Wales v Iran: Are you watching the World Cup game on Friday?

  • Published
  • comments
Osian, Deio, Megan and Ela tune up at Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin

Wales fans are hoping for a an historic breakthough at the Fifa World Cup.

Schools in Wales are allowed to cancel lessons to let pupils watch Gareth Bale's side take on Iran, with more than 1,000 schools expected to take part in "Cymru Football Friday".

Instead of doing Maths, children across the nation will be seeing Gareth Bale become Wales' most-capped male player in a super-important match.

After a draw with USA last week, Wales took to the field for the 10am kick off knowing a first World Cup victory in 64 years will be a big help to getting through to the next round.

If you can't see this vote, click here.

The Welsh government has said it will be up to schools whether to allow pupils to watch the game against Iran.

Plus over a thousand schools across the country will be taking part in the Football Association of Wales' (FAW) Cymru Football Friday for the Iran game.

FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: "We've worked with Welsh government to create a festival in all our schools and the Iran game is perfect for us.

"You want a child to remember it and, hopefully, go on to play for us and become the future."

The FAW is hosting events such as skills sessions, inter-school matches and football festivals either side of the game on November 25.

There's a real pride here... that's bringing people together.

Cori Mabey,, Head of PE at Treorchy Comprehensive School
Media caption,

Thousands of young fans sang their hearts out for Wales ahead of the Qatar World Cup

Cori Mabey, head of PE at Treorchy Comprehensive School, Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: "Lessons two and three are off the timetable so students can watch the Wales-Iran game in different facilities.

"We'll be using the sports hall, the main lecture theatre hall and other televisions will be dotted around classrooms as well."

'An honour'

Image source, Reuters

Captain Bale, who has 109 caps for Wales, said it was an "honour" to represent his country.

"But it's more important we try and get the victory," he added. "Hopefully we can and it'll make it even more special.

"It will be a difficult game versus Iran - they are a very good team. They are here for a reason, but of course we believe we can beat them."

Wales drew 1-1 against USA in their opening match on Monday and they're set to take on Iran this Friday 25 November at 10am.

Dafydd Pritchard from BBC Sport Wales in Qatar said: "Bale and Page did not go as far as saying it, but Wales know this game against Iran is a must-win."