Wales resume their bid to reach a first Women's World Cup this week knowing former boss Gemma Grainger may eventually stand between them and a place in Brazil next summer. Grainger came closer than any of her predecessors to ending Wales' wait for a World Cup appearance in qualifying for the 2023 tournament. Yet as they head into the play-offs for the 2027 World Cup, Wales' players are aware that something special is likely to be required against Grainger's Norway side if they are to achieve their dream this time around.
Rhian Wilkinson's team take on Albania in their play-off semi-final, with the first leg in Shkoder on Friday before the return in Llanelli four days later. Norway, who are serial major tournament qualifiers, will be firm favourites to beat Romania in their play-off semi-final. Should Grainger's Norway side and Wales progress, the Englishwoman will be reunited with her former team in December's two-legged play-off final.
"It's a really exciting draw. I think she has done a very good job [with Norway]," says Wales midfielder Ceri Holland. "Obviously we have got to get through the Albania tie first.
Then we can look ahead." Women's World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final Live on BBC iPlayer, BBC Two Wales, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales Extra, Radio Cymru, BBC Sport website and app, plus live text commentary. The prospect of a reunion with Grainger, almost three years after she walked away from the Wales job, is an intriguing one. Appointed manager in 2021, Grainger's remit was to end Wales' wait for a major championship appearance, and she came close to doing exactly that when her team were beaten by a late Switzerland goal in their World Cup play-off final in 2022.
Grainger signed a new long-term a Wales deal in 2023, yet she stood down in January 2024 to take charge of Norway. "She was a great person for us," says Wales defender Lily Woodham. "We had her for a long time, we developed as a nation through her and learned different things." Grainger faced some criticism following Wales' relegation from the top tier of the Nations League A in 2023.
Nevertheless, her time in charge was generally regarded as a success, with Wales going close to the World Cup while attracting more fans to their games than ever before. Among the players introduced during the Grainger era was Holland, a former youth international who received a first senior call five and a half years ago. "She had a big influence for me at the start of my international career and I am always thankful for that," Holland says.
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