A Euro 2028 bid represents a “massive” incentive for Wales coach Craig Bellamy

“I want the World Cup [qualification] I’m all for it – but [Euro 2028] “It’s the motivation.”

Former Wales striker Bellamy has never reached a major finals as a player, and his immediate aim is to captain his country at next year’s World Cup, as his side prepare to secure a place in the qualifiers to reach the tournament.

Wales will face Liechtenstein on Saturday, November 15, then host North Macedonia the following Tuesday in the final group qualifiers before qualifying for the 2026 finals next March.

There is no automatic qualification for the 2028 co-hosts, but two places in the finals will be reserved if any of the host nations fail to qualify.

And Bellamy – who recently said the Celtic coaching vacancy “wasn’t on his radar” due to his ambitions with Wales – appears to sense the opportunity.

He added: “I don’t know if the public has prepared for the activity yet or not, and we still have a long way to go, but it is tremendous.”

The Emirate Stadium is one of the nine stadiums that will be used for the UEFA Euro 2028.

Cardiff Stadium has not been used by Wales for a competitive match in 14 years.

Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Football Association of Wales, said last September that the men’s national team would play at the Principality Stadium in the lead-up to Euro 2028, a plan Bellamy says he understands.

Players and fans supported the idea of ​​continuing to play at Cardiff City’s smaller stadium.

“I just look at what gives us the best chance to win, no matter where we are,” Bellamy said.

“If Wrexham does that [give Wales that chance]Then we go there.

“I would love to play anywhere in Wales, but we have to fill it up. The stadium has to be full. No matter where we go, it has to be, because I think that gives us the opportunity.”