Ian Rush emphasizes the importance for Wales to learn from their recent World Cup play-off semi-final loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina as they set their sights on qualifying for Euro 2028.

The Red Dragons have not secured a victory in their last four matches this year and were unable to qualify for the upcoming global tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico following their penalty shootout loss to Sergej Barbarez’s side in March.

Advertisement

Wales faces a challenging schedule as they take on Portugal, Norway, and Denmark in Nations League A for the rest of 2026.

Rush believes that Craig Bellamy—who nearly left the Football Association of Wales for a managerial role at Burnley—has the capability to bring success to the national team.

“We need to be focused on qualifying [for Euro 2028]; that’s the bottom line,” Rush stated. “We had the chance against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and they managed to defeat Italy as well.”

“The Euros will be hosted here, so it is crucial for Wales to participate.”

Advertisement

The former Liverpool player remarked, “I often chat with Craig, and he’s very talented. I’m excited for a successful season as we prepare for tough matches against Norway, Denmark, and Portugal.”

A number of Welsh players have made summer transfers in readiness for the 2026-27 season. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow has switched from Leeds United to Manchester United, while Harry Wilson, considered a standout during the Bellamy era, transferred from Fulham to Leeds.

Liverpool’s young talent Lewis Koumas, who netted his first international goal against Ghana in June, is anticipated to secure another loan deal away from Anfield after spells with Birmingham City and Hull City last season.

Advertisement

“I’ve seen Lewis quite a bit during pre-season, and he appears to be in excellent form,” said Rush, known for his impressive goal record with the national team.

“Harry Wilson played a significant role when he came on, helping Leeds triumph over Liverpool.” He added, “While we look ahead with optimism, it’s important for the team to maintain unity and work together. I see us having a strong showing.”

Wales will kick off their Nations League campaign against Portugal in Lisbon on September 24, followed by a match against Denmark in Copenhagen three days later.

Bellamy’s team will then host Norway and Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium in October.

Advertisement

The final two matches of the Nations League campaign are slated for November, with Wales traveling to Norway before hosting Portugal.

Ian Rush believes Wales must learn from their painful World Cup play-off semi-final defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina as they bid to qualify for Euro 2028.

The Red Dragons are winless in four matches so far this year and failed to qualify for the summer global showpiece in the USA, Canada and Mexico following their penalty shootout loss to Sergej Barbarez’s side in March.

Advertisement

Their task is set to get tougher over the remainder of 2026 as Wales take on Portugal, Norway and Denmark in Nations League A.

But Wales legend Rush believes Craig Bellamy – who came close to leaving the Football Association of Wales to become Burnley boss earlier this summer – has the talent to deliver success with the national side.

“We have to be looking at qualifying [for Euro 2028], it’s as simple as that,” said Rush.

“Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, we should have won that. They beat Italy as well.

“The Euros are going to be in this country, so we need Wales to be in there.”

Advertisement

The former Liverpool legend added: “I speak to Craig quite a lot.

“He’s very, very good, so I’m looking forward to a good season and some good rounds from them because it’s going to be difficult, looking at Norway, Denmark and Portugal.”

A number of Welsh players have secured moves during the summer going into the 2026-27 season.

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow left Leeds United to join Manchester United while Harry Wilson, arguably the star performer of the Bellamy era, moved from Fulham to Leeds.

Liverpool youngster Lewis Koumas, who scored his first international goal against Ghana in June, is also expected to secure another loan switch away from Anfield having had spells with Birmingham City and Hull City last season.

Advertisement

“I’ve seen Lewis quite a lot in pre-season, he looks very, very good,” said Rush, who scored 28 times in 73 appearances for his country.

“Harry Wilson, he came on in the second half, he was a major influence for Leeds in beating Liverpool.

“We’re looking forward, but we’ve got to keep it as a team, it’s up to them to do that, but I can see us doing alright.”

Wales start their Nations League campaign against Portugal in Lisbon on 24 September and face Denmark in Copenhagen three days later.

Bellamy’s side then host Norway and Denmark at Cardiff City Stadium in October.

Advertisement

The final two matches of the campaign take place in November with Wales travelling to Norway before hosting Portugal.