Record-breaking Cardiff City defender Noah Anyadike and Manchester United prospect Reece Munro have received their first international call-ups to the Wales Under-21 squad, selected by head coach Matty Jones for the 2027 European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.
The 23-player group will compete in fixtures against Belgium and Austria as Wales pursue qualification for the tournament. According to the Football Association of Wales, the team will travel to face Belgium in Westerlo on Tuesday, 29 September 2026 (19:00 BST) before hosting Austria on Tuesday, 6 October 2026 (17:30 BST).
Who are the new faces?
Anyadike, aged 15, made history in August when he became the youngest player ever to feature in an EFL Cup match during Cardiff City's second-round defeat to Norwich City. The Carmarthenshire-born prospect has also featured as an unused substitute in three Championship appearances for the Bluebirds, demonstrating his rapid progression through the club's ranks.
Munro, a defender capable of playing centre-back or full-back, signed his first professional contract with Manchester United in 2025. The young player has already gained exposure to senior football, having been involved in pre-season preparations with the Red Devils' first team.
Which established players are included?
Senior internationals Charlie Crew, Kai Andrews and Ronan Kpakio have all retained their places in the squad for the two qualifying matches. Crew, on loan at Walsall from Leeds United, joins fellow experienced campaigners in what Jones views as a crucial phase of the qualification campaign.
How are Wales positioned in the group?
Wales currently occupy fourth place in Group I, which comprises five teams competing for European Under-21 Championship spots. The side has accumulated two victories from six matches played so far, leaving the final two fixtures as pivotal opportunities to improve their standing.
The team faces a formidable challenge in Belgium, who currently lead the group. When the nations met at Rodney Parade in Newport during October 2025, Belgium delivered a dominant 7-0 victory. However, Wales demonstrated their capacity to compete at this level by subsequently defeating second-placed Austria 2-0, with goals from Gabriele Biancheri and Chris Popov securing an impressive upset.
According to the Football Association of Wales, the Austria fixture will be staged at Rodney Parade in Newport, providing home advantage for the final qualifier of the campaign.
What is the full squad composition?
The 23-player selection includes goalkeepers Joe Duncan (Southend, on loan from Bristol City), Logan Stretch (Buxton, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday) and Luke Armstrong (Raith Rovers, on loan from Cardiff City). Defensive options comprise Alex Williams (Hibernian, on loan from West Bromwich Albion), Archie Harris (Wigan Athletic), Calum Aguis (Crewe Alexandra), Charlie Stevens (Bournemouth), Dakarai Mafico (Cardiff City), Dan Cox (Southend United), Ed James (Exeter City), Leon Scarlett (Queens Park Rangers), Noah Anyadike (Cardiff City), Ollie Bostock (West Bromwich Albion), Reece Munro (Manchester United) and Robert Tankiewicz (Cardiff City).
Midfield and attacking personnel include Gabriele Biancheri (Wacker Innsbruck), George Nevett (Tranmere Rovers, on loan from Peterborough United), Joel Cotterill (St Johnstone), Jonathan Bland (Barnsley), Kai Andrews (Oxford United, on loan from Coventry City), Charlie Crew (Walsall, on loan from Leeds United), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City) and Tanatswa Nyakuhwa (Newport County, on loan from Cardiff City).
What happens next?
Wales will begin their final qualifying push with the away fixture against Belgium on 29 September 2026, before concluding their campaign at home to Austria on 6 October 2026. According to the Football Association of Wales, these matches represent the last opportunity for the squad to secure their qualification hopes in Group I.
Key Facts
- Noah Anyadike, 15, became the youngest player in EFL Cup history when he appeared for Cardiff City against Norwich City in August 2026
- Wales are fourth in Group I with two wins from six matches, facing Belgium (currently top) and Austria (second place) in their final two qualifiers
- Belgium defeated Wales 7-0 when the teams met in Newport in October 2025, but Wales subsequently upset Austria 2-0 with goals from Gabriele Biancheri and Chris Popov
- Reece Munro signed his first professional contract with Manchester United in 2025 and has featured in pre-season with the club's senior squad
