Wales promoted in Nations League
Wales 4 - 1 Croatia
Wales pulled off an extraordinary return to the Nations League's top tier with a commanding comeback victory over Iceland in Cardiff, aided by Montenegro’s crucial win against Turkey.
The result sealed promotion for Craig Bellamy’s side, sparking celebrations at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Turkey had started the evening atop Group B4, two points clear of second-placed Wales, with Iceland a further two points back in third. For Wales to achieve promotion, they needed to win and hope Montenegro could do them a favour.
The night began ominously for the hosts when Andri Gudjohnsen struck for Iceland in the seventh minute. Danny Ward had made a stunning save to deny Orri Oskarsson’s header, but Gudjohnsen, son of former Chelsea striker Eidur, pounced on the rebound to fire through Ward’s legs.
That goal ended Wales’ 321-minute home clean sheet streak, stretching back to March’s 4-1 defeat to Finland in their Euro 2024 play-off semi-final.
It also marked the first time Bellamy’s side had fallen behind under his management. But Wales rallied. In the 32nd minute, Brennan Johnson delivered a delightful curling cross from the right, which Liam Cullen deftly headed in to equalise.
Cullen struck again before half-time, tapping in after Daniel James’ shot was parried by the Iceland keeper. He then turned provider in the second half, setting up Johnson to coolly finish Wales’ third. The Cardiff crowd erupted when Harry Wilson added a fourth, curling a sublime 20-yard effort into the net. This was his fourth goal in five international games.
The result ignited a jubilant atmosphere, with fans singing in praise of both Wales and Montenegro, whose victory over Turkey confirmed their promotion.
Latest Nations League news and stories can be found here
Bellamy remains unbeaten in his six matches as Wales boss, and this success significantly bolsters their World Cup qualifying prospects. Winning their group enhances their chances of at least securing a play-off spot while avoiding a Nations League play-off clash ensures their 2026 World Cup campaign can kick off as early as March.
Bellamy, appointed in the summer, had set his sights on taking Wales to the World Cup. While he framed this Nations League campaign as preparation for that goal, gaining promotion at the first attempt is an impressive milestone.
Had Wales failed to win the group, they would have faced a promotion play-off in March, delaying their World Cup bid until later in the year. Worse still, defeat to Iceland would have condemned them to third place and a relegation play-off.
But Wales showed resilience in the face of early adversity, making this a night to remember for Bellamy, his team, and the jubilant Cardiff crowd.
