Craig Bellamy Insists Wales Belong in Nations League Elite Ahead of Crucial Norway Clash
Wales manager Craig Bellamy remains adamant his side belong among the continent's top tier despite a difficult start to their UEFA Nations League campaign, as they brace to face Erling Haaland's Norway in Cardiff.
Wales are currently without a point in Group A4 following back-to-back away losses—falling 1-0 to Portugal in Lisbon and 2-0 against Denmark in Copenhagen. Combining their current campaign with their 2022 run, Wales have failed to win any of their eight matches in League A and are winless in their six outings across 2026.
However, after earning promotion from League B in his maiden campaign in charge, Bellamy insists his squad have fully merited the opportunity to test themselves against Europe's heavyweight nations.
"For us, this [Norway game] is another one, the intensity, top players, real speed," Bellamy said. "It's what group A is, up and down all the group As. When we were in the pot, we were in pot four and we thought, 'where do you want to be?'. They're all brilliant, but we've earned the right to be here."
Norway Threat Looms
Wales return home to Cardiff City Stadium for a double-header, starting with a showdown against World Cup quarter-finalists Norway on Thursday before hosting a rematch against Denmark. Norway arrive in the Welsh capital following a 2-1 defeat to Portugal, having previously opened their campaign with a 3-2 victory over Scandinavian rivals Denmark.
Bellamy singled out Norway's steady rise on the international stage under Stale Solbakken, praising their recent achievements and national investment.
"They get to the quarter-finals in the World Cup and you're really on a surge at the present moment," Bellamy noted. "You've built it in your nation for a number of years, you have two clubs in the Champions League. This is a real surge now and I don't think it's going away. How rich your country is, it's really spending the money in certain areas and in sport, I expect you to be a force for a number of years."
Bellamy Under Scrutiny
Despite an impressive nine-game unbeaten start when taking the reins in July 2024, Bellamy faces increasing pressure to arrest Wales' slide, with the team needing results in their next two matches to avoid going an entire calendar year without a victory for the first time since 1989.
Reflecting on the team's trajectory, former Wales international Nia Jones said: "I still want Craig Bellamy to be our manager, but I think there's an element of a new manager bounce when he first came in, there was an excitement and a freedom. Sometimes the novelty wears off and expectations from opponents and fans go up, and I feel we've plateaued."
Former Wales striker Nathan Blake also highlighted how opponents may have adapted to Bellamy's high-intensity style: "When Craig took over, that first game against Turkey, the football was fantastic. I remember our fans were like 'wow, this is pretty, it's totally changed'. Everything was front-footed. Maybe the problem is because we were so good, on the front foot and the pressing was on point and catching teams off guard, maybe teams know what we're going to do."
Despite recent setbacks, Denmark manager Brian Riemer offered strong backing for Bellamy ahead of their upcoming rematch, highlighting the difficulties Wales have posed to Europe's top sides.
"He [Bellamy] has done a tremendous job," Riemer said. "He's also under a bit of pressure when it comes to injuries, a bit like us, and that gives him some headaches I imagine. We have the utmost respect for Wales... To go to Portugal and lose with just one is not something you should feel miserable about. We expect a very difficult game in Cardiff."