Wales captain Angharad James has revealed that qualification for the Women's World Cup is a constant presence in her thoughts as her side prepare to open their play-off campaign against Albania in Shkoder on Friday.
The Welsh squad, managed by Rhian Wilkinson, are chasing a first-ever appearance at the Women's World Cup when they take on Albania in the first leg of a play-off semi-final at the Loro Borici Stadium. The return fixture will take place at Parc y Scarlets the following Tuesday, with home advantage falling to Wales for the decisive second leg.
Should Wales progress, they would face either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final scheduled for December, with a place in next year's tournament in Brazil potentially still requiring a further hurdle in the form of inter-confederation play-offs come February.
Speaking ahead of the tie, the 32-year-old Seattle Reign midfielder admitted that the prospect of representing her country on football's biggest stage rarely leaves her mind. "It's always in the back of my mind," James said. "I've always wanted to play in a World Cup and I think if you ask the majority of the group, the way we turn up and train and play every day for our club is for moments like this with our national team."
James, who has 146 caps to her name and is set to earn her latest against Albania, described the extra effort she puts in daily to ensure she and her teammates are ready for the challenge ahead. "Every day I'll make sure I do extras. I do everything that I can to best prepare myself and the team to reach the first World Cup," she said.
The midfielder was a key figure in the Welsh squad that secured qualification for Euro 2025, marking the nation's first appearance at a major women's tournament. Wales carried that momentum into World Cup qualifying, finishing top of Group B4. However, as a team competing in League B, they do not have a direct route to automatic qualification and must instead navigate a challenging play-off structure, starting with Albania — a side Wales defeated twice during the group phase.
Despite several injuries affecting their squad depth, Wales remain favorites to advance past Albania. A tougher task likely awaits in the play-off final, where Norway — ranked 14th in the world — are the probable opponents, with the second leg of that tie set to be played away from home.
James expressed confidence that her team has what it takes to navigate the demanding road ahead. "We know it's not an easy road ahead of us. It's a big challenge. We've got a big game [in Albania], we've got big games ahead of us and the road is never easy," she said. "But it's one that I truly believe this group can get through. With the help of the staff and the whole squad, we can achieve big things and reaching the World Cup would be the biggest honour."
A victory over Norway would also represent a symbolic reunion, as the Scandinavian side is now coached by Gemma Grainger, the Englishwoman who previously led Wales close to World Cup qualification before departing in January 2024.
However, even success in the play-off final may not guarantee qualification. Of the eight European play-off winners, only seven will progress directly to Brazil, with the lowest-ranked nation from the group stage facing an additional inter-confederation play-off in February. James hopes this complex system will eventually be revised. "You play a final and you could win the final and still not reach the World Cup," she said. "So as players, do you celebrate that moment, do you not? It's mixed emotions, but hopefully the pathway will change in the near future."
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.