Wilkinson looking forward to starting Wales’ long road to the 2027 World Cup

WALES’ road to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup will begin with fixtures against Czechia, Albania and Montenegro following the draw on which placed Rhian Wilkinson's side in Group Bl.

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“1 think it’s an exciting draw,’ said Wilkinson. “We haven't played a lot of these teams for a long time. I think for all of us this is what football's about, adapting and facing new opposition, so I'm looking forward to it.

“The dream is to qualify, but we know that there’s a lot of hard work before that.”

Wales were in Pot 1 for the draw, although Czechia are one position higher than Wilkinson's side in the FIFA World Rankings. While the two nations occupy places 31 and 32, Albania are currently 72nd while Montenegro are the lowest ranked nation in 85th position.

“I think this is where we're at,’ Wilkinson added. “We're a country that should be right at the top of League B and then challenging always to get back to League A.

“| think this is a group that is going to test us. We're going to have some tough games here, which is also what we need.