From New Faces to Major Absences: What can Wales achieve Against Albania this Window?
Wales travel to Albania on Friday the 9th of October (17:00 BST kickoff) for their play-off semi-final first leg, with the return fixture taking place in Llanelli on Tuesday the 13th of October (19:15 BST kickoff). Both nations look to qualify to the play-off final later this year, with their sights set on a flight to Brazil for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next summer.
The winners will face either Norway or Romania in the play-off final in December.
If Wales are triumphant here, they may then have to face inter-confederation play-offs early next year to secure their place at the World Cup in Brazil - the lowest-ranked of the eight play-off winners in Europe will be involved in these, with the other seven going directly to the next major tournament.
What to expect from Wales
Six uncapped players feature in the Welsh squad this October window: Casi Gregson, Heidi Hills, Soffia Kelly, Poppy Soper, Olivia Francis and Cadi Rodgers, many of whom have vast experience in the youth system. Despite having a depleted squad due to injuries, head coach Rhian Wilkinson believes her side have the depth required to cope, when they face Albania.
19-year-old Mared Griffiths is definitely one to watch. She came through at Manchester United’s academy, making her senior debut in February 2025. Griffiths bagged herself a hat trick in United’s 10-1 victory over BWSL2 side Sheffield United in late September 2026. She has 5 goals in just 3 matches for the senior team.
However, seven players integral to the Welsh setup will be absent for these qualifiers, all carrying injuries or a lack of fitness heading in to the window. Ceri Holland, Olivia Clark, Hayley Ladd, Laura Hughes, Ffion Morgan, Ella Powell and Mia Ross are the absentees from Wilkinson’s side.
Despite concerns that Wales lack squad depth with the absence of renowned presences from camp, the head coach hopes the balance of young players looking to secure a regular spot in the Welsh lineup, alongside vast experience in the likes of Lily Woodham, Sophie Ingle and Elise Hughes will carry them to the play-off final.
Looking at Albania
Albania formed their women’s team in May 2011, making their debut with a 1-0 win over North Macedonia. The Albanian squad for these fixtures against Wales features ten women who play their club football in Albania, looking to make a statement on the wider international stage.
Their top goal scorer, Megi Doçi, plays her club football for Vllaznia, a dominant force in the Kategoria Superiore (highest division of women’s football in Albania). Doçi has been top goal scorer in the league for ten of the last twelve seasons - she has found the net over 800 times for Vllaznia, an incredible track record of converting shots with a clinical finish from inside the box.
Previous Meetings
Wales have won their two most recent meetings with Albania, scoring five and conceding none. Hannah Cain scored twice when the sides faced off in early April this year, helping her side to a comfortable 4-0 victory. Sunderland center back Rhiannon Roberts scored the only goal when the Welsh overcame Albania 1-0 in match day four out of six in their FIFA Women’s World Cup UEFA qualifying group stage campaign.
These qualifiers will be closer than ever with changes hitting Wilkinson’s Wales hard as they prepare to adapt and embed new faces into the senior international setup. Can underdogs Albania secure victory, or will the Welsh squad take one step closer to World Cup glory?