Ramsey Returns to Boost Wales’ World Cup Bid
Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has been recalled to the national squad for October’s fixtures against Belgium and England, marking an important return as Rob Page’s side look to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The 34-year-old midfielder, who was left out of September’s games against Kazakhstan and Canada due to lack of match fitness, has found form again with Mexican club Pumas UNAM. Ramsey has started three of their recent matches and featured twice more from the bench, convincing the Welsh staff he is ready to make an impact.
Key Players Back from Injury
Page also welcomes the return of several regulars. Leeds United duo Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon, Coventry City’s Jay Dasilva, and Wrexham striker Nathan Broadhead all rejoin the squad after missing the previous international window through injury.
There is a slight concern over winger Dan James, who is included despite reports of a knee issue. Wales will wait on further medical assessments from his club before deciding on his availability.
High-Stakes Fixtures Ahead
Wales first face England in a high-profile friendly at Wembley on Thursday, October 9, before hosting Belgium at the Cardiff City Stadium in a decisive World Cup qualifier just four days later.
Sitting third in Group J, Wales are still in the mix for automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup but face an uphill task. North Macedonia lead the group on 11 points, one ahead of Wales and Belgium, with the Belgians holding a game in hand.
Only the group winners secure an automatic place at the finals, while the runners-up move into the March play-offs. Thanks to their Nations League group victory last year, Wales are almost certain of at least a play-off spot if they finish third.
However, if they hope to qualify directly, Page’s men must win all three remaining matches and hope Belgium slip up more than once—including in Cardiff.
Analysis: Ramsey’s Leadership Could Prove Vital
Ramsey’s return adds not just experience but also composure in midfield, an area where Wales have occasionally struggled without him. His leadership will be crucial as the Dragons seek to upset Belgium and keep their qualification dreams alive.
Even if automatic qualification proves out of reach, these fixtures will be an important test of Wales’ depth and resilience heading into the play-offs.
Wales Squad for October Fixtures
Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Tom King (Everton).
Defenders: Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Chris Mepham (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest).
Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Jordan James (Stade Rennais), Aaron Ramsey (Pumas UNAM), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Sorba Thomas (Stoke City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City).
Forwards: Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Lewis Koumas (Birmingham City, on loan from Liverpool), Daniel James (Leeds United), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham).
