Wales’ eventual qualification for the 2022 World Cup ends a 64-year wait for their return to the biggest stage in international football.
Rob Page will lead Wales in Qatar on the back of the country’s most successful return in competition football during the last eight years.
Under Chris Coleman, Wales stormed to the semi finals of Euro 2016, before reaching the last 16 of Euro 2020, under Page’s interim leadership.
However, a World Cup return is a different prospect for Page and his squad as they aim to emulate John Charles and co from 1958.
MORE: FIFA World Cup: Which teams have qualified to Qatar 2022? Full list of all 32 nations
Projected Wales World Cup squad 2022
Page has harnessed a club side mentality during his time in charge of Wales with the former defender named as Ryan Giggs’ permanent replacement in June.
The squad for 2022 benefits from a burst of fresh young talent from the U21 ranks which will supplement a solid base of 7-8 players with set places in Page’s plans.
The main focus will be on captain and talisman Gareth Bale, following his switch to MLS side Los Angeles FC, with the veteran winger fully committed to leading Wales at the World Cup.
MORE: FIFA World Cup: Which teams have qualified to Qatar 2022? Full list of all 32 nations
Predicted Wales World Cup squad
Goalkeepers (3): Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Tom King.
Defenders (8): Chris Gunter, Ben Davies, Chris Gunter, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Mepham, Joe Rodon, Neco Williams, Rhys Norrington-Davies.
Midfielders (9): Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Jonny Williams, Joe Morrell, Matthew Smith, Dylan Levitt, Rubin Colwill.
Forwards (6): Gareth Bale, Daniel James, Kiefer Moore, Tyler Roberts, Brennan Johnson, Rabbi Matondo.
Goalkeeper
Page opted for Dany Ward as first choice at Euro 2020 with doubts over Wayne Hennessey’s role as No.1 for Wales.
However, the veteran stopper played a key role in the play offs, and the 35-year-old looks set to start in Qatar, with rookie Tom King as an emergency back up.
Defence
Page has tweaked his line up to go with a flexible 4-4-2 system ahead of the World Cup with a settled back four a key feature of his tactics.
Neco Williams has forced his way into the starting XI, albeit at an unfamiliar left back slot, with Ben Davies shuffling into central defence, alongside either Ethan Ampadu or Joe Rodon.
Midfield
Aaron Ramsey’s injury problems have presented Page with a persistent headache across the last 12 months but the Nice playmaker will start if he can stay fit.
Fellow veteran Joe Allen remains ever present in central midfield, but Page can push Ampadu in as his partner if he wants a more solid unit, or Ramsey needs a break.
Dan James’ speed out wide is a valuable asset for Page’s game plan, as it offers an alternative outlet to Bale, with the diminutive winger a willing defensive runner when needed.
Forwards
Bale has risen to the challenge of inspiring Wales on numerous occasions and he will lead the attack with passion in Qatar.
His best performances in recent years have been saved for Wales duty, and he is adaptable to drop into a deeper position, with Kiefer Moore playing a unselfish lone target man role.
Set pieces will also be a key part of Wales’ arsenal with Bale’s enduring match-winning ability still crucial for Page’s charges.
Wales projected starting lineups at World Cup 2022
(4-4-2): Hennessey — Williams, Davies, Rodon, Gunter — James, Allen, Ramsey, Roberts — Bale, Moore
(4-2-3-1): Hennessey — Williams, Davies, Rodon, Roberts — Allen, Ampadu — James, Bale, Roberts — Moore
When is Wales’ World Cup squad announced?
Page is expected to announce his final 26-man squad for Qatar in late October. That gives him ample time before the World Cup starts and FIFA’s squad deadline is closed.
How many players will be in Wales’ World Cup squad?
World Cup rosters previously consisted of 23 players, including three goalkeepers, but FIFA have expanded squads to 26 for Qatar 2022, allowing Page some extra scope in his squad selection.
The extra places means more speculation over who Page will opt for, particularly in attack, and he could dip into the U21 panel for one or two bold late call ups.
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