Wales Women clinch top spot with 3-1 win

Wales Women secured first place in World Cup qualifying Group B1 with a 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Cardiff. The win gives them the best chance of reaching the Women's World Cup in Brazil. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson's side have gone eight games unbeaten after ending a seven‑game losing streak in December. The unbeaten run has kept them at the summit of the qualifying table. Liverpool midfielder Ceri Holland said the team felt the pressure of a must‑win game. "We knew the pressure was on, we knew it was a must‑win game," Holland added, noting the "fantastic performance" and looking ahead to the play‑off draw. Forward Hannah Cain emerged as Wales' leading scorer with six goals, a tally surpassed by only two players across Europe. The campaign also marked the retirement of former captain Jess Fishlock and forward Kayleigh Barton, who left after Euro 2025. Nineteen‑year‑old Mared Griffiths contributed three goals, while fellow teenager Mayzee Davies returned from a year‑long injury layoff. Midfielder Laura Hughes showed promise alongside veterans Sophie Ingle and Angharad James, and 22‑year‑old Carrie Jones reached 50 caps and captained the side for the first time. Wales' away form has been inconsistent, with a draw in the Czech Republic, a 1‑0 win in Albania and a draw in Montenegro. Travel was disrupted when the team plane was struck by lightning en route to Pogdorica, forcing an overnight diversion to Italy. Finishing top secures a more favourable play‑off path, with the draw set for 18 June. Wales will face a League B runner‑up in a two‑legged semi‑final at home, then potentially a League A side in the final, before a possible inter‑confederation play‑off. FAW chief executive Noel Mooney described the qualification process as convoluted and confirmed Wales are targeting Euro 2029 in Germany. Wilkinson received a two‑year contract extension last month as the federation looks ahead.