"Wales is looking for a second-straight World Cup berth after a magical run in 2022 ended a 64-year drought. This is as prosperous a time for Welsh soccer as any, even without its greatest export, Gareth Bale. The Dragons reached the semifinals of the European Championships in 2016 and then advanced to the round of 16 in 2020."
"Still, one of the main men pulling the strings is 40-year-old striker Edin Dzeko, the former Manchester City and Roma man who is currently in Germany with Bundesliga 2 side Schalke. He is the country's all-time leading goal scorer with 72 goals across 146 caps."
"Injuries have been prevalent all year long for Wales. Skipper Ben Davies broke his ankle in January, and center-back Chris Mepham and striker Kieffer Moore are dealing with hamstring issues. They also failed to coax Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips to switch international allegiances from England to join its play-off squad."
Four European pathways each containing four nations compete in single-elimination playoffs for the final four European spots at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Wales seeks a second consecutive World Cup appearance after ending a 64-year drought in 2022, though injuries plague the squad including captain Ben Davies and striker Kieffer Moore. Wales faces Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has appeared in only one previous World Cup in 2014. Bosnia relies on 40-year-old striker Edin Dzeko, their all-time leading goal scorer with 72 international goals, alongside Serie A defenders and Stuttgart forward Ermedin Demirovic. The semifinals occur March 26 with the final on March 31.
#2026-fifa-world-cup-playoffs #wales-vs-bosnia-and-herzegovina #european-qualification #international-football
Read at www.amny.com
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