The competition expanded to 48 nations for 2026, in Canada, Mexico and the United States, may seem distant, but the European qualifications will begin next year, with the draw taking place on December 13.

And Wales’ place in the Nations League could have two key consequences for how this road to the World Cup plays out.

More importantly, finishing first in the Nations League opens up the possibility of securing a place in the World Cup qualifying play-offs.

With an increased number of 16 qualified teams, 12 places will be allocated to the winners of the 12 groups.

Four places will be on offer via the play-offs which will involve 16 teams: the 12 group runners-up and the four highest-ranked Nations League group winners who did not finish among the top two in their World Cup group.

In other words, with the majority of Nations League League A group winners likely to qualify directly or earn a runners-up spot, finishing among the top teams in League B puts you in a very strong to participate in a World Cup. -out of place.