Wales 'all in' for 2027 World Cup' - Wilkinson

Wales drawn with Czech Republic, Albania and Montenegro in League B Group B1; with Wales rebuilding after key retirements, punters may find value backing Czech Republic to top the group, while a Wales play-off run represents an attractive long-shot if young talents mature by 2026.

Wales drawn in Group B1 as Wilkinson keeps World Cup hope alive

Rhian Wilkinson insists Wales can challenge for a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup despite the reality that Euro 2029 is a more realistic four-year target. The draw placed Wales in League B Group B1 alongside Czech Republic, Albania and Montenegro — a group that offers opportunity but no automatic route to Brazil 2027.

Group composition and rankings

On paper the draw is workable. The Czech Republic, ranked 31st by FIFA, sit one place above Wales and represent the strongest opposition in pot two. Albania (72nd) and Montenegro (85th) are lower-ranked opponents but pose unfamiliar tactical questions. Wales last met the Czechs in 2019, a 0-0 draw, leaving limited recent head-to-head data.

What the draw means for qualification

Because Wales are in League B, there is no direct automatic qualification: only League A group winners qualify outright. Wales must win their group to avoid a multi-stage play-off path. If they top Group B1, their play-off route is against lower League B opposition initially; finishing second or third could pit them against stronger League A or seeded opponents in later rounds. Even a successful run might require an inter-confederation play-off in February 2027, depending on seeding and results.

Form, transition and squad outlook

Wales enter qualifying amid a difficult run — winless in 11 games since December 2024 and suffering seven consecutive defeats. The squad is in transition following international retirements of key figures, including Jess Fishlock and striker Kayleigh Barton. Wilkinson frames this as the start of a new cycle, targeting Euro 2029 as the point when youthful talent will be more experienced, while still committing fully to the World Cup campaign.

Tactical preparation and scouting

Wilkinson has signalled intensive research into unfamiliar opponents, acknowledging limited recent meetings and the Czech Republic's higher ranking. Tactical planning will focus on maximising the development opportunities for younger players while attempting to arrest a poor run of results ahead of competitive fixtures.

Schedule, fixtures and next steps

Group games will be played over six matchdays, home and away, across March to June 2026 (starting 3 March, finishing 9 June). Should Wales avoid bottom place, play-offs would follow later in 2026, with seeded second-round ties likely to feature League A opposition. Wales plan to assemble at the end of this month and hope to arrange at least one friendly to try to end their losing streak before qualifiers begin.

Wilkinson's message and targets

Wilkinson has been clear: topping the group is an "absolutely" target and not to be shied away from, though she admits it will be a tough task. For now, the focus remains on preparing for Czech Republic, Albania and Montenegro and taking care of the immediate challenges before speculating on play-off scenarios.

Implications for fans and bettors

Wales' transitional phase and recent form suggest bookmakers may favour the Czech Republic to win the group, but the squad's past unbeaten return to League B and potential for young players to emerge create upside for Wales-backed long-shots — particularly bets tied to a play-off qualification route or specific match outcomes in 2026.

Rhian Wilkinson says Wales must believe they can challenge for a place at the 2027 Women's World Cup even if qualification for the next European Championship is a more realistic target.

The Bbc