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The official announcement of Wales’ 2022 World Cup squad has been made, marking their return to the global stage for the first time since 1958. The question now is whether they can make a lasting impression after more than six decades away.

Head coach Rob Page has confirmed the final Wales squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, their first appearance at football’s biggest tournament in over 60 years.

Back in 1958, Wales’ World Cup journey ended in the quarter-finals when a young Pele’s goal knocked them out in Sweden. On returning home, defender Mel Charles was famously asked by a ticket collector in Swansea whether he had been on holiday. For the next 60 years, that brief taste of the global stage remained a distant memory.

Now Wales are back, driven by belief and unity. The bond between players and fans is stronger than ever. The 1980s folk anthem Yma O Hyd by Dafydd Iwan has become the team’s emotional rallying cry, culminating in a moving rendition by Iwan himself before the World Cup play-off, joined by a choir of 32,000 supporters. The song’s message—“Despite everyone and everything, we’re still here”—has taken on new meaning for the nation.

Qualifying for major tournaments is no longer a novelty for Cymru. This marks their third qualification in four tournaments, complemented by solid Nations League performances against elite sides. It follows a turbulent Euro 2020 campaign, where Wales struggled to find rhythm amid travel challenges, a caretaker manager, Aaron Ramsey’s experimental false nine role, and pandemic restrictions that left them outnumbered in the stands—14 Welsh fans among 14,000 Danes in Amsterdam.

While the core of the squad remains familiar, the context has shifted. Eight of the starting eleven from June’s play-off win over Ukraine have since changed clubs. The team now represents a global mix with players competing in MLS, Serie A, Ligue 1, and League Two.

Two positions remain under scrutiny. Goalkeeper Danny Ward, a standout in Euro 2020, has finally earned a starting spot at Leicester City but has struggled behind a shaky defence. Meanwhile, veteran Wayne Hennessey justified his selection with a career-defining performance against Ukraine, his best in 100 international caps.

The tactical question facing Page concerns fitness and balance. With Aaron Ramsey recovering and Gareth Bale still a fitness concern, the manager must decide whether to bolster the midfield or the attack. Options include Harry Wilson, who recorded 10 goals and 19 assists during Fulham’s promotion season, and Brennan Johnson, considered one of Wales’ most exciting forwards. Yet Dan James is expected to start, having featured in all 34 competitive internationals since his debut, known for covering the ground of three players.

Wales have a history of rising to the occasion, reaching the knockout stages in all three of their previous major tournaments. They are not in Qatar merely to make up the numbers.

Goalkeepers:
Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest)
Danny Ward (Leicester City)
Adam Davies (Sheffield United)

Defenders:
Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur)
Joe Rodon (Rennes)
Ben Cabango (Swansea City)
Chris Mepham (Bournemouth)
Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon)
Connor Roberts (Burnley)
Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest)
Ethan Ampadu (Spezia)
Tom Lockyer (Luton Town)

Midfielders:
Aaron Ramsey (Nice)
Joe Allen (Swansea City)
Harry Wilson (Fulham)
Joe Morrell (Portsmouth)
Matthew Smith (MK Dons)
Dylan Levitt (Dundee United)
Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town)
Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City)
Jonny Williams (Swindon Town)

Forwards:
Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC)
Daniel James (Fulham)
Mark Harris (Cardiff City)
Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth)
Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest)

Disciplinary & Scoring Stats:
1 goal: Gareth Bale
1 yellow card each: Gareth Bale, Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon
1 red card: Wayne Hennessey

Gareth Bale remains the talisman. Even as Wales have learned to perform without relying solely on him, and while Joe Allen and Joe Rodon may be more difficult to replace tactically, Bale continues to shine in decisive moments. At 33, after multiple Champions League triumphs, he sees this World Cup as the pinnacle of his career.

Rob Page’s new four-year contract is recognition of his leadership and motivational style. Popular among players, he said, “They know I can be tough when needed, but when things go well, there’s always a bit of affection too.”

Managers were first allowed to select 26-player squads at Euro 2020 as a COVID-19 measure. FIFA has now confirmed that 26-man squads will again be permitted for the Qatar World Cup, expanding from the traditional 23-player limit.

— Ed McCambridge, Staff Writer