Wales missed out on a second consecutive World Cup in heartbreaking fashion after losing on penalties in their play-off semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Cardiff.
Dan James scored a second-half screamer to seemingly set Wales on their way, but Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko equalised with four minutes remaining to send the contest to extra time.
Penalties felt inevitable amid a nervy extra half-an-hour and, in the end, it was Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams who missed crucial spot-kicks, as the visitors caused an upset away from home to emerge 4-2 winners in the shoot-out.
"We're going to hurt, but there's a bright future,” manager Craig Bellamy said. “It's hard to think about now, even though I'm trying. We've got a home nations Euros coming up, what an incredible time. We wanted to be in a World Cup this summer, but the future is very bright. There are some good years ahead for Wales.”
Follow all the reaction with our news blog below
Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina LIVE
- Wales eliminated from World Cup play-offs after penalty shoot-out loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bosnia emerged 4-2 winners on penalties after Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams missed their spot kicks
- Craig Bellamy says Wales will 'hurt' - but promises 'bright future
- Ireland were also knocked out on penalties to Czech Republic
- Northern Ireland lost to Italy as all three home nations lost in the semi-finals
Wales duo backed to return stronger after penalty agony in World Cup play-off shootout loss
13:29 , Jamie BraidwoodWales' World Cup play-off hopes were dashed in a penalty shoot-out on Thursday night, but Daniel James quickly absolved Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams of blame for their decisive misses.
The Leeds winger, who endured his own penalty heartbreak in the Euro 2024 play-off final two years ago, understood his teammates' crushing burden.
Wales drew 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Edin Dzeko heading home an 86th-minute equaliser to force extra time. In the shoot-out, Karl Darlow saved Bosnia’s first attempt, but Johnson blazed his effort over, and Nikola Vasilj denied Williams. Bosnia ultimately won 4-2 on penalties.
The devastating symmetry of how Wales and Ireland missed out on 2026 World Cup
08:15 , Kieran JacksonBoth Wales and the Republic of Ireland were minutes from hosting a World Cup play-off final on Tuesday – only for near-post headers and penalties to be their undoing
The devastating symmetry of how Wales and Ireland missed out on 2026 World Cup
Craig Bellamy wants to lead Wales into next ream of co-hosting Euro 2028
07:50 , Jamie Braidwood"We've got a home nations Euros coming up, what an incredible time.
"We wanted to be in a World Cup this summer, but the future is very bright. There are some good years ahead for Wales.
"I'm disappointed for the players we couldn't get back-to-back World Cups because we are a good team."
Craig Bellamy says Wales will 'hurt' - but promises 'bright future
07:40 , Jamie Braidwood"We're going to hurt, but there's a bright future. It's hard to think about now, even though I'm trying.”
"I'll think about that tomorrow morning because that hurt is sinking in now. It will be difficult to sleep off the back of this one but it makes me even more determined.
"Tomorrow the sun will rise and I'm going to watch that sunrise."
Tuesday's World Cup play-off finals
07:00 , Kieran JacksonWe have our eight finalists:
- Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Italy
- Czech Republic vs Denmark
- Kosovo vs Turkey
- Sweden vs Poland
They’ll be played on Tuesday night.
World Cup play-offs (Europe) - results:
06:00 , Kieran Jackson- Wales 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Bosnia-Herzegovina win 4-2 on pens)
- Czech Republic 2-2 Republic of Ireland (Czech Republic win 4-3 on pens)
- Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
- Denmark 4-0 North Macedonia
- Poland 2-1 Albania
- Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo
- Ukraine 1-3 Sweden
- Turkey 1-0 Romania
Bosnia-Herzegovina captain Edin Dzeko:
05:00 , Kieran Jackson"We are happy that we could celebrate with our fans.
"They follow us everywhere we go and this is just as much for them as it is us. I think it was just about that one ball that comes and we score from it.
"I think at the beginning we were a bit shy and protecting our goal, even though they only had one chance in the first half. The goal they scored was a bit unlucky for us but I think it gave us a different energy, power and confidence.
"Once we got it to 1-1 I think we deserved it, and I think at the end we had chances to get that second goal. Wales got forward more in the second half but we defended well and won the game on penalties."
Valiant Northern Ireland have World Cup dreams shattered by Italy
04:00 , Kieran JacksonNorthern Ireland’s dreams of reaching the World Cup were ended by Italy as Michael O’Neill’s young side fell to a 2-0 qualifying play-off semi-final defeat in Bergamo.
Northern Ireland battled superbly against an Italy side under immense pressure to deliver qualification after two consecutive failures to reach a tournament they have won four times, but were undone by second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
Full report below:
Valiant Northern Ireland have World Cup dreams shattered by Italy
ELSEWHERE: Ireland also suffer penalty heartache
03:00 , Kieran JacksonJan Kliment fired the Czech Republic to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to set up a showdown with Denmark.
Substitute Kliment scored the decisive spot-kick at the Fortuna Arena after Finn Azaz and Alan Browne had seen their efforts saved by Matej Kovar to book a clash with the Danes on Tuesday night with a trip to the United States, Canada and Mexico at stake.
Full report below:
Penalty anguish ends Ireland’s World Cup dream as Czech Republic advance
Wales goalkeeper Karl Darlow: 'Devastated'
02:00 , Kieran Jackson“We're devastated, that's the only word for it,” Darlow told the BBC.
"We've given our everything out there and come this for, unfortunately it wasn't to be tonight.
"We've played our own brand of football and we can be proud of that.
"It's such a young group full of talented characters, we're devastated tonight but we are growing and you can see that over the last couple years.”
REPORT: Wales endure more penalty heartbreak as World Cup hopes crushed by Bosnia
01:00 , Kieran JacksonWales suffered World Cup play-off heartbreak as Bosnia and Herzegovina won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Cardiff.
It was a cruel repeat of Wales’ exit in the Euro 2024 play-offs as spot-kicks again proved their undoing.
Full report below:
Wales endure more penalty heartbreak as World Cup hopes crushed by Bosnia
Wales boss Craig Bellamy: 'We stopped playing'
00:30 , Kieran Jackson“I am very proud but definitely disappointed,” he said. “There was a lot of good tonight, but it wasn’t to be.
“I got what I wanted from my team, definitely. But with 20 minutes left we stopped playing and we just can’t do that, even though it was understandable.
“It was a big lesson for us. We needed to see the game out with the ball.
“We regained momentum in extra time. Considering the chances we created and moments we had, maybe we’d have liked to have been out of sight by then.”
Tuesday's World Cup play-off finals
00:10 , Kieran JacksonWe have our eight finalists:
- Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Italy
- Czech Republic vs Denmark
- Kosovo vs Turkey
- Sweden vs Poland
World Cup play-offs (Europe) - results:
Thursday 26 March 2026 23:55 , Kieran Jackson- Wales 1-1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Bosnia-Herzegovina win 4-2 on pens)
- Czech Republic 2-2 Republic of Ireland (Czech Republic win 4-3 on pens)
- Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
- Denmark 4-0 North Macedonia
- Poland 2-1 Albania
- Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo
- Ukraine 1-3 Sweden
- Turkey 1-0 Romania
Dan James: 'Tough to take'
Thursday 26 March 2026 23:40 , Kieran JacksonWales’s goalscorer, speaking to the BBC: "It's tough to take, I thought we played really well.
"For them to get a late goal was gutting.
"I thought we were brilliant in extra time, we worked so hard, and what we should today was how far we have come.
"We'll be back, and thank you to all the fans who have been incredible.
Ex-Wales captain Ashley Williams:
Thursday 26 March 2026 23:28 , Kieran Jackson“It's either the best way to go through or the worst way to go out in football, we were on the rough end of it today,” Williams tells the BBC.
“It is what it is, we'll all reflect over the game and pick out bits that we could've done better in, but that's all in hindsight.
“What Craig Bellamy's done through this campaign and what he's trying to build here, it looks good and I think everyone's confident for the future. You win together and you lose together.”
PHOTOS: Wales heartbreak
Thursday 26 March 2026 23:20 , Kieran Jackson
Wales captain Ethan Ampadu:
Thursday 26 March 2026 23:03 , Kieran Jackson"We're lost for words,” he tells the BBC. “We prepared as well as we could have and I thought we played well.
"We can hold our heads up high because we fought for everything, sometimes in life things don't go your way.
"We're always going to look back at what we could have done better, maybe we could have managed the last 10 minutes better to make sure we stayed on the attacking foot.
"That's something we can look at in the future, but for now it's a lot of disappointment."
PHOTOS: Bosnia jubilation in Cardiff
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:53 , Kieran Jackson
Wales miss out on second consecutive World Cup
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:42 , Kieran JacksonHeartbreak for Craig Bellamy’s side, who speaks to his devastated player on the pitch.
Crushed faces in the stands. There will be no appearance in the US for the Welsh.
Bosnia will host Italy in the play-off final on Tuesday night.
Heartbreak for Wales
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:36 , Kieran JacksonAlajbegovic sends Darlow the wrong way - and the World Cup dream is over for Wales.
Bosnia go straight over to their corner of devoted fans to celebrate.
There will be no summer tournament for Craig Bellamy’s men.
4-2 to Bosnia on penalties after 1-1 AET.
Penalties: Wales 2-3 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:35 , Kieran JacksonSAVED!
Neco Williams’ penalty is saved, with Vasilj guessing right and saving to his left.
Cardiff is silent. Bosnia will have a kick to win it....
Penalties: Wales 2-3 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:34 , Kieran JacksonGOAL.
Hadziahmetovic sends Darlow the wrong way and strokes the ball into the top corner.
Bosnia now have their noses in front...
Penalties: Wales 2-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:33 , Kieran JacksonMISS!
Oh no. Brennan Johnson’s penalty is well over the bear, trying to curl it into the right.
Back level after three each.
Penalties: Wales 2-2 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:32 , Kieran JacksonGOAL.
Basic scores to the right - right way from Darlow but it’s right in the corner.
Brennan Johnson next...
Penalties: Wales 2-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:32 , Kieran JacksonGOAL!
Harris blasts it down the middle. Not the best connection, but the keeper doesn’t dive!
Still advantage Wales...
Penalties: Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:31 , Kieran JacksonA good penalty this time from Tabakovic, with Darlow staying down the middle but the Bosnian going to his left.
Penalties: Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:30 , Kieran JacksonGOAL!
Harry Wilson nails it, sending the keeper the wrong way to the right.
Wales with the early momentum...
SAVE! Penalties: Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:29 , Kieran JacksonDemirovic’s penalty is saved by Darlow, down low to his right!
Great save! Advantage Wales to start...
PENALTY SHOOT-OUT
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:28 , Kieran JacksonBosnia will take first.
It’s down the end with the Bosnia fans in the corner.
Here. We. Go.
PENALTIES! Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:24 , Kieran JacksonIt is a penalty shoot-out.
We’re going right to the wire...
Ireland also in penalties in their match against Czech Republic...
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:23 , Kieran Jackson124 mins: Oh so close to a late winner for Wales!
Harris is so close to being set-up for a tap-in but the ball just evades him!
Thomas then cuts in and blazes over!
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:22 , Kieran Jackson122 mins: It’s all Wales - and all coming through Thomas on the left.
For now, Bosnia holding firm for penalties...
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:20 , Kieran Jackson120 mins: It’s a poor corner, doesn’t beat the first man.
Four minutes of added time...
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:19 , Kieran Jackson120 mins: Wales pushing now!
Wilson wins a corner at the near-post.... and the crowd are loud now!
Can the hosts find a winner?!
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:18 , Kieran Jackson118 mins: Sorba Thomas has been lively since coming on - he sends in a wicked cross but no-one is there to attack it!
Penalties loom...
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:12 , Kieran Jackson113 mins: Good ball in from Wilson but Rodon can only head wide.
We continue level here....
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:11 , Kieran Jackson112 mins: While play continues on the pitch, substituted Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko is involved with a clash with Craig Bellamy!
Bizarre! Not clear what it’s about....
Wales do have a corner....
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:08 , Kieran Jackson108 mins: Thomas’ cross into the box is flicked on by Wilson, but Johnson at the back-post just can’t get there.
When will Craig Bellamy, perhaps, start to think about potential penalty-takers....
SECOND-HALF: Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:06 , Kieran JacksonSecond-half in extra-time - will we have a dramatic late winner?
Craig Bellamy was barking out instructions at half-time, amid some fatigued faces in Welsh red.
HALF-TIME: Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:02 , Kieran JacksonThe interval in extra-time.
It feels like penalties are on the horizon here....
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 22:02 , Kieran Jackson105 mins: Ampadu’s goalbound shot from the edge of the box is blocked!
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:56 , Kieran Jackson101 mins: Good improvisation from Brennan Johnson at the near post, as he looks to flick a cross into the far corner, but it flies wide.
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:55 , Kieran Jackson98 mins: Demirovic has been everywhere tonight and he shoots this time into the side-netting from a close angle.
Tell you what, it’s nervy. Very nervy...
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:50 , Kieran Jackson94 mins: What a chance for Harry Wilson!
He’s teed up perfectly in the box but his goalbound shot is brilliantly headed away by Muharemovic!
EXTRA-TIME! Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:48 , Kieran JacksonBack underway.
Can Wales regroup?
FULL-TIME SCORES IN WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:45 , Kieran Jackson- Turkey 1-0 Romania
- Czech Republic 2-2 Republic of Ireland (extra-time)
- Denmark 4-0 North Macedonia
- Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
- Poland 2-1 Albania (still playing normal time)
- Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo
- Ukraine 1-3 Sweden
FULL-TIME: Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:41 , Kieran JacksonIt will be extra-time.
Bosnia ended that second-half so so well - and they’ve silenced the home crowd.
A late Edin Dzeko header cancels out Dan James’ screamer - and we’ll go to two extra periods!
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:39 , Kieran Jackson94 mins: A Bosnia player down, think it’s Alajbegovic.
Looking like extra-time.
Meanwhile, Italy have done their job - they’ll await the winner.
CLOSE! Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:36 , Kieran Jackson91 mins: Wales go close!
A corner is headed goalbound by Rodon but Wales just can’t get a solid connection on any follow up - and the referee gives a belated free-kick.
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:35 , Kieran Jackson90 mins: Five minutes of added time.
Will we have a late winner here?!
Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:35 , Kieran Jackson88 mins: Wales almost holding on here!
It’s another good chance for Demirovic at the back post but, again, he can’t make a connection with the ball.
The Cardiff City Stadium is a bit flat now.... they need their fans.
GOAL! Wales 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dzeko 86')
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:31 , Kieran JacksonThe visitors are level - and it has been coming!
It’s that man, Edin Dzeko! An inswinging corner and Dzeko heads home at the near post, with Darlow committing and not getting there!
Wales pegged back!
Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:29 , Kieran Jackson83 mins: Wales holding on a bit here.
Tabakovic tries to guide a powerful cross goalwards and he does with his midrift, but Darlow parries away!
Dan James then makes way - what a night he’s had! Stoke’s Sorba Thomas comes on.
Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:27 , Kieran Jackson82 mins: Bosnia sub Alajbegovic has been lively since coming on - and he goes close again!
His shot is always rising but it worries Darlow, who dives frantically to his left!
Straight down the other end, James goes close with another shot but it’s a good save.
Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:25 , Kieran JacksonItaly heading for the play-off final - Moise Kean has scored a second for the hosts.
CLOSE! Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:23 , Kieran Jackson79 mins: Wales go close - twice!
Wilson’s effort is just over and, from a similar distance just outside the box, Johnson strokes just wide.
Into the final 10 we go....
MISS! Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:21 , Kieran Jackson76 mins: How are Bosnia not level?!
It's a lovely cross into the box and after Joe Rodon inexplicably leaves it, Demirovic somehow misses an easy tap-in at the back post!
Wales just getting a bit nervous - and sloppy...
Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:20 , Kieran Jackson73 mins: A change apiece: David Brooks is off for Mark Harris, while Bosnia replace Amar Dedic for Dzenis Burnic.
Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:18 , Kieran Jackson73 mins: Bosnia substitute Alajbegovic goes close!
From the left, the winger tests Darlow and it’s a good strong save from the Wales goalkeeper - and the hosts clear their lines!
This could well be a nervy finale in Cardiff..
Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:15 , Kieran Jackson70 mins: Liam Cullen with a needless tackle, which gets Wales’s first booking.
Studs quite high. Definitely a yellow.
Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:14 , Kieran Jackson69 mins: Bosnia just finding some rhythm in attack.
Dzeko is almost played in in the penalty area but Darlow is there to fall on the ball.
VIDEO: Dan James' screamer
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:09 , Kieran JacksonDAN JAMES‼️ WALES ARE IN FRONT 🏴
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) March 26, 2026
📺 Watch: @BBCiPlayer & BBC One Wales
📻 Listen: @BBCSounds & @BBCRadioWales
📲 Follow: @BBCSport online
#bbcfootball #WalvBos pic.twitter.com/SQfDUoxnwu
CLOSE! Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:08 , Kieran Jackson63 mins: Brilliant save from Karl Darlow!
Demirovic looks set to equalise for Bosnia with his head from close range - but somehow the Wales keeper dives backwards and claws the ball out with his left hand!
Stunning!
Strong few minutes from the visitors...
Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:07 , Kieran Jackson61 mins: Darlow dives out of his box to clear with his head, smashing into Demirovic.
Nervy moment for Wales at the back...
And a double change for Bosnia: Thairovic and Kolasinac, OUT, Basic and Alajbegovic IN
CROSSBAR! Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:04 , Kieran Jackson59 mins: So close to a second for Dan James!
Wilson feeds his teammate in the box and, after switching to his left foot, his shot deflects onto the crossbar and away!
This game could well open up now...
Italy 1-0 Northern Ireland
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:02 , Kieran JacksonJust a few minutes after Wales’ goal, Italy break their deadlock, with Sandro Tonali scoring against Northern Ireland.
Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 21:01 , Kieran Jackson55 mins: Enforced change for Wales, with Jordan James unable to continue due to injury.
Liam Cullen replaces him.
Right then, what you got Bosnia?
GOAL! Wales 1-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina (James 51')
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:57 , Kieran JacksonWHAT A GOAL!
It’s an incredible strike from Dan James! The Wales winger gets in behind after a deflected clearance behind and - from 30 yards out - James catches it perfectly on the half-volley and it flies into the back of the net at the near-post!
Glorious scenes - a hell of a strike!
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:54 , Kieran Jackson50 mins: Brooks finds James in behind the left-back, but James gets his feet all wrong and skews behind!
Better from Wales...
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:52 , Kieran Jackson47 mins: Let-off for Wales!
Hospital pass from Wales keeper Darlow to Ampadu, and the defelction off the Bosnian player fourtunately falls straight back to Darlow, not either side!
Sloppy start....
SECOND-HALF: Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:50 , Kieran JacksonBoth teams out, no changes at the break.
A big 45 minutes of football in Cardiff....
Latest scores
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:44 , Kieran JacksonHere’s the other scores in Europe’s World Cup play-offs at half-time:
- Turkey 1-0 Romania (full-time)
- Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
- Denmark 0-0 North Macedonia
- Italy 0-0 Northern Ireland
- Poland 0-1 Albania
- Slovakia 2-1 Kosovo
- Ukraine 0-1 Sweden
HALF-TIME: Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:35 , Kieran JacksonDeadlock at the break.
Harry Wilson has showed his quality, curling on the post, and that’s the closest we’ve come in the first-half!
Bosnia have been rough - with three yellow cards - but have been dogged.
Goalless.
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:32 , Kieran Jackson45 mins: A rare chance for the visitors, with a long throw brought down by Dzeko, who lays it off for Dedic - who skies harmlessly over!
Two minutes of added time at the end of the half....
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:28 , Kieran Jackson41 mins: Clever from Wilson!
From another free-kick on the right, he tries to deceive the keeper by going for the near post but Vasilj is alert to it and beats the ball away!
Dan James then skies over from 30 yards!
A big cry of ‘SHOOT!’ - but then James slips.
Bosnia need half-time...
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:26 , Kieran Jackson39 mins: Wilson’s inswinging free-kick is flicked on by Lawlor but there’s no-one behind him!
Moments later, a third Bosnian yellow, with Kolasinac booked for a horrid body-check on Dan James.
That was some time coming...
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:24 , Kieran Jackson37 mins: A second yellow of the evening for Bosnia, with forward Demirovic booked for a needless late foul on Dan James.
Careless!
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:23 , Kieran Jackson35 mins: Brooks gets away on the right and his ball across the box ALMOST finds Brennan Johnson at the back post but it’s just intercepted.
Wales just building a bit of momentum here...
ELSEWHERE: Czech Republic 1-2 Ireland
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:22 , Kieran JacksonEarly goals in Prague - Ireland have the advantage.
Follow live below:
Czech Republic vs Ireland LIVE: Latest score and updates in World Cup play-off
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:17 , Kieran Jackson30 mins: Brooks is running Kolasinac ragged on the right, with the veteran defender looking a smidge lost at times.
Still goalless after 30 mins, however...
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:11 , Kieran Jackson24 mins: VAR check waved away - more a coming-together.
But so so close to a breakthrough for Wales!
POST! Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:09 , Kieran Jackson22 mins: So close for Harry Wilson!
It’s classic Wilson. Cutting in from the right in the box, it’s a beauty of a curling shot but it hits the post!
Ampadu then goes down in the box, with the referee giving a free-kick the other way!
VAR check incoming?
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:07 , Kieran Jackson20 mins: Bosnia defender Katic cynically pulls back Harry Brooks on the break and, astonishingly, no booking!
Craig Bellamy not impressed on the touchline...
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 20:04 , Kieran Jackson17 mins: First corner of the evening for Wales goes deep from Wilson, hitting Jordan James at the back post, but nobody can get on the second ball....
Wales dominating the ball early on, if no clear-cut chances yet. Bosnia rigged in their shape, deep.
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:58 , Kieran Jackson12 mins: Rodon has to deal with a ball over the top, taking control with Darlow stranded in-between.
Wales deal with the long throw better this time, clearing their lines.
CHANCE! Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:57 , Kieran Jackson10 mins: First look at goal for Bosnia.
A long throw into the box finds its way to Dzeko who, with his back to goal, steers the ball goalwards but it’s comfortable for Darlow.
An early warning for Wales, though.
Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:52 , Kieran Jackson5 mins: Wilson’s free-kick is cleared away after an initial nod-on, but it’s very high energy from Wales to start.
And it’s an early booking for Bosnia midfielder Amar Memic, for a cynical foul on Wilson.
2 mins: Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:49 , Kieran JacksonDan James has a good look at his wing back on the right hand side but his cross is well defended in the opening minutes.
A minute later, James wins a foul from Kolasinac - early chance for a ball in for the hosts.
KICK OFF! Wales 0-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:47 , Kieran JacksonThe home side get us going in Cardiff!
Wales in their usual red strip, Bosnia and Herzegovina in white shirts.
A reminder of the two teams
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:44 , Kieran JacksonWales: Darlow; Williams, Rodon, Lawlor, Dasilva; Ampadu, J. James; D. James, Brooks, Wilson, Johnson.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Vasilj; Dedic, Katic, Muharemovic, Kolasinac; Memic, Tahirovic, Bajraktarevic, Sunjic; Demirovic, Dzeko.
Here we go!
National anthems
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:44 , Kieran JacksonA stirring version of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau in Cardiff - loud and proud from players, staff and fans alike!
Teams out in Cardiff
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:40 , Kieran JacksonA feverish atmosphere at the Cardiff City Stadium as Ethan Ampadu and Edin Dzeko leads out the two teams!
Ben Davies, out injured tonight, has received a ceremonial 100th cap out on the pitch beforehand!
Time for the national anthems...
Craig Bellamy, speaking to BBC Sport:
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:39 , Kieran Jackson“Strong team, we’ve got a strong bench as well, happy with the team,” he said.
“We’re used to these situations, it’s normal service, we know the importance of it, we have to enjoy these moments too. Be relaxed and enjoy it.”
What's at stake tonight?
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:36 , Kieran JacksonTwo matches from the World Cup, it’s do-or-die time.
A win for Wales tonight (and we could have extra-time and penalties if necessary) and they will host either Italy or Northern Ireland on Tuesday night. And that will be for a place at this summer’s Finals.
Show time in 10 in Cardiff!
PHOTOS: Wales warm-up
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:32 , Kieran JacksonAmpadu. Wilson. Key midfield cogs for Wales tonight.
Warm-ups just ending at the Cardiff City Stadium...
Wales winger Harry Wilson, ahead of tonight's match:
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:29 , Kieran Jackson“I think so, the Wales games really helped me as well,” he said. “To go away and play for your country puts you in a really good place.
On 7-1 win against North Macedonia: “It was a huge game, the hatr-trick was the cherry on the cake, it was perfect.”
Wales midfielder Jordan James, speaking to BBC Sport:
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:23 , Kieran Jackson“It’s a massive game, we’re ready for it,” he said. “The lads in that dressing room are ready to go.
“You want to play in these big games, it’s what you play football for. We’re a big squad with a lot of quality.”
Ethan Ampadu on potential World Cup qualification:
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:11 , Kieran Jackson“It would be very special to qualify,” he said.
“I think everyone as a kid grows up getting excited for a World Cup and wanting to play there. To have lived through that moment of achieving it gives you that feeling to want to do it again.
“But also, when we got there, we didn’t play as well as we could have. So it’s about wanting to put that right and making sure we deliver the performances. But like I said, we have to make sure we get through Thursday first.”
PHOTOS: Wales arrive at the Cardiff City Stadium
Thursday 26 March 2026 19:03 , Kieran JacksonFans await the Welsh team in the capital!
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
