Ben Davies admits that the disappointment of Wales’ exit to the 2022 World Cup took some time to overcome, but the defender insists the team is more motivated than ever before their qualifying qualifying against Kazakhstan.
Wales was eliminated from the Tournament in Qatar in the team stage without winning what was their first appearance in the World Cup finals in 64 years.
The dragons are launching their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup on Saturday as they welcome Kazakhstan to Cardiff City Stadium.
Wales is undefeated under the new director Craig Bellamy and will be full of confidence after securing the promotion of the Nations Championship in November.
Last time in the capital 😍@Harrywilson_ 🤌 pic.twitter.com/GXXSW7TXOL
– Wales 🏴 (@cymru) 22 March 2025
Davies will conquer the side in the absence of the injured Aaron Ramsey and, despite the strong recent form of the team, the defender was honest in his appreciation for their appearance two years ago.
“It’s something that sticks with me and I’m sure it’s stuck with many other kids,” Davies said.
“Qatar’s best moment for us was probably the Ukrainian game (Play-off) that arrived there. It was frustrating out there and it is something that was hard to overcome for a while.
“We didn’t really show the world stage how well we are or how well we can be. So hunger to go and do it again is still there.”
Along with their opponents on Saturday, Wales has been drawn to a qualifying group of Liechtenstein, Northern Macedonia and Belgium.
And while on paper it is likely that there will be stricter tests waiting for Davies and Co. From Kazakhstan, the Tottenham player believes that there is no such thing as a conclusion in international football.
Davies said: “Every game now at international level is going to be a difficult game. We know that expectation (to win) is there, but it is not something we as a team must pay attention.
“It will be a difficult game against an opponent who will make it very difficult for us and fight for every ball.”
Play Day 🏴
The beginning of our @FifaworldCup Travel trip! 👊 pic.twitter.com/wtrcbyyjts
– Wales 🏴 (@cymru) 22 March 2025
The game will also mark the first big game of the Bellamy tournament as a manager.
The 45-year-old, who has won 78 ceilings for Wales as a player, has overseen three wins and three draws in his first six games-the best launch of any Wales director.
And Davies believes that the team reaches the rewards of Bellamy’s talents.
“I feel like learning things all the time,” Davies said of the game under Bellamy.
“The level of detail in the training step and in the meeting rooms is the second.
Wales takes over Kazakhstan at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday, starting at 19:45 of the United Kingdom.
