Wales captain Angharad James says the Women's World Cup is always on her mind as her side prepare for Friday's play-off semi-final first leg in Shkoder, Albania. Wales are looking to take a major step towards their first-ever World Cup appearance, and the 32-year-old midfielder says she thinks about the tournament during "every training session, every day."
"It's always in the back of my mind," the Seattle Reign player said. "I've always wanted to play in a World Cup, and if you ask the majority of the group, the way we turn up and train and play every day for [our] club is for moments like this with our national team."
Rhian Wilkinson's side will host the return leg at Parc y Scarlets next Tuesday, with the winners facing either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final in December. Even if Wales progress through both rounds, they may still face inter-confederation play-offs in February to secure a place at next year's tournament in Brazil. James, who was central to the squad that qualified for Euro 2025, acknowledged the challenge ahead, adding that the group has the "strength and depth" to get through.
Wales topped their group, but with no automatic qualification route for League B teams, they face a demanding play-off process. A probable final against Norway, with the second leg away from home, would be a sterner test. Wales could also face former boss Gemma Grainger, who left in January 2024 to manage Norway.
James said she would like to see the qualification format changed. "You play a final and you could win the final and still not reach the World Cup," she said. "It's mixed emotions, but hopefully the pathway will change in the near future."
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing