Ethan Ampadu, the captain of Leeds United, is set to lead Wales in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Bosnia & Herzegovina on March 23, 2026. This match is pivotal as Wales aims to secure a spot in the World Cup finals, with the potential to face either Italy or Northern Ireland in the final if they progress.
Ampadu, who previously played in defense, has expressed his enjoyment of playing in midfield this season. He highlighted the importance of the current squad, stating, “I feel like a midfielder at the moment,” and emphasized that the team has its own match-winners, unlike the reliance on Gareth Bale during the last qualification campaign.
Injuries to key defenders Ben Davies and Chris Mepham have left Wales with a shortage of experience in defense, which could impact their performance. However, Ampadu remains optimistic, stating, “Hopefully we can use everything possible from the last World Cup play-offs to help players who might not have been in that situation.”
The match against Bosnia & Herzegovina is expected to draw significant attention, as it marks another step in Wales’ journey to the World Cup. Observers are keen to see how the team will adapt to the challenges posed by injuries and the pressure of the play-off format.
