The Football Association of Wales has called on UEFA to expand the Women’s Euros

The men’s European Championship was expanded to 24 teams for Euro 2016, with Wales benefiting from qualifying for their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

Chris Coleman’s side reached the semi-finals in France, starting a successful period which saw them qualify for the next European Championship and the 2022 World Cup.

Wales’ women made their major finals debut at last year’s Euros when they were drawn in the same group as England, but Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland failed to qualify.

“The Republic lost to us at Euro 2025, but if it had been a 24-team tournament they would have been there and that would have been a huge lift for their country,” added Irishman Mooney.

“We were the beneficiaries last time and it is definitely our aim to get there for the World Cup but we are aware of the complexity of the current system with FIFA to qualify.”

Wells Beat the Czech Republic on Tuesday Topping their 2027 World Cup qualifying group.

Wilkinson’s side must now navigate two European play-off ties before facing an inter-confederation play-off.

Because of this tricky route, Wales see qualification for Euro 2029 as a more realistic prospect and an expanded tournament would boost their chances.

“We are very lucky and have great friends at UEFA,” said Mooney, who used to work for UEFA.

“For example, the head of women’s and girls’ football, Nadine Kessler, I worked very closely with and she is someone who is very progressive in how she thinks. UEFA itself is very progressive.

“(Former Wales captain) Laura McAllister is the vice president of UEFA and will be very much someone who can bring our voice to UEFA, which is great for us.

“By working with countries like our neighbors who are interested in this, we can bring that voice to UEFA and say, ‘Look, we understand the cost implications of increasing the number of teams, but if you’re doing it for the men, you should do it for the women’.”