History of the Wales national football team (1977–present)
This article details the history of the Wales national football team from 1977 to the present day.
1977-1990: Near Misses and Disappointment
Following Wales' quarter-final appearance at the 1958 FIFA World Cup, the national team endured a period of relative underachievement. The period from 1977 saw a continuation of this trend, marked by several near misses in qualifying campaigns for major tournaments. Under various managers, including Mike England and Terry Yorath, Wales often showed promise, boasting talented players such as Ian Rush, Mark Hughes, and Neville Southall. However, they consistently fell short of securing qualification for the European Championship or the World Cup. Highlights during this era included victories over higher-ranked nations, showcasing the potential within the squad, but consistent success remained elusive.
1990-2010: Rebuilding and Emerging Talent
The 1990s and early 2000s were a period of rebuilding for the Welsh national team. Managers such as Bobby Gould and Mark Hughes worked to develop young talent and instill a stronger sense of national identity. While qualification for major tournaments remained out of reach, this period saw the emergence of players like Craig Bellamy and Simon Davies, who would become key figures in the national team. The appointment of John Toshack in 2004 marked a significant shift, with a focus on developing youth players and creating a more sustainable foundation for future success.
2010-Present: The Golden Generation and Tournament Success
The late 2000s and early 2010s witnessed the rise of a "golden generation" of Welsh players, including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. This influx of talent, coupled with the managerial expertise of Gary Speed and later Chris Coleman, transformed the fortunes of the national team. Tragedy struck in 2011 with the passing of Gary Speed, but Chris Coleman continued the work begun by Speed, leading Wales to qualify for UEFA Euro 2016, their first major tournament since 1958.
At Euro 2016, Wales exceeded all expectations, topping their group and progressing all the way to the semi-finals, where they were narrowly defeated by eventual champions Portugal. This remarkable achievement sparked a new wave of national pride and firmly established Wales as a competitive force in European football.
Following the success of Euro 2016, Wales continued to build on their progress, narrowly missing out on qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Ryan Giggs was appointed manager in 2018, but his tenure was interrupted. Rob Page took over and successfully guided Wales to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, ending a 64-year wait. Wales's performance at the World Cup was disappointing, but the achievement of qualifying marked a significant milestone. Wales has also qualified for Euro 2020 (held in 2021) and Euro 2024, showcasing their continued competitiveness on the European stage.