Craig Bellamy remains convinced Wales have earned their place in the Nations League's elite tier despite an alarming start to their campaign in the top division.
Wales have collected no points from their opening two fixtures, following a 2-0 defeat in Denmark on 27 September 2026 and a 1-0 loss in Portugal three days earlier. The team has now gone through 2026 without a victory and has failed to win any of their eight matches in League A when combining their current efforts with those from 2022.
Despite this difficult run, Bellamy—who secured promotion from League B by topping his group unbeaten in his first campaign as manager—insists the squad has demonstrated they belong among Europe's strongest nations. Wales will face Erling Haaland's Norway at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday, 1 October 2026 at 19:45 BST, followed by a rematch with Denmark on Sunday, 4 October 2026.
According to official records, Bellamy has overseen eight wins, seven draws and five defeats across his 20 matches in charge, a record that includes his unbeaten start after taking the role in July 2024.
Why Wales belong in the top tier
Bellamy rejected suggestions that Wales are out of their depth in League A.
For us, this (Norway game) is another one, the intensity, top players, real speed. It's what group A is, up and down all the group As. When we were in the pot, we were in pot four and we thought, 'where do you want to be?'. They're all brilliant, but we've earned the right to be here.
The manager pointed to Wales' path to the top division as evidence of their credentials. Wales won promotion to League A by topping their League B group unbeaten in 2024/25, demonstrating consistency at that level before stepping up to face the continent's elite.
The challenge posed by Norway
Wales' next opponents Norway represent a formidable test. The Scandinavian side reached the World Cup quarter-finals and arrive in Cardiff following a 2-1 home defeat by Portugal, though they opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Denmark.
Bellamy acknowledged Norway's growing strength as a footballing nation.
They get to the quarter-finals in the World Cup and you're really on a surge at the present moment. You've built it in your nation for a number of years, you have two clubs in the Champions League. This is a real surge now and I don't think it's going away. How rich your country is, it's really spending the money in certain areas and in sport, I expect you to be a force for a number of years.
The Wales manager described the intensity of League A football as a necessary test.
When the heat comes, we must be ready, he said, emphasising the demands of competing at the highest level of the Nations League.
Injury concerns affecting squad depth
Bellamy faces significant selection challenges heading into the Norway fixture. Joe Rodon was ruled out of the Portugal, Denmark and Norway fixtures with a hamstring injury, depriving Wales of a key defensive presence. Cian Ashford received his first Wales call-up for this Nations League window, providing some fresh attacking options as the squad adjusts to the absences.
Pressure mounting on Bellamy
Former Wales international Nia Jones suggested that the initial excitement surrounding Bellamy's appointment has begun to fade. Speaking to the Feast of Football podcast, she observed that
I still want Craig Bellamy to be our manager, but I think there's an element of a new manager bounce when he first came in, there was an excitement and a freedom. Sometimes the novelty wears off and expectations from opponents and fans go up, and I feel we've plateaued.
Wales now face a critical two-match window to avoid a full calendar year without a victory—an outcome that would mark their worst run since 1989. The pressure intensified after Bellamy was linked with the Burnley job during the summer, though he ultimately chose to remain with the national team.
Ex-Wales striker Nathan Blake reflected on the shift in the team's performance since Bellamy's arrival.
When Craig took over, that first game against Turkey, the football was fantastic. I remember our fans were like 'Wow, this is pretty, it's totally changed'. Everything was front-footed. Maybe the problem is because we were so good, on the front foot and the pressing was on point and catching teams off guard, maybe teams know what we're going to do.
Denmark manager backs Wales to recover
Bellamy is not alone in facing scrutiny within the group. Denmark's 2-0 victory over Wales eased pressure on boss Brian Riemer, yet he offered measured support for his Welsh counterpart.
Riemer acknowledged the challenges Bellamy faces, particularly regarding injuries.
He (Bellamy) has done a tremendous job. He's also under a bit of pressure when it comes to injuries, a bit like us, and that gives him some headaches I imagine. We have the utmost respect for Wales, they went through the B group without losing a game and were unlucky for the World Cup, they only went out on penalties. It is a team that has given a lot of teams problems. To go to Portugal and lose with just one is not something you should feel miserable about. We expect a very difficult game in Cardiff.
The Danish manager's comments underscored that Wales' opening results, while disappointing, do not necessarily reflect their true standing in the competition.
What happens next
Wales host Norway on Thursday, 1 October 2026, then host Denmark on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Both matches will be played at Cardiff City Stadium, with adult ticket prices starting at £30. The Nations League group phase continues through 17 November 2026, giving Wales multiple opportunities to climb the standings and validate their place in League A.
