Overview
Wales once created a historical milestone when they won the right to participate in the 2022 World Cup, their first tournament after more than six decades of waiting. However, coach Craig Bellamy's team could not repeat that achievement at the 2026 World Cup.
A relatively successful qualifying campaign helped Wales finish in second place in Group J, only 2 points behind the leading team Belgium. This result forced them to enter the play-off round to compete for a ticket to North America.
In the European regional play-off semi-finals, Wales faced Bosnia & Herzegovina. The red shirt team was very close to victory when leading 1-0, but the equalizer in the 86th minute caused the match to drag on to a penalty shootout.
From the 11m spot, Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams both failed, causing Wales to lose 2-4 and officially miss the 2026 World Cup.
After that shock, Bellamy's team continued to disappoint when they only drew 1-1 against Northern Ireland in a friendly match in March. Bellamy will certainly want his students to show a more positive face in this international gathering in June.
Although unable to participate in the World Cup, Wales still has reason to be confident before the confrontation with Ghana, a team that is going through a worrying period of decline.
The African representative once made a strong impression in the World Cup qualifiers when they won 8, drew 1 and only lost 1 out of 10 matches, thereby winning a ticket to North America. However, since completing the goal, Ghana's form has clearly declined.
Coach Carlos Queiroz's team is experiencing a 5-match losing streak against Japan, South Korea, Austria, Germany and Mexico.
In that series of matches, Ghana only scored 2 goals but conceded 12 goals, showing alarming problems in both attack and defense.
Therefore, the clash with Wales is very important for Ghana. This is not only an opportunity for them to end their disappointing streak, but also the final rehearsal before the 2026 World Cup.
At the biggest football festival on the planet, Ghana will be in Group L with Panama, England and Croatia - a group considered very difficult. Therefore, a positive result against Wales will be a necessary morale boost before they enter the big challenge in North America.
Personnel situation
Ben Davies and Connor Roberts have both returned to the Wales national team after a long period of injury break. However, this experienced duo is likely to be used cautiously and may start the match from the bench.
In attack, Wales will not have the service of Harry Wilson after this player withdrew from the call-up list. In that context, Bellamy is likely to give the starting opportunity to the attacking quartet including David Brooks, Nathan Broadhead, Sorba Thomas and Lewis Koumas.
On the Ghana side, Baba Abdul Rahman and Ernest Nuamah have both returned to the national team after a period of absence. Both are expected to be in Carlos Queiroz's starting lineup.
Rahman is likely to take the left-back position, while Nuamah is predicted to support the attacking front with stars such as Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Inaki Williams.
Expected lineup:
Darlow, Williams, Rodon, Mepham, DaSilva, Sheehan, Ampadu, Brooks, Broadhead, Thomas, Koumas.
Ati-Zigi, Seidu, Oppong, Djiku, Opoku, Rahman, Partey, Sibo, Williams, Semenyo, Ayew.
The match between Wales and Ghana takes place at 1:45 am on June 3rd (Vietnam time).
