Wales set for Albania play-off with possible Norway reunion ahead
Wales will play Albania in Shkoder on Friday in the first leg of their Women's World Cup play-off semi-final, with the return match in Llanelli four days later. If both Wales and Norway advance, Rhian Wilkinson's team would meet former Wales boss Gemma Grainger, now Norway manager, in December's play-off final. Wales have not lost any of their last eight international matches as they try to qualify for a first Women's World Cup.
Wales are chasing a maiden Women’s World Cup appearance. They face Albania in Shkoder on Friday, then host the second leg in Llanelli. Albania sit 67th globally, 36 spots below Wales, who won April meetings 4-0 and 1-0.
Norway meet Romania in the other semi-final. Victory for both would set up a December final against Gemma Grainger, Wales’ former manager from 2021 until January 2024. She later took the Norway role after Wales narrowly missed the 2023 tournament.
A deep play-off run could raise the profile of women’s football in Wales, drawing more attention to the national team and inspiring young players. It may also boost local interest in Llanelli and Shkoder, while a possible meeting with Grainger could add emotional narrative for supporters. Success might strengthen commercial and media interest, though the actual social effect would depend on results and sustained coverage.