Wales defender Neco Williams enters the Cardiff City Stadium friendly against Ghana still smarting from the play‑off loss that ended the nation’s World Cup hopes. The 25‑year‑old missed a decisive penalty in the shoot‑out that sent Bosnia‑Herzegovina through. Williams says the disappointment lingers, but he and the squad view the June fixtures as a reset.

The Wales side, runners‑up to Belgium in their qualifying group, had been tipped to beat Bosnia at home and force a winner‑takes‑all clash with Italy. After a 1‑1 draw that saw Edin Džeko equalise minutes before extra time, the match went to penalties where Brennan Johnson and Williams both failed. The defeat underscored the fine margins that separate Wales from major tournaments.

Williams, a Nottingham Forest player of the year and £12 million 2022 signing, still has three years left on his contract but is reportedly discussing an extension. He stresses the need to focus on upcoming Nations League tests against Portugal, Denmark and Norway, and ultimately on securing a place at Euro 2028 as co‑hosts. The Ghana friendly offers a chance to shake off the pain and prove Wales can compete.