Captain Angharad James says Wales have a first Women’s World Cup “in their sights” as they set out on the long road to Brazil in the Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Wales begin their bid to reach a second successive major tournament with a testing World Cup qualifier in Uherske Hradiste.
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The meeting with the Czechs is the first of six games for Rhian Wilkinson’s side in Group B1.
With no automatic qualification place on offer, Wales must finish in the top three of a group which also features Montenegro and Albania to qualify for the play-offs.
To reach the 2027 tournament, Wales must then progress through two ties against European opponents, while they may then have to win an inter-confederation play-off to secure a place in Brazil.
James has described the qualification process as “a little bit complex” – but insists Wales’ women will be driven throughout by the chance to make a World Cup debut.
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“We have our eyes set on the future of course. We’ve spoken about that, the journey, and we spoke about it before the Euros too,” the Seattle Reign midfielder said.
“[It is the World Cup] and the World Cup in Brazil too – that would be pretty cool.
“It’s in our sights, but we have to take it each game at a time.”
Wales’ opening group fixture is likely to provide a stern examination for Wilkinson’s side, who have not played since a 3-2 friendly win over Switzerland in December.
The Czechs have never reached a major tournament but are ranked 31st in the world, one place above Wales.
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“It’s going to be a tough game,” James added.
“We’ve reviewed them and they’re a very direct team. They’re a team that are very good at what they do.
“We have to counteract that and bring our game to the game and hopefully, if we do that, we get the result we want.”
‘Wales always comes first in my eyes’
Angharad James led Wales at Euro 2025, the nation’s first major women’s tournament [FAW]
James has not played since the Switzerland win because Seattle Reign’s National Women’s Soccer League campaign ended in November, although she was involved in pre-season before joining up with Wales last week.
James also struggled for game-time after returning to her club following Euro 2025.
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Even so, the 31-year-old says she is in a good place as she prepares to win her 140th cap.
“I worked so hard in the off-season to make sure that I’m ready for Wales and Wales always comes first in my eyes,” James said.
“So if I knew that I had to be ready for this game, I’ll make sure that I am at the best I can be for this game.”
When asked about her lack of minutes for Reign in the autumn, James added: “I think there’d be something wrong if I didn’t think about it.
“Do I want to play more football? Of course I do. And am I going to push to play more this year? Yeah, I am.
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“So I’m in a good place and hopefully I can go back and hit the ground running after two games here with Wales.”
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