Rhian Wilkinson insists Wales can reach 2026 Women's World Cup

Wales secured top spot in Group B1 after beating Czech Republic 3-1, keeping their 2026 Women's World Cup hopes alive.

Wales claim Group B1 top spot Rhian Wilkinson believes Wales now have a legitimate chance to qualify for the 2026 Women's World Cup after her side secured first place in Group B1 with a 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic. The win, achieved in front of their home supporters, sets up an easier path in the upcoming play-offs compared to their potential opponents. The play-off draw is scheduled for June 18th, leaving Wilkinson's team with a clearer route toward Brazil. Despite the progress, the head coach emphasized that significant challenges remain before Wales can make their World Cup debut. ## Play-off route and upcoming tests To reach the 2026 Women's World Cup, Wales must navigate two two-legged play-off ties against European sides, with at least one likely to be a League A opponent. Following those matches, they could face an inter-confederation play-off if successful. Wilkinson expressed confidence in her squad's ability to progress, noting their strong performances in the group stage provided reason for optimism. The play-off semi-finals are set for October, with finals scheduled between late November and early December. ## Wilkinson highlights team confidence The Wales head coach underlined her belief in the team's potential, stating, 'On our day, why not? I have to think that. Why else would we be doing this?'. She praised the quality of her players, emphasizing that they have the talent to compete at the highest level. Wilkinson also stressed the importance of squad depth, saying, 'It's just how we figure out how they play together, how they gel together and also how we use our finishers, our players who come on and either go get us the game or hold out.' The squad's collective strength, rather than just 11 individuals, was highlighted as a key factor in their success. ## Dominant display against Czech Republic Wales overcame an early setback by the Czechs, who took the lead after just five minutes, to deliver their strongest performance of the group campaign. Lily Woodham quickly equalized, and Gemma Evans put Wales ahead early in the second half before Mared Griffiths completed the scoring. Wilkinson challenged her players to 'raise the bar' and perform at home, urging them to enjoy their football. She praised their defensive unity and attacking cohesion, saying, 'When you're together, when you defend together, when you attack together, when you create these triangles and the plus ones, football is fun.' ## Path to play-offs and home advantage Having finished top of Group B1, Wales will face either a runner-up or third-placed team from another League B group in the play-off semi-finals, with the second leg to be played on home soil. If they advance to the final, they would likely confront a League A opponent, with the second leg played away from home. Wilkinson acknowledged the uncertainty of the draw but stressed that her team has done everything possible to control their destiny. 'A draw is a draw. Who knows who we're going to get in the first play-off round, but we've done what we can,' she stated. ## Wilkinson praises group stage success The Wales head coach described the team's ambition as winning the group and remaining unbeaten, a goal they achieved. Despite describing the international window as challenging, she noted the final performance against the Czechs was among their best. 'The ambition, and I was pretty open about it, was to win the group and to go undefeated, and that is what we did,' Wilkinson said. 'This has not been an easy window, but it's finished with a performance that I think is right up there with some of our best, so we've done all we can.' She also expressed confidence in the squad's preparation for the play-offs, citing a four-month break as an opportunity to build momentum.