Wales completed qualification to the 2022 World Cup after defeating Ukraine 1-0 in the UEFA playoff final on June 5, sparking delirium in the stands in Cardiff.
The only time that Wales have previously qualified for the World Cup was for the 1958 tournament, when they reached the quarterfinals.
Having failed to qualify for the past 15 tournaments, Wales have secured a new World Cup adventure, seeing Gareth Bale lead the nation to its first World Cup finals tournament in 64 years.
Wales weren't eligible for the first three World Cups as they were not a FIFA member, first eligible in 1950.
The Sporting News takes a look at how they've done in past World Cups ahead of Rob Page's team's visit to Qatar this winter.
MORE: Which teams have qualified to Qatar 2022? Full list of all 32 nations
Wales in FIFA World Cup
In their only FIFA World Cup appearance, Wales were drawn in Group 3 with host Sweden, Hungary and Mexico. Three group-stage draws lifted Wales level in second place with Hungary, and the two sides were forced into a playoff to determine who advanced to the quarterfinals (there was no Round of 16). Wales won the playoff 2-1 thanks to a Terry Medwin goal 15 minutes from time.
Wales then fell in the quarterfinals to eventual champions Brazil on a lone goal by legend Pele.
The Dragons secured qualification to their first World Cup in 64 years by defeating Ukraine at home on June 5.
Year | Stage reached |
1930 | Not a FIFA member |
1934 | Not a FIFA member |
1938 | Not a FIFA member |
1950 | Did not qualify |
1954 | Did not qualify |
1958 | Quarterfinals |
1962 | Did not qualify |
1966 | Did not qualify |
1970 | Did not qualify |
1974 | Did not qualify |
1978 | Did not qualify |
1982 | Did not qualify |
1986 | Did not qualify |
1990 | Did not qualify |
1994 | Did not qualify |
1998 | Did not qualify |
2002 | Did not qualify |
2006 | Did not qualify |
2010 | Did not qualify |
2014 | Did not qualify |
2018 | Did not qualify |
2022 | Qualified for 2022 Finals |
Wales in Euros
Wales qualified for its first Euros finals in 2016 and reached the semifinals of that edition.
After topping Group B ahead of England, Slovakia and Russia, Wales knocked off Northern Ireland (Rd of 16) and Belgium (quarterfinals) before losing to Portugal 2-0 in the semifinals on goals by Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani that were minutes apart. Portugal would go on to win the tournament.
Wales reached the finals of the following Euros tournament which was pushed to 2021. They once again reached the knockouts after finishing second in Group A. But unlike in 2016, Wales fell at the first hurdle, 4-0 at the hands of Denmark.
Year | Stage reached |
1960 | Did not enter |
1964 | Did not qualify |
1968 | Did not qualify |
1972 | Did not qualify |
1976 | Did not qualify |
1980 | Did not qualify |
1984 | Did not qualify |
1988 | Did not qualify |
1992 | Did not qualify |
1996 | Did not qualify |
2000 | Did not qualify |
2004 | Did not qualify |
2008 | Did not qualify |
2012 | Did not qualify |
2016 | Semifinals |
2021 | Round of 16 |
2022 Wales World Cup Group B fixtures
Wales have been drawn in Group B for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar alongside England, USA and Iran.
Date | Match | Time (ET) | Stadium |
Mon, Nov. 21 | England vs. Iran | 8 a.m. / 1 p.m. BST | Khalifa Int'l |
Mon, Nov. 21 | USA vs. Wales | 2 p.m. / 7 p.m. BST | Ahmad Bin Ali |
Fri, Nov. 25 | Wales vs. Iran | 5 a.m. / 10 a.m. BST | Ahmad Bin Ali |
Fri, Nov. 25 | England vs. USA | 2 p.m. / 7 p.m. BST | Al Bayt |
Tues, Nov. 29 | Wales vs. England | 2 p.m. / 7 p.m. BST | Ahmad Bin Ali |
Tues, Nov. 29 | Iran vs. USA | 2 p.m. / 7 p.m. BST | Al Thumama |