Wales have revealed their 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup this evening ahead of their first appearance in the tournament since 1958. The Welsh find themselves in Group B with USA, Iran and neighbours England, and will hope to repeat their feat of progressing to the knockout rounds in both of the past two European Championships.
Wales manager Rob Page has called up the experienced Gareth Bale and Joe Allen despite fitness concerns as he announced the country’s first World Cup squad in 64 years. Bale, Wales’s all-time top scorer with 40 goals in 108 internationals, admitted he was still not 100% despite his crucial late goal in Los Angeles FC’s MLS Cup final victory last weekend. He remains Wales’ talisman, however, and played a key role in leading them to the World Cup, scoring all three goals in their playoffs against Austria and Ukraine. Playmaker Allen, who has 72 caps, had been in fine form for Swansea City this season but has not played since 17 September after picking up a hamstring injury, with the club confirming he will not feature before the World Cup.
Tylorstown Welfare Hall was chosen as the understated venue for this announcement. Tylorstown is situated in the Rhondda Valley between Cardiff and Swansea and is the hometown of manager Page, who chose the location quite deliberately in an effort to show the pride in his roots to his players, the Welsh supporters and the wider football world.
Follow all the latest news from the Wales squad annoucement below.
