Unbeaten Wales eye World Cup thanks to Bellamy belief

Wales' players believe they will get better and better under Craig Bellamy as they look to take Nations League momentum towards the World Cup.

A 4-1 win over Iceland in Cardiff - coupled with Turkey's defeat in Montenegro - sealed Wales' promotion to League A as group winners.

That outcome also gives Wales a chance of securing a 2026 World Cup play-off place - if needed - regardless of how they fare in next year's qualifying campaign.

But with the victory making it six unbeaten under Bellamy since he replaced Rob Page in July, the Wales dressing room is mirroring the mindset of their head coach by aiming beyond second chances.

"That's the dream, we all want to make the World Cup," said Swansea City striker Liam Cullen, who scored Wales' first two goals against Iceland, his first for his country.

"I don't think there was a better way than this to start off the manager's reign and hopefully we can take it into the qualifiers. We can go into that campaign full of confidence."

Wales will be seeded second in the World Cup qualifying draw that will take place on 13 December.

As group winners - and having avoided Nations League play-offs - they are likely to be in a five-team group that starts in March.

"It is going to be a long wait, but we'll be ready," said defender Ben Cabango, also of Swansea.

"We have shown by going to places like Turkey where it was hostile [and Wales drew 0-0] that we have the togetherness to get through tough spells.

"And then you have nights like this one where the performance is brilliant and it makes you feel like you're progressing all the time.

"It's not just going unbeaten, it's the way we've played and we feel we're getting better with each game. As long as he (Bellamy) is here and we keep working hard, we'll keep improving."

Liam Cullen's opening goal against Iceland was his first for Wales

The return to fitness of players such as captain Aaron Ramsey, fellow midfielder Ethan Ampadu and forward Kieffer Moore will strengthen Wales' World Cup prospects.

Several other players have missed matches this autumn through injury.

Bellamy, though, has used 25 players over his opening games to ensure his wider squad are feeling part of what already seems like a new era for the side who missed out on Euro 2024 qualification in agonising fashion.

Against Iceland, Wales came from behind to win for the first time under Bellamy.

They also scored after half-time for the first time under his guidance, easing concerns that a high-tempo approach was causing Wales to tail off in games.

"This was probably the most complete performance so far," said forward Mark Harris.

"You don't want to go one down, but he (Bellamy) just said in the dressing room that reacting like that, still playing our way, playing our stuff, keeping the ball - and even without the ball - I thought we were fantastic."

Cabango added: "He just wants us to play with courage on and off the ball and we're buying into it.

"It's being willing to take the ball at any time, but also with the high line, pressing from the front, wanting to win it back. He gives you freedom so if you do give it away, you have the backing of him."

Wales' players are now keen to showcase such belief on a bigger stage, with automatic World Cup qualification on offer for 12 group winners by this time next year.

the 12 group runners-up, plus four Nations League group winners, will go into play-offs for the final four spots.

"I think in the first six games [under Bellamy], it shows the ideas and the way he wants us to play is working for us and hopefully we can take that into the World Cup qualifiers," added Cullen.

"Topping the group tops off the perfect start for the manager and his staff."