Women’s World Cup qualifiers: Wales coach Ryan Wilkinson has unfinished business

Wilkinson was appointed Wales coach in February 2024, following the shock resignation of Gemma Grainger.

The former Canadian international enjoyed instant success, leading her motherland to Euro 2025, the first major women’s tournament in the country’s history.

Wales are now in contention to make their first Women’s World Cup appearance, although there is plenty of work to be done with up to three play-off rounds to come after the group stage concludes next month.

Former Wales captain and coach Cath Morgan suggested after agreeing Wilkinson’s new contract that her reign “will be judged on qualification”.

But Wilkinson sees things differently.

She admits that reaching at least one more major championship is “the goal”, but believes other factors will be involved in determining whether her tenure in charge is considered a success.

“I think we focused too much on that [qualifying] “We work as a team, internally and externally, and we have been very clear about our ambition,” Wilkinson said.

“But what is our measure of success and failure?

“How can we, as a recruiting team, make sure that the legacy of our time working in this program is that we leave it in a really healthy environment where this team doesn’t mention itself, and where we have different depth and options at every position across the field?

“If we can do this well, we will qualify for the major tournaments.”