Aaron Ramsey Excluded from Wales World Cup Play-Off Squad
Aaron Ramsey, who has earned 86 caps and scored 21 goals for Wales, has been omitted from the national squad for the upcoming World Cup play-offs, raising questions about his international future.
The 35-year-old midfielder has been unattached since departing from Pumas in December, having last appeared for the Mexican club in September. His absence from club football, coupled with a series of injuries, has resulted in Ramsey not featuring for Wales since September 2024.
Previously representing Arsenal and Juventus, Ramsey has expressed a desire to participate in the World Cup this summer if Wales qualify. However, his chances of competing in a fourth major tournament appear increasingly uncertain.
Wales World Cup Play-Off Fixtures and Squad Changes
Wales are set to face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off semi-final at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday, 26 March. The victor will then host either Italy or Northern Ireland in the final, scheduled five days later.
Manager Craig Bellamy's squad will be without several key players due to injury, including Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies, Wrexham striker Kieffer Moore, and centre-back Chris Mepham, currently on loan at West Bromwich Albion from Bournemouth.
In their place, the 26-man squad includes Wrexham goalkeeper Danny Ward, left-back Rhys Norrington Davies—on loan at Queens Park Rangers from Sheffield United—and Rangers forward Rabbi Matondo.
The winner of this play-off path will secure qualification for the World Cup, where Wales will compete in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.
Wales Squad for World Cup Play-Offs
Darlow, Ward, Davies, King, Dasilva, Norrington-Davies, Lawlor, Cabango, Rodon, Williams, Kpakio, Ampadu, Sheehan, J James, Cullen, J Colwill, Wilson, Brooks, Broadhead, Johnson, Thomas, Harris, Koumas, D James, Matondo, R Colwill.
- Wrexham's Moore to miss Wales' World Cup play-offs
- Wales star Wilson confirms fitness for World Cup play-offs
- Wales boss Bellamy won't push Ramsey on his future
