Gareth Bale hopes to play for Wales at 2026 World Cup as he blows apart retirement talk

Gareth Bale insists he intends to lead Wales to Euro 2024 and is even hopeful of making the 2026 World Cup, following his move to the United States.

The 32-year-old was officially unveiled as an LAFC player ahead of the derby clash with LA Galaxy recently, having signed a one year deal at the Banc of California Stadium.

Bale's move to MLS came on the back of a summer of fervent speculation over his next move, with hometown club Cardiff City even in the running for his signature.

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Ensuring he was in the best possible shape for Wales at the upcoming finals in Qatar was clearly a big factor in his search for a new club, after he played just seven games for Real Madrid last season before his eventual release.

Previously, it had widely been accepted that the World Cup would effectively be Bale's curtain call on the international stage. But, speaking to reporters for the first time since making the move stateside, Bale insisted LA offered the perfect platform for him to keep going until the European Championships in Germany in two years time, and potentially the 2026 World Cup in the US.

"I haven't come here for six to 12 months," he told reporters. "I've come here for as long as possible.

"I want to make my mark on the league. It's not a short-term thing. It gives me an opportunity to keep going to the next Euros - maybe further.

"Being here gives me the best chance to make it to Euros and you never know, maybe one more."

Bale is expected to make his debut for his new club during the upcoming trip to Nashville next Monday, and insists he isn't expecting an easy ride.

"This is a league that has come a long way in last 10 years," he added.

"I don't think anyone sees it as a retirement league anymore. The weather is difficult, the travel is difficult.

"The standard here is increasing. It's a lot better than people in Europe think. Everything is improving - it's a league on the rise."

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