Elise Hughes says Wales are focused on Albania before World Cup dream

Wales head into Tuesday's match in Llanelli knowing they are one step closer to history, and Elise Hughes is honest about what that means. The forward admits reaching the 2027 World Cup would fulfil a lifelong ambition, but she insists nobody in the dressing room is looking beyond the second leg against Albania in their qualifying playoff semi-final.

What Wales need against Albania in Llanelli

Rhian Wilkinson's side take a narrow 1-0 advantage into the return fixture after edging the first leg in Shkoder. A draw would be enough to send Wales through to the next stage of qualifying for the tournament in Brazil next summer.

The margin is small and Albania showed in the first leg that they can cause problems. For that reason, there is no room for complacency: the tie is still alive and a single mistake could prove costly.

Elise Hughes and a lifelong World Cup dream

When you're a kid, it doesn't get bigger than that. You dream and you're in the garden thinking of the World Cup and you're at your grassroots team thinking of the World Cup.

Hughes, who has played for clubs including Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace and currently represents Sunderland, speaks openly about what it would mean to reach a major tournament with her country. For her, the chance to play in Brazil would be the culmination of a journey that began in grassroots football.

Why the Albania game matters more than anything right now

Despite the excitement surrounding the World Cup, the Wales forward makes it clear where the immediate priority lies. Wales cannot afford to think about the playoff final before finishing the job against Albania.

Now this group has a chance to do it and that is the most important thing for the group here and now. But to do that, we've got to win the game on Tuesday. This is the most important game to date because it's next.

What comes next if Wales get past Albania

Should Wales overcome Albania, they will face either Norway or Romania in a two-legged playoff final in December. Even after that, there could be another hurdle: a potential inter-confederation playoff in February, depending on how the final plays out.

It is a long and demanding road, with several knockout rounds still ahead. But the Wales squad prefers to focus on the nearest step, knowing that without a win or a draw on Tuesday there will be no chance to keep dreaming.

Wilkinson's honest assessment and room for improvement

Head coach Rhian Wilkinson admitted her side will need to improve in Llanelli after an unconvincing 1-0 first-leg victory in Albania. Hughes shares that view and acknowledges Wales allowed the opposition into the game more than they should have.

There's always room for improvement. We've won games by many more goals and always had room for improvement. We knew they're a good side and what they're going to bring, but we let them into the game. It's all about focus and getting the result.

The message is clear: Wales are taking nothing for granted with such a slim lead. In Llanelli, the plan is to stay solid, control the tempo and finish the tie without unnecessary drama.

A historic opportunity for Welsh women's football

Wales have never played at a Women's World Cup. The current generation has the chance to change that story and open the door to a tournament where they would test themselves against the best teams on the planet in Brazil.

The path is not easy and tough knockout rounds remain, but the belief inside the group is clear. In Llanelli, however, only one thing matters: winning or drawing against Albania.