Wales take 1-0 lead into decisive Albania play-off return

James says Wales have prepared the squad for the pressure of a play-off

Wales will take a 1-0 first-leg lead into Tuesday’s Women’s World Cup play-off semi-final return against Albania, with captain Angharad James saying the squad has been given a history lesson on what is at stake.

The match at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli is a crucial step in Wales’ bid to reach the 2027 tournament in Brazil. James said a players’ meeting at the start of camp was used to bring a group featuring several young players up to speed on the importance of representing Wales and competing in a play-off.

“We have to give everything. It’s a final game for us and every game is,” James said. “We’re focusing on it being a new 90-minute game. It’s a clean sheet and we’re going out there to perform and to win again.”

Past heartbreak and success shape Wales’ approach

James has experienced both sides of the play-off equation. Wales were beaten by Switzerland in the final qualifying step for the 2023 World Cup, conceding late in extra time after taking an early lead. Two years later, they overcame Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland to qualify for Euro 2025, their first major tournament.

James said the pain of the defeat in Switzerland helped fuel the squad’s determination ahead of its success in Dublin. She and Gemma Evans are among the players who featured in those defining matches. Evans’ missing tooth, lost during the win over Ireland, even appeared in a team meeting as a reminder of the campaign’s memorable moments.

Wales beat Albania twice during the qualifying group phase, but James stressed that the team must not treat its first-leg advantage as a safety net. If Wales progress, they will play a play-off final in early December; Norway are potential opponents after winning their first leg against Romania 2-0. Further inter-confederation play-offs may still be required for a place at the World Cup.

The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October, at 19:15 BST in Llanelli.