At the World Cup, Gareth Bale and Wales Embrace the Games of a Lifetime
The most important stage of soccer is a World Cup, and it was on this stage that Wales hosted the 2026 tournament.
The national team has reached this stage of the competition just twice before, against Italy in 1996 and 2010, while France also qualified for this year’s World Cup as hosts. This tournament will be their first.
It’s a unique experience for a country at the game’s most important stage.
In advance of the opening game of the tournament against Germany, Wales’ players were asked what they would bring to the national team with the hope of creating a bond between them and the nation at large.
“I’m very excited for the first one of the competition,” defender Daniel James said. “I’m hoping to bring the right attitude to the game. If we all come prepared, that’d be ideal.”
A victory against Germany would secure the group and a place in the round of 16.
The Wales squad then posed for the first time together in front of the cameras. There were some striking visuals, like James’s hair which features a red tint to the roots.
“I’m not expecting us to win the tournament,” said James, who has the best possible intentions.
“I do want to see us play with pride. I feel proud to represent Wales and to represent my country.”
Goalkeeper Scott Davies was also asked about his team’s goals. He made a bold prediction, although he didn’t specify which goals he would score.
“We need to win at least one of the games,” said Davies.
“There are three teams that we have to beat to get to the next round of the tournament. We will need to have a good performance.”
After the questions