Wales manager Craig Bellamy has handed a surprise senior call-up to Cardiff City teenager Ronan Kpakio, fast-tracking the 18-year-old defender into the national set-up ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Belgium.
Kpakio, who only turned 18 on Sunday, has made just six senior appearances for Cardiff across all competitions, with his first league start coming on May 3, the final day of the Championship season.
Despite his limited experience, the right-back is among the 26 players selected for Wales’ upcoming fixtures, a reflection of Bellamy’s long-standing admiration for the youngster.
“I've known Ronan since he was very, very young, I've kept an eye on him,” Bellamy said.
“Even last year we wanted to buy him for Burnley, so I'm fully aware, I've watched him – especially over the last couple of years, his progression has been outstanding.
"His potential can be ridiculously high; he's very athletic, very intelligent.
If he wasn't injured I would have had him in March, as he's a player, especially in the right-back position... where we don't have a big area [of selection choices] in there, so we really need to start developing players in that position.
"He's the perfect profile for that.”
Kpakio was part of Wales’ recent training camp in Spain and now steps up to the senior stage with the chance to earn his first cap when Wales host Liechtenstein at Cardiff City Stadium on June 6, before facing Belgium in Brussels on June 9.
The teenager joins a squad that features a blend of youth and experience, including the return of Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu and Fulham playmaker Harry Wilson, both of whom missed the March fixtures due to injury.
READ MORE: Ronan Kpakio
Notably absent still is Wales captain Aaron Ramsey, who remains sidelined with injury, while Joe Allen is no longer available following his recent retirement.
There is also no place for Manchester United striker Gabriele Biancheri who could be involved in a potential tug-of-war between Wales and Canada.
The Cardiff-born 18-year-old, who left his hometown club to move north in February 2023, has been a regular goalscorer for United’s youth teams and recently stepped up to train with Ruben Amorim’s senior squad at Old Trafford.
Biancheri has been capped by Wales from Under-16 to Under-19 levels but Canada have now invited him to train with their senior squad.
Wales sit second in Group J after a solid start to their World Cup campaign, having beaten Kazakhstan 3-1 and drawn 1-1 with North Macedonia.
Though North Macedonia lead the group on goal difference, top seeds Belgium are yet to begin their qualifying campaign.
READ MORE: Bold Craig Bellamy Starts To Shape Wales’ Future
The qualifiers come at the end of a strong club season for many Wales internationals.
Brennan Johnson scored the winner in the Europa League final for Tottenham, and several others — including Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu, Daniel James, and Chris Mepham — helped their clubs earn promotion to the Premier League.
Wales are aiming to reach a second consecutive World Cup, something they've never achieved before.
The group winners automatically qualify for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, while the runners-up will enter a play-off along with Nations League qualifiers — a route Wales have already secured.
Kpakio’s inclusion marks a rapid rise for the Cardiff academy product — a young defender with raw talent and the confidence of a head coach who has followed his progress closely.
His potential international debut could come in just days, marking a new chapter in his career and offering Wales a glimpse of the future.
Wales Squad in Full:
Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow, Danny Ward, Adam Davies
Defenders: Neco Williams, Jay Dasilva, Connor Roberts, Ronan Kpakio, Ben Davies, Chris Mepham, Ben Cabango, Joe Rodon
Midfielders: Josh Sheehan, Charlie Crew, Ethan Ampadu, Jordan James, Ollie Cooper, Harry Wilson, David Brooks, Sorba Thomas
Forwards: Liam Cullen, Nathan Broadhead, Lewis Koumas, Rabbi Matondo, Kieffer Moore, Mark Harris, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James
