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

Wales head coach Ryan Wilkinson has said that he has extended his tenure as Wales head coach because he has unfinished business in the role. But Wilkinson also notes that the goals of her tenure extend beyond next year's Women's World Cup and the 2029 European Championship. The former Canadian defender intends to leave a legacy to keep Wales consistently competitive at major tournaments.

Wales will play in qualifiers for the 2027 Brazil World Cup against Montenegro in Podgorica on June 5 and against the Czech Republic in Cardiff four days later. These are the first matches for Wales since Wilkinson agreed a two-year contract extension. The 44-year-old said being Wales coach has been "quite difficult" but "much better" than he expected – and he is excited at the prospect of continuing his tenure until 2029.“I sat down with my family and considered different career options for me over the next few years and honestly none of them felt right,” Wilkinson said. "I don't think this project is finished."

"That doesn't mean I'm going to take us to the next World Cup or do something amazing. I just feel like I can help raise the bar even higher before the next coach comes in."

Qualification will come with team depth. Wilkinson was appointed head of Wales in February 2024, after Gemma Gregor abruptly resigned. The former Canadian international achieved instant success, guiding her homeland to Euro 2025, the first major women's tournament in the country's history. Wales are now in contention to make their Women's World Cup debut, although there are three play-off rounds to come after the group stage ends.

Former Wales captain and coach Cath Morgan suggested after Wilkinson agreed a new contract that his tenure would be judged "on qualification". However, Wilkinson sees it differently. She admits that reaching at least one more major championship is "the goal", but admits that there will be other factors involved in deciding whether her tenure will be considered a success.

“I think we put a lot of emphasis on [qualifying] and we do that as a team – internally and externally, we've been very clear with our ambition,” Wilkinson said. “But what is the measure of our success and failure?"How do we as a staffing team make sure that our time in this program is in a healthy environment, where this team doesn't nominate itself, where we have depth and a variety of options at every position on the field? If we can do that well, we will qualify for major tournaments."

Wilkinson pointed out that Wales's recent squad meetings, including two wins against Albania in April, included 11 players under the age of 23. With Jess Fishlock and Kelly Barton retiring – and various other players in the group approaching the end of their careers – Wales have no option but to give youth a chance. Wilkinson has regularly included youngsters in his squad, with Manchester United defender Scarlett Hill and Bournemouth midfielder Elena Cole both looking to make their mark on the June camp.Wilkinson says the development of future regulars is a "core part" of his job, but it is not the top priority. “I come from a youth background and I believe in giving opportunities to young players and making room for them,” she said. "But equally I think success is measured through wins and losses."

“We know this and we are right in the middle of a fairly exciting campaign with important games coming up.