World Cup 2026: Cymru connections – who can bring back Wales fans

Potter is one of three former Swansea managers at the World Cup.

If it’s Carlo Ancelotti, there will be reason to cling to shining glory Brazil The victory was given to Paul Clement – before being fired a few months later. He is Don’s assistant – who broke through in the Premier League in 2017.

And then there is PortugalLed by Roberto Martinez – former Swansea captain and boss and still a favorite in South Wales.

As well as keeping the club in the Football League in 2003, Martinez took over the management job at the Swans after four years following a style of football that saw them finish third at the 2018 World Cup with Belgium.

Wearing the Welsh flag as an armband while jumping Swansea, he maintained close ties to his former home, studying his coaching skills in Wales and speaking to Newport hopefuls via video link on the same course in recent weeks.

Perhaps most significantly, his dugout has a Welshman as a key member.

The son of ex-Wales and Swansea winger Brian, Richie Evans spent a decade as a physio at the Swans – including the cash-strapped days at Vetch – but was Martinez’s trusted lieutenant at Swansea, Wigan, Everton and now in Portugal, serving as performance leader in their bid for Championship glory.

Evans was a winger in the first Newport line-up after his association with Swansea was released in 1989 after the club’s reform.

But apart from that Cymru connection, there is another reason for Wales fans to keep an eye on Portugal and maybe even lift the trophy.

Because after the World Cup is done and dusted, the Nations League kicks off in the autumn, with Portugal playing Wales at home after North America.

It could give Craig Bellamy’s team a chance to try and beat them and claim the unofficial world title.

Or maybe supporting hosts is more your thing. If America is successful, perhaps there will be a nod to Carsus, where former Bangor City and Aberystwyth Town player Phil Woosnam was born. After retiring from playing careers including West Ham and Aston Villa, he headed to the States – as well as coaching the national team – where he helped form the New York Cosmos under Pele as commissioner of the NASL.

He is in the US Soccer Hall of Fame and has been described as the father of the professional game in the country.

So, as the World Cup continues without Wales, feel safe in the knowledge that there’s always a link if you look hard enough.

Either that, or just sit back and enjoy the World Cup, let football win – and just hope you don’t have to try and work out who brings back in 2030.