Wales focus on Albania as Grainger reunion looms

What the report says

Wales are preparing for their Women’s World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against Albania this week, with the first leg in Shkoder on Friday and the return match in Llanelli four days later. Rhian Wilkinson’s side are aiming to keep alive their bid to reach a first World Cup, and the winner could face a familiar figure in the next round: former Wales manager Gemma Grainger, now in charge of Norway.

BBC Sport Wales reports that Grainger, who coached Wales from 2021 to early 2024, came close to taking the team to the 2023 World Cup before they were beaten by a late Switzerland goal in the play-off final. Her spell is described as an important period for Welsh football, with players such as Lily Woodham and Ceri Holland crediting her for helping the team develop. Holland has been left out of the Albania squad because of injury.

Wales are expected to be favourites against Albania, who are ranked well below them, and they have already beaten the same opponents twice in qualifying. However, the report notes that Wales were less convincing in away matches during the group stage, so the performance in Shkoder is likely to matter. If Wales progress, they would face Norway in December’s two-legged play-off final, although any path to the 2027 World Cup could still include an additional inter-confederation round depending on results and ranking.