Bale and Co given date for huge World Cup play-off
WALES will host either Scotland or Ukraine in the World Cup play-off final on Sunday, June 5, it has been announced.
Rob Page’s side booked their place in the final by beating Austria 2-1 in Cardiff last month.
They were due to play just five days after that memorable semi-final triumph, although their second fixture was postponed owing to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
But Uefa have confirmed Scotland will host Ukraine in their own playoff semi-final at Hampden Park on Wednesday, June 1.
The winner of that contest will then travel to Cardiff City Stadium four days later to battle it out with Gareth Bale and his team - with the winner earning a place at the World Cup in Qatar.
Given the alterations to several play-off final matches, UEFA have been required to change Wales’ Nations League fixture dates.
Those have also been announced, with Wales having an opening clash away to Poland on Wednesday, June 1.
They then break into World Cup mode, before three more Nations League matches during a hectic period.
Wales host the Netherlands and Belgium in Cardiff on June 8 and June 11 respectively before ending the month against the Dutch again in Rotterdam on June 14. The final two fixtures against Belgium (September 22) and Poland (September 25) remain on the originally scheduled date.
The winner of the World Cup playoff involving Wales, Scotland and Ukraine will take on England, the United States of America and Iran in the group stages in Qatar later this year.
The first match against the USA is on Monday, November 21, with the second game against Iran taking place four days later.
The final group stage match for the victor of Wales’ play-off path is against England on Thursday, November 29. All three fixtures will be at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan.
Football Association of Wales president Steve Williams said: “Following today’s announcement from FIFA and UEFA about the World Cup play-off final and Nations League matches in June, whilst we are pleased to see the matter resolved, we have absolute sympathy with our fans and the inconvenience this has caused.
“The FAW lobbied both governing bodies to limit the disruption as much as possible for our fans, whilst recognising the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in through no fault of all parties involved.
“We value the support of the Red Wall; you are absolutely integral to the success of the team on the pitch, and you will be needed more than ever in June’s play-off final.”
Wales’ June fixtures in full:
Poland v Wales - Wednesday, June 1 - Nations League,
Wales v Scotland/Ukraine - Sunday, June 5 - World Cup play-off final, Wales v Netherlands - Wednesday, June 8 - Nations League,
Wales v Belgium - Saturday, June 11 - Nations League, Netherlands v Wales - Tuesday, June 14 - Nations League.