Following a disappointing summer for the Reds where they missed their ticket to the Americas, Bellamy and his boys have been waiting for their opportunity to show what they can do in this year’s Nation’s League.
However, with Bellamy’s move to Burnley falling through and a difficult few games away from home, questions are being raised to the future of this national team under the ex-city and Welsh captain’s side.
“Big heart” were the words used by Craig Bellamy after a 1–0 loss to a star-studded Portugal. With players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, João Félix, and Premier League player of the Year Bruno Fernandes, they were seemingly too much for Wales at the José Alvalade Stadium.
Although, looking at the injury list heading to Portugal, Wales were missing their very own star Harry Wilson, along with Manchester United keeper Karl Darlow and defender Joe Rodon. Even with key players missing, Wales managed to hold on throughout the match but fell to a frustrating, deflected strike by João Félix in the first half, finishing the game at 1–0.
Injuries, deflections and a “£1.4 billion squad” was the story of Wales’s opener in Portugal. Nonetheless, Bellamy claims he is “calm” and remains hopeful to show what this youthful squad can do in the following fixtures.
Travelling to Denmark days later, Wales were eager to take all 3 points from the Danes and put up a performance worthy of the red shirt. Having said that, the night didn’t go to plan with a second successive defeat in Copenhagen which saw Ben Davies score an own goal and a finish from Gustav Isaken finishing the game at 2–0.
After the game, Craig Bellamy claimed “I’m really hurting”, giving an honest reaction to the fans. He also had this to say: “The team will get better; these players will keep improving … but also how can I improve?”. Whilst seen as empty words after a poor run, the game was decided by an unlucky deflection and an unfortunate own goal with the young Welsh only gaining more experience against these well-organised teams.
With two losses in two games and a continuous search for their first win in 2026, Wales were desperate to relieve the pressure that had been building on Craig Bellamy and put up a performance the home fans could be proud of.
At the Cardiff City Stadium, the Wales national team were waiting to face an elite national side consisting of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Arsenal’s captain Martin Ødegaard, a team that reached the quarter finals of the recent edition of the World Cup.
While these elite European sides have found a way to break Wales down game after game, the boost of playing in front of their home crowd and playing the counterattack against an aggressive Norway side, might be the way they turn their luck around.
An opener by Oscar Bobb set the Reds back as the crowd prepared for another night of disappointment, only for Daniel James to score a much-needed equaliser after a cross by Sorba Thomas. Shortly into the second half, Daniel James played to his strengths and caught the Norwegian backline by surprise, forcing Torbjørn Heggem to commit a foul and be handed a red card.
With a difficult run of games, Neco Williams converted a brilliant free kick into the top-right corner and gave Wales their first win of 2026 against a favoured Norway side.
Riding on the high of their recent win against Norway, Wales were hoping to capitalise on the momentum and take revenge on Denmark in their return fixture at home. However, after a tough game, Rasmus Højlund converted a penalty and finished the game 1–0.
With one win and three defeats in four games, Craig Bellamy and the players will be feeling the pressure to turn it around in the next international break this November.