Wales have level to show after Qatar disappointment says Davies

Ben Davies admits the frustration of Wales’ exit on the 2022 World Cup took a while to recover from however the defender insists the group is extra motivated than ever forward of their qualifier in opposition to Kazakhstan.

Wales have been eradicated from the event in Qatar on the group stage with out selecting up a victory in what was their first look at a World Cup finals in 64 years.

The Dragons start their qualifying marketing campaign for the 2026 World Cup on Saturday as they welcome Kazakhstan to the Cardiff Metropolis Stadium.

Wakes are unbeaten beneath new supervisor Craig Bellamy and will likely be filled with confidence after securing promotion within the Nations League again in November.

Final trip within the capital 😍@HarryWilson_ 🤌 pic.twitter.com/gXxsW7txOL

— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) March 22, 2025

Davies will captain the facet within the absence of the injured Aaron Ramsey and, regardless of the group’s sturdy latest type, the defender was candid in his evaluation of their exhibiting two years in the past.

“It’s one thing that sticks with me and I’m positive it sticks with lots of the opposite guys,” Davies mentioned.

“The very best second of Qatar for us was most likely the Ukraine [play-off] recreation getting there. It was disappointing on the market and is one thing that was powerful to recover from for some time.

“We didn’t actually present on the world stage how good we’re or how good we will be. In order that starvation to go and do it once more remains to be there.”

Alongside their opponents on Saturday, Wales have been drawn in a qualifying group with Liechtenstein, North Macedonia and Belgium.

And whereas on paper there are more likely to be sterner checks in look ahead to Davies and co. than Kazakhstan, the Tottenham participant believes there isn’t a such factor as a forgone conclusion in worldwide soccer.

Davies mentioned: “Each recreation now at worldwide stage goes to be a tricky recreation. We’re conscious that the expectation [to win] is there but it surely’s not one thing that we as a gaggle should pay any consideration to.

“It’ll be a tricky recreation in opposition to an opponent who will make it very tough for us and will likely be combating for each ball.”

DIWRNOD Y GÊM 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇰🇿

The beginning of our @FIFAWorldCup qualifying journey! 👊 pic.twitter.com/wTRcbyyjts

— Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@Cymru) March 22, 2025

The sport will even mark Bellamy’s first main event qualification recreation as supervisor.

The 45-year-old, who earned 78 caps for Wales as a participant, has overseen three wins and three attracts in his first six video games in cost – the very best begin of any Wales supervisor.

And Davies believes the squad is reaping the rewards of Bellamy’s teaching abilities.

“I really feel like I’m studying issues on a regular basis,” Davies mentioned about enjoying beneath Bellamy.

“The extent of element on the coaching pitch and in assembly rooms is second to none. The most important praise I can provide him [Bellamy] is that each participant on this squad is feeling like they’re changing into higher.”

Wales tackle Kazakhstan on the Cardiff Metropolis Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off at 19:45 UK time.