Wales sit top of World Cup qualifying group after huge win in Llanelli over Montenegro – 4 talking points

Wales picked up their first win of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers as they ran riot against Montenegro in Llanelli.

The Dragons stormed into an early lead against a side that is ranked 52 places below Rhian Wilkinson’s side. Hannah Cain opened the scoring inside six minutes as Wales looked levels above Montenegro, and despite the away side having some small amounts of possession, they were just no match for a dominant Welsh side.

Despite many of the experienced Welsh side having limited game time for their clubs in the domestic game, Wales’ fitness and level of play were top quality. The match was wrapped up by half-time with a brace from Hannah Cain and goals from Rachel Rowe, Mared Griffiths and Sophie Ingle putting the Dragons comfortably ahead.

Griffiths scored the only goal for Cymru in the second-half to grab her second goal in the match, with Armisa Kuč netting a consolation.

Wales show their dominance and put on a show

This win in Llanelli was a great performance from Wales as they dominated most of the game and claimed their first competitive fixture victory since 2024. Wales put in a five-star performance in the first half, as they were clinical in front of goals with five shots on target and scored five goals.

Wales will leave Llanelli this evening with their heads held high and four points from two games after their tough battle away at the Czech Republic in midweek. Safia Middleton-Patel didn’t really face many shots on her goal. The only goal from the away side was a quick lapse of judgment at the back to allow Armisa Kuč to strike a well-taken chip over the keeper.

Standout performances from Mared Griffiths and Hannah Cain

Hannah Cain who plays at WSL side Leicester City has proven vital for the dragons in the world cup playoff campaign so far. The 27 year old striker has been out of form for her club as of late failing to find a goal for her club side, however for Wales that is a complete different story. Cain scored a brace tonight as she opened the scoring inside six minutes in front of her home fans, on top of this she also netted a goal against the Czech Republic.

At just 19 years of age Mared Griffiths who plays at Sunderland on loan from Manchester United scored twice this evening and looks like a talented future superstar, Mared could prove a crucial figure for Wales in the coming years.

Sophie Ingle again proved pivotal for Wales as she ran that midfield, controlling the game and preventing the Montenegro players from being able to do any damage to the backline throughout most periods of the game. On top of this the veteran earned herself a goal after a well worked finish by the Wales side.

With two games gone in the group it has shown that Hannah Cain will be a star player for Wales, the main question on all fans minds are is can she keep up this fine form. Wales definitely will be hoping she can, since losing the goals of Jess Fishlock when she retired, Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson will sure be hoping the striker can lead her country for many more years to come.

Wales sit of the group, can their form continue?

With two games gone in the group so far, Wales have picked up a draw away from home against the Czech Republic last week and a commanding victory this evening against Montenegro. It now leaves Wales top of the group with four games to play.

In the next international break Rhian Wilkinson’s side will be playing back-to-back games against Albania who are ranked 71st in the world. Albania lost 5-1 against the Czech Republic this evening, and are in theory a side that Wales should pick up two wins from two when they face each other twice in the space of four days at the beginning of April.

Wales of course will be leaving Llanelli this evening with their heads held high knowing they have performed brilliantly over the last two games. Wales will know that they are possibly two wins away from securing a playoff spot for the World Cup with the top 3 in the group all securing a spot.

In recent memory Wales have a history of qualifying for a major tournament after doing so at Euro 2025, and while of course they did not make it out of the group the staff and players gained vital experience. Wales under Wilkinson have so far been brilliant in 2026 and should they use this momentum to now go unbeaten for the rest of the group phase, they would be closer to the dream of seeing a Welsh Women’s team at a World cup.

4,550 fans at Parc Y Scarlets

Wales played at Parc Y Scarlets in front of a crowd of 4,550 fans. With 3 of the 4 mens teams of Swansea City, Cardiff City and Wrexham all having home fixtures today, this shows the amazing support for the National team.

Fans as a whole have been very supportive and passionate when it comes to attending Wales fixtures in recent times. With the next fixture being held at the STōK Cae Ras up in North Wales in Wrexham, Rhian Wilkinson and her players will be hoping for a decent turnout to boost the atmosphere and help get them over the line.