Wales manager Craig Bellamy has named a 28-man squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, handing a first international call-up to Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford while confirming the absence of key centre-back Joe Rodon through injury.
Wales return to League A of the Nations League facing a daunting run of fixtures against Portugal, Denmark and Norway, a stretch that will test a squad already weakened by defensive absences. Rodon, Wales' first-choice central defender, has been ruled out with a hamstring problem, while his usual defensive partner Dylan Lawlor also misses out, having not featured this season due to a knee issue. Cardiff City defender Ronan Kpakio is a further omission from the squad.
There was better news elsewhere, with Leeds United's Harry Wilson and Wolves midfielder Jordan James both returning to the fold after missing June's friendlies against Ghana and Romania through injury. Swansea City's Ben Cabango also comes back into contention, alongside forwards Mark Harris and Liam Cullen. Leicester City winger Wes Burns, who has 10 caps, earns a recall and could win his first international cap since 2024 if selected.
Captain Ben Davies has again been included despite not featuring during the summer international window. The 33-year-old, who won his 100th cap in October 2025, had been sidelined by a serious ankle injury sustained while playing for Tottenham Hotspur in January, but has since returned to club action and is in contention to make his first Wales appearance since that milestone.
Ashford, 21, earns his chance on the back of a promising start to the Championship campaign for Cardiff, joining a forward line that also features Liverpool's Lewis Koumas. Fellow Cardiff attackers Isaak Davies and Rubin Colwill were unavailable because of injury, while Oxford United loanee Kai Andrews, despite a strong start under Aaron Ramsey, did not make the cut.
Wales begin this extended international window away to Portugal on 24 September, before heading to Copenhagen to face Denmark. They then host World Cup quarter-finalists Norway in Cardiff on 1 October, ahead of a return fixture against Denmark on 4 October.
The announcement comes during a turbulent period behind the scenes for the national team. Bellamy, a 78-cap former striker, had held talks with Championship side Burnley over their managerial vacancy before ultimately remaining in his post. Since then, two members of his coaching staff have departed — assistant Piet Cremers has taken up a role in Belgium, while James Rowberry has stepped back to focus on his club duties as assistant manager at Stoke City. They will be replaced by former Wales captain Ashley Williams and ex-Swansea City boss Alan Sheehan.
Wales head into the campaign without a win in their last four matches, their most recent competitive outing ending in a penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in March's World Cup play-offs. The team has not beaten a nation ranked in the world's top 20 since defeating Croatia 2-1 in October 2023, and under Bellamy has yet to overcome an opponent ranked above them.
Currently 38th in the FIFA world rankings — their lowest standing since August 2014 — Wales face an immediate examination of their credentials, starting with reigning Nations League champions Portugal, who are expected to field Cristiano Ronaldo in his first matches under new head coach Jorge Jesus.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport Football.