Wales leave captain Ramsey out of World Cup play-off squad

Aaron Ramsey has made 86 appearances for Wales, scoring 21 goals Captain Aaron Ramsey has been left out of the Wales squad for this month's World Cup play-offs, casting further doubt over his future. The 35-year-old has been without a club since leaving Pumas in December, having not played for the Mexican side since September. That lack of first-team football, combined with a run of injuries, means Ramsey has not played for Wales since September 2024. The former Arsenal and Juventus midfielder has said he wants to play for Wales at this summer's World Cup should they qualify, but his hopes of representing his country at a fourth major tournament look increasingly remote. "He hasn't played competitive football in seven months. He's not at a club," said Bellamy. "It [Ramsey's future] is not really for me to talk about. It's a situation I'm sure which will resolve itself." Wales face Bosnia-Herzegovina in their World Cup play-off semi-final at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday, 26 March, with the winners hosting Italy or Northern Ireland in the final five days later. Craig Bellamy's side are without defender Ben Davies, striker Kieffer Moore and West Bromwich Albion centre-back Chris Mepham because of injury. They are replaced in the 26-man squad b y Wrexham goalkeeper Danny Ward, left-back Rhys Norrington Davies - on loan at Queens Park Rangers from Sheffield United - and Rangers forward Rabbi Matondo. The winners of this play-off path will secure their place at the World Cup, where they will be in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and Qatar. If Wales get there, it looks increasingly like they will be without Ramsey. The playmaker has enjoyed a glittering international career, the highlight being the starring role he played as Wales reached the Euro 2016 semi-finals, earning himself a place in Uefa's team of the tournament. Ramsey has also excelled at the highest level in club football, spending more than a decade at Arsenal , for whom he scored winning goals in two FA Cup finals. 'Leaks don't help us', says disappointed Bellamy In Ramsey's absence, Davies has worn the armband for Wales but, as the Spurs defender is injured, Fulham attacking midfielder Harry Wilson could skipper the team against Bosnia. Wilson led Wales for the first time in November, scoring a hat-trick in the 7-1 thrashing of North Macedonia to secure home advantage for their World Cup play-off semi-final. Davies is facing a lengthy lay-off with a broken ankle, while Moore and Mepham are ruled out with hamstring injuries. There is no place in the squad for Ashley Phillips, the Spurs defender on loan at Stoke City who Wales are hoping will switch allegiance from England to play for them. "We always look at dual nationalities," said Bellamy. "They've been so good for us over a number of years. "It [Phillips situation] is not for now but we're always active on it. We have to be. That's for another time." Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Danny Ward (Wrexham), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Tom King (Everton). Defenders: Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Queens Park Rangers - on loan from Sheffield United), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City). Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Jordan James (Leicester City - on loan from Stade Rennais), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Sorba Thomas (Stoke City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City). Forwards: Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Brennan Johnson (Crystal Palace), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Lewis Koumas (Hull City - on loan from Liverpool), Dan James (Leeds United), Rabbi Matondo (Rangers). Wrexham's Moore to miss Wales' World Cup play-offs Wales star Wilson confirms fitness for World Cup play-offs Wales boss Bellamy won't push Ramsey on his future Iran 'in talks' to move World Cup games to Mexico Chelsea's cheating - was a fine too lenient? Van de Ven - 'The biggest nonsense' that Spurs players aren't committed A missing person case forces DS Fia Lucey back to Blackwater Graham Norton shares his award show memories Gripping award‑winning crime drama Actor Siobhán McSweeney shares her favourite travel destination Chelsea's cheating - was a fine too lenient? Inside NSB - the state school at the top of English rugby union 'Looking like the Hamilton of old' and potential rule changes - F1 Q&A From Bodo to Brentford - ranking this season's biggest overachievers 'Haaland of rugby' - how Bielle-Biarrey has stormed stage How Chelsea signed a star team with hidden payments Who makes BBC pundits' Six Nations team of the tournament? Video Who makes BBC pundits' Six Nations team of the tournament? Another compelling Players - but why is it unlikely to ever be a major? Six talking points from final round of Six Nations Norrie replaces Draper as British number one - but for how long? Spurs answer Tudor's call with show of fight in the face of crisis Aberg & Fitzpatrick falter as Young becomes Players champion. Video Aberg & Fitzpatrick falter as Young becomes Players champion Have Old Firm wrestled title momentum away from Hearts? A finale worthy of the greatest Six Nations in history Why GB are 'positive' despite just one medal at Winter Paralympics What next for Dowman - how do you look after a precious talent? Should the Winter Paralympics be moved? Brentford, the World Cup and an itch to return to Gaelic football Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.