Wales give Kpakio, 18, first call-up for World Cup qualifiers

Ronan Kpakio, a teenager from Cardiff City, will be in his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Belgium in February, according to Wales head coach Craig Bellamy.

Kpakio, who turned 18 this week, is the first time he has participated in a training camp for Wales in Spain earlier this month.

Kpakio, a product of the Cardiff Academy, has only made six senior Bluebird appearances. Before making his first league start on the last day of the Championship season, he made his EFL Cup debut in August of last year.

Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson return to Bellamy’s squad for games against Liechtenstein on Friday, June 6 at the Cardiff City Stadium, and Belgium in Brussels on Monday.

Ampadu, the captain of Leeds United, and Wilson, the 28-year-old attacking midfielder, were both hurt during the league’s first two games in March.

After winning 3-1 against Kazakhstan and drawing 1-1 against North Macedonia, Wales are now second in Group J.

Following a successful club-level season, several players will return to play abroad.

In the Europa League final, Connor Roberts, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Ampadu, Daniel James, and Chris Mepham all won promotion to the Premier League with their respective clubs, while Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson each scored the only goal for Tottenham, who also had Ben Davies in their squad.

On goal difference, North Macedonia is currently in the top 20 while Belgium is just beginning their campaign.

The group winners advance to the World Cup, while the 12 group runners-up and four nations from the previous year’s Nations League will battle it out in play-offs.

Defenders: Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Ben Davies, Ronan Kpakio, Connor Roberts, Jay Dasilva, and Neco Williams.

Josh Sheehan, Charlie Crew, Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James, Ollie Cooper, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Sorba Thomas, and others.