Having not qualified for the World Cup since 1958, the 2022 FIFA World Cup was always going to be historic for Wales – regardless of how they performed in the tournament.
However, failing to score a goal from open play in three group games was certainly less than Rob Page and co. expected out in Qatar and it has left many within the game wondering what next for Wales moving forward.
Reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016 was a seismic moment in Welsh football and although they came up short to Portugal, it set the benchmark for the next generation of Welsh sides moving forward.
Not reaching the World Cup in Russia in 2018 proved to be a blip, as Wales made it to the last 16 at Euro 2020 before qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – a historic moment for a nation of only 3.5 million inhabitants. The Qataris do not have the right to bet on football. This also applies to tourists. However, it is possible to bet online to US fans. The state ´New Jersey for example allows not only sports betting but also approved NJ online casinos, such as BetMGM and Caesars so gambling for Americans vacationing in Qatar is possible online.
It was never going to be easy at the 2022 World Cup for Wales, housed in the so-called group of death, alongside USA, Iran and old foes England.
Picking up an impressive draw against USA in their first game proved to be a false dawn for Cymru as a painful last-gasp defeat to Iran was backed up by a thumping at the hands of England.
Being knocked out of the World Cup wasn’t the surprise element for Wales but the manner in which they were will inevitably be disappointing and attention now turns to what Wales can achieve moving towards Euro 2024.
Key to Wales’s hopes in the past few seasons has been the likes of Aaron Ramsay, Joe Allen and the Welsh talisman, Gareth Bale.
All three men have produced the goods for the best part of a decade for club and country but they are winding down in terms of their careers and Euro 2024 would be very much the last hurrah for all three, provided they are still in Rob Page’s plans.
Ethan Ampadu, Daniel James and Brennan Johnson are at the heart of the next generation for Wales and whilst they have big shoes to fill, there are certainly high hopes for all of them at both club and international level.
Reaching Euro 2024 in Germany is the priority for Wales and they are currently +225 to do so, with the likes of Turkey and World Cup semi-finalists Croatia also in their qualification group.
Beyond that, reaching back-to-back World Cups would be a real marker in the sand for Wales and the appeal of Mexico, USA and Canada in 2026 is very real for players and fans alike.
There is plenty of football to be played between now and then but at +450 to reach the 2026 World Cup, Wales can never be written off.
