling Haaland continues to spearhead Norway's assault, having scored 62 targets in 54 worldwide appearances.
Portugal, in the meantime, haveRonaldo after his former Al-Ittihad head coach Jorge Jesus chosen the 41-year-old for in his squad.
Ronaldo may face Wales for the primary time since his header put Portugal on their approach to a 2-0 win within the Euros semi-final in 2016.
Denmark may also present a stern check. Though they did not qualify for the World Cup, the Danes are ranked twenty first on the earth and possess high quality all through their squad.
This contains Napoli striker Rasmus Hojlund, Porto midfielder Victor Froholdt and Brentford playmaker Mikkel Damsgaard.
Denmark have gained every of their final three encounters with the Dragons, most not too long ago within the final 16 of Euro 2020.
Norway are a much less acquainted opponent. Wales haven’t confronted them since 2011, when targets from Gareth Bale, Sam Vokes and present supervisor Craig Bellamy helped safe a 4-1 victory.
Staff information
Wales may also now be with out talisman Harry Wilson, Nathan Broadhead and primary goalkeeper Karl Darlow by way of damage.
The absences have paved approach for alternatives. Cardiff Metropolis's Cian Ashford, Huddersfield City ahead Joe Taylor and veteran Leicester Metropolis keeper David Cornell have earned their first call-ups.
Studying midfielder Charlie Savage, Oxford United's Mark Harris and Leicester duo Wes Burns and Liam Cullen additionally return to the squad. Burns may make his first worldwide look since 2024.
What has Craig Bellamy mentioned?
Craig Bellamy was topic to intense hypothesis over the emptiness of Burnley's managerial function this summer season.
Bellamy has since mentioned: "I had a call to make and I made it.
"It didn't break down. I mentioned no, it's not for me. That was it. There was no stroll away from discussions. It wasn't for me.
"I made the choice to remain as a result of that is the suitable place for me.
"We had a dialog, however I used to be already in a task and this (Wales) was what I wished.
"It was flattering – all of us like our ego being exercised and being wished – however for me, my companion, my youngsters, that is the place and we didn't see the rest having the ability to transfer that.
"I'm snug with the choice I've made. I've at all times been dedicated in the whole lot I do and that hasn't modified.
"Now, successful individuals over? I don't know, that's the trustworthy fact."
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Qualification permutations
The Nations League supplies Wales with an necessary route in the direction of Euro 2028 qualification and provides a beneficial security internet if their typical qualifying marketing campaign falls brief.
The league section runs from from September 24 to November 17, 2026, with Wales drawn in League A Group 4 alongside Portugal, Denmark and Norway.
A top-two end would see Craig Bellamy's aspect advance to the two-legged quarter-finals in March 2027.
Group winners can be seeded and host the second leg towards a runner-up from one other group.
The 4 quarter-final winners progress to the Nations League Finals in June 2027.
Whereas successful the competitors doesn’t safe automated qualification for Euro 2028, reaching the latter levels can present a vital play-off security internet.
Ought to Wales fail to complete within the prime two, the implications are totally different.
A 3rd-place end can be sufficient to retain League A standing for the following Nations League cycle with no additional permutations.
Nevertheless, ending fourth, backside, would go away Wales dealing with a relegation play-off towards a League B runner-up, with their place within the prime tier at stake.
