WALES thrashed North Macedonia in their final World Cup qualifier – but it still wasn’t enough for automatic qualification.
Wales’ last World Cup campaign came in 2022, when the qualified for the tournament for the first time in 64 years.
It took them the play-offs to qualify back in the summer of 2022, as Gareth Bale scored a free-kick as Wales beat Ukraine to qualify for the tournament.
They would go on to finish bottom of the group, losing 3-0 to England on their way to picking up just one point at the tournament.
SunSport can reveal why Wales didn’t quite automatically qualify.
What do Wales need to qualify for the World Cup?
Wales need to beat North Macedonia in their final qualifying game which they did.
ACE BLOW
Arsenal in huge North London derby blow as Gabriel limps off with head in hands
HOME NATIONS
What do Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland need to qualify for the World Cup?
But a Belgium win meant Bellamy’s side qualified for the play-offs in second as a seeded team.
Wales won their Nations League group, which means they have already booked their spot in the play-offs.
Read the full article here