Can Wales finally break the barrier? They resume their quest for a first Women’s World Cup, aware former boss Gemma Grainger could soon stand between them and Brazil.
Grainger edged closer than any predecessor to ending Wales’ World Cup drought during the 2023 qualifiers.
Facing Norway in the play‑offs, Wales know they’ll need something extra to topple Grainger’s side and keep their dream alive.
Rhian Wilkinson’s squad tackles Albania in the semi‑final, first leg in Shkoder on Friday, return in Llanelli four days later.
Norway, a regular major‑tournament qualifier, enter as clear favourites against Romania in their semi‑final.
If Norway and Wales both advance, Grainger’s Norway will meet her old team in December’s two‑legged final.
‘It’s a thrilling draw. She’s done a great job with Norway,’ Wales midfielder Ceri Holland says.
‘First we must beat Albania. Then we can look ahead,’ she adds.
Women’s World Cup qualifying play‑off semi‑final
Friday, 9 October at 17:00 BST
Loro Borici Stadium, Shkoder
The prospect of a Grainger reunion, nearly three years after she left Wales, adds intrigue to the tie.
Appointed in 2021, Grainger nearly delivered Wales to a major finals when a late Swiss strike denied them in the 2022 World Cup play‑off final.
She extended her Wales contract in 2023 but stepped down in January 2024 to take over Norway.
‘She was a fantastic figure for us,’ defender Lily Woodham reflects.
‘Under her we grew as a nation and learned a lot,’ Woodham continues.
Grainger endured criticism after Wales dropped from Nations League A in 2023.
In my view, her tenure should be judged a success despite that setback.
Among her recruits was Holland, a former youth international who earned her senior debut five and a half years ago.
‘She shaped the start of my international journey and I’ll always be grateful,’ Holland says.
‘She achieved great things for Welsh football; we’ll forever thank her,’ Holland adds.
Now with over 50 caps, Holland is a key figure but will miss the Albania tie through injury.
Other absentees include Rhiannon Roberts and Poppy Soper, joining an already depleted squad missing Olivia Clark, Hayley Ladd, Laura Hughes, Ffion Morgan, Ella Powell and Mia Ross.
Still, Wales hope their depth can cope with opponents ranked 36 places lower at 67th in the FIFA table.
Holland also missed the two group‑stage meetings with Albania in April due to injury.
Wales thrashed Albania 4‑0 at home in Wrexham, then edged a 1‑0 away win four days later.
‘We’ve beaten them both ways, sometimes comfortably, sometimes narrowly,’ Woodham, who started both victories, notes.
‘They’re a tough side, so we must work harder to get through the first round,’ she says.
Securing a solid away display is Wales’ priority after a mixed group‑stage away record.
While they comfortably beat Albania, Montenegro (6‑1) and the Czech Republic (3‑1) at home, they managed only a draw in Montenegro and salvaged a point against the Czechs in Uherské Hradiště in March.
‘Travel takes its toll, it’s hard playing away,’ Woodham admits.
‘We’ve reviewed those trips and hope to get it right this time,’ she adds.
If Wales dodge an upset versus Albania, they’ll aim to surprise Norway, ranked 14th and last‑16 finishers at the last World Cup.
Wales have never beaten a top‑20 nation in a competitive match.
Yet recent years have seen them break new ground repeatedly.
Having reached 50 caps in the Czech win, Woodham insists there’s “no doubt within the group” that Wales can topple Norway if the chance arises.
Even with both play‑off rounds cleared, Wales may still need to navigate a complex qualification path to secure a World Cup spot.
The lowest‑ranked European play‑off winner will enter the inter‑confederation playoffs early next year, and that could be Wales.
Should they reach those inter‑confederation games, Wilkinson’s side should be well‑placed to progress.
Although they missed the last World Cup, Wales proved their mettle in knockout fixtures by reaching Euro 2025, the nation’s first major tournament.
Wilkinson’s players struggled at Euro 2025, exiting at the group stage after losses to the Netherlands, France and England.
Yet many feel a second major tournament will be easier to achieve than the first.
‘We’re eager to qualify for the World Cup; the Euro spot has lifted a weight off us,’ Holland says.
‘It’s exciting. All the girls can’t wait,’ she adds.