Kieffer Moore: Wales Must Target Automatic World Cup Qualification

Striker Kieffer Moore, who has scored 13 goals in 47 appearances for Wales, has asserted that the national team must aim for automatic qualification in their pursuit of a spot at the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Craig Bellamy’s squad has been drawn into Group J, alongside Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. Moore, the 32-year-old Sheffield United striker, stated he is not taking anything for granted but believes Wales can contend for the top position with Belgium, a team they have faced in three of the last six qualifying campaigns. “It’s [the draw] very positive… it’s not going to be easy but one that we can see, if we play the brand of football we know we can play we can top that group,” Moore said. He added, “It will be difficult but we will give our all as we always do.” Moore’s confidence is well-founded, following a Nations League campaign that resulted in promotion back to League A and saw Bellamy remain undefeated in his initial six games as manager. Furthermore, securing victory in Group B4 means Wales has almost guaranteed themselves at least a play-off position for the 2026 World Cup, although Moore stressed that Wales will not rely on this potential safety net. “I don’t think you want to use that for you in that way, because if you know there’s a way out then you don’t really apply yourself maybe the way you should,” he explained. Moore continued, “Obviously it’s nice we do have that but that shouldn’t be on our minds, qualification straight away should be on our minds and finishing top of the group.” Wales’ qualifying campaign will commence at home against Kazakhstan on 22 March. The group stage will conclude on 18 November with a match against North Macedonia, also held in Cardiff. Wales is scheduled to play Belgium away on 9 June, with the return fixture on home soil set for 13 October. Moore’s comments came after his two-goal performance helped Sheffield United defeat his former club, Cardiff City, on Saturday. This result maintained the Blades’ position at the top of the Championship standings while pushing the Bluebirds back into the relegation places. Regarding the match against Cardiff City, Moore remarked, “I had a great time here and I loved playing here, I scored a lot of goals here.” He concluded, “I suppose it’s never nice for the home fans when I come back here and still score but I loved my time here.”