Teenager Kpakio Gets First Wales Call-Up for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Cardiff City youngster included in Craig Bellamy’s squad for games against Liechtenstein and Belgium

In a bold and refreshing move that signals a new era for Welsh football, Craig Bellamy has handed a maiden senior call-up to 18-year-old Cardiff City right-back Ronan Kpakio ahead of Wales‘ World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Belgium next month.

The teenager, who only turned 18 this week, has been making quiet waves at Cardiff and has now been thrust onto the international stage — a huge step up for a player who only made his professional debut less than a year ago.

Kpakio’s inclusion is the headline news in Bellamy’s 28-man squad, announced with the kind of buzz that tends to accompany youthful promise and national pride in equal measure. With regular captain Aaron Ramsey sidelined and Joe Allen officially retired, Bellamy appears ready to mix experience with youthful energy as Wales push on in their quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

From Academy Prospect to National Recognition

Ronan Kpakio’s rise has been rapid. The Cardiff academy product made his senior debut in the EFL Cup last August and has just six senior appearances to his name. Yet Bellamy, who knows the Cardiff system inside out, clearly sees something special in the teenage full-back.

Kpakio recently trained with the senior squad at a warm-weather camp in Spain — an opportunity Bellamy used to take a closer look at several emerging prospects. The feedback was positive, and now, with crucial qualifiers looming, Kpakio has made the leap into the senior setup.

For Wales, it’s not just a feel-good story — it’s part of a deliberate long-term strategy. The right-back position has been a source of depth in recent years, but with the physical demands of the international game increasing and fixture congestion always a factor, having versatile, energetic options is essential.

Belgium and Liechtenstein Await

Wales’ two fixtures in June could not be more contrasting in challenge. First, they host Group J underdogs Liechtenstein at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, 6 June. Then comes a daunting trip to Brussels to face top seeds Belgium just three days later.

Wales currently sit second in the group, level on points with North Macedonia but behind on goal difference. Their campaign began encouragingly in March with a 3-1 win over Kazakhstan and a battling 1-1 draw away in Skopje.

While Belgium are yet to begin their qualifying campaign, their presence looms large over Group J. For Bellamy and his players, getting points on the board early — and avoiding slip-ups against the so-called minnows — could make all the difference as the race for top spot heats up.

The group winner automatically qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, while the 12 group runners-up join four Nations League group winners in a play-off lottery to decide the final four European spots. Thanks to their Nations League success last year, Wales are already in a strong position to secure a play-off place if needed — but Bellamy clearly has direct qualification in his sights.

Ampadu and Wilson Return, but Ramsey Out

Cardiff’s Ronan Kpakio, 18, earns surprise Wales call-up after one league start –

There’s more good news for Welsh fans in the form of returning stars Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson. Both missed March’s fixtures through injury but are now back to full fitness and ready to play key roles.

Ampadu, the versatile Leeds United captain, enjoyed a stellar season in the Championship and helped guide his side back to the Premier League. His maturity at just 24, combined with his tactical flexibility, makes him one of Bellamy’s most trusted players.

Fulham’s Harry Wilson, meanwhile, adds creativity and flair in the final third — two qualities Wales were short on in March, especially without the guile of Ramsey.

Unfortunately, the 33-year-old Ramsey remains sidelined through injury. Once the heartbeat of the team, his absence is still keenly felt. And with Joe Allen recently announcing his retirement from international football, there’s a sense that the guard is changing.

But Bellamy has long been preparing for this. With a deep belief in youth and a willingness to give players opportunities — even bold ones like Kpakio — the former Liverpool and Wales forward is shaping a new chapter for the national team.

A Winning Club Season for Many

Plenty of players will arrive in camp riding high on recent club success. Brennan Johnson, ever the livewire in attack, scored the winning goal for Tottenham in their Europa League final victory over Manchester United — a major career highlight for the 23-year-old. Ben Davies, a mainstay of the national team, was also part of that Spurs triumph.

Elsewhere, Connor Roberts, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Daniel James, and Chris Mepham all secured promotion to the Premier League with their respective clubs. That kind of momentum — and winning mentality — could be invaluable as Wales navigate this crucial phase of qualifying.

Kpakio a Symbol of Bellamy’s Belief in Youth

The inclusion of Ronan Kpakio is more than just a nice story — it’s a marker of where Welsh football is headed under Bellamy. Young, homegrown talents are being fast-tracked, not out of desperation, but because they’ve earned it.

The teenager still has a lot to learn, but with experienced full-backs like Neco Williams and Connor Roberts to guide him, he’s in good hands. Bellamy’s own rise to international prominence came early, and he’ll know better than anyone how important that first taste of senior football can be for a teenager still learning the game.

Should Kpakio get minutes against Liechtenstein, it will be a moment to remember. Even if he doesn’t, simply being in the camp and training alongside seasoned pros will accelerate his development. Either way, the future looks bright — for him, and for Wales.

Wales Squad in Full:

Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow, Danny Ward, Adam Davies
Defenders: Neco Williams, Jay Dasilva, Connor Roberts, Ronan Kpakio, Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon
Midfielders: Josh Sheehan, Charlie Crew, Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James, Ollie Cooper, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Sorba Thomas
Forwards: Liam Cullen, Nathan Broadhead, Lewis Koumas, Rabbi Matondo, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James