Bellamy says four-game window makes no sense as Wales lose three of four

Wales finished a brutal four-game Nations League run with three defeats after losing 0-1 to Denmark on 4 October 2026.

It was a harsh return to the top tier. Wales were beaten 1-0 in Portugal on 24 September, beaten 2-0 in Denmark on 27 September, beat Norway 2-1 on 1 October, then lost again to Denmark to close the window, according to BBC Sport. The Nations League is Europe's biennial national-team competition, and League A is its top division.

The one bright night came against Norway. Dan James scored the opener and then won the free-kick that led to Neco Williams' second goal in the 2-1 win. Head coach Craig Bellamy said that result had "thrown a hand grenade" into the group.

Portugal underlined their strength in the same stretch. They came from behind to beat Denmark 4-2 on 1 October, a result that kept Group A4 wide open.

Bellamy described the opening four games as "Tough". He was blunt about the schedule. The first window packed four internationals into three weeks, with a regular two-game window to follow in November.

He said the new four-game international window idea made "no sense" and suited bigger nations with deeper squads. Euro 2028 qualifying will use the same four-game format next September and October, according to BBC Sport.

Wales did it short-handed. Harry Wilson and Joe Rodon were ruled unfit before a ball was kicked. David Brooks then withdrew midway through the camp with injury, having not started a league game for Bournemouth that season.

Selection raised eyebrows too. James, the spark against Norway, did not feature at all against Denmark on Sunday. Kieffer Moore, a tall target-man striker, was introduced in the 83rd minute with Denmark already leading 1-0. Midfielder Jordan James admitted Wales were "a little bit flat, not as intense as we wanted it to be" after the defeat.

Context matters here. Wales were promoted from League B after topping their group with a 4-1 win over Iceland in Cardiff in November 2024. They were then drawn alongside Portugal, Denmark and Norway in Group A4 for the 2026/27 Nations League, according to the FAW.

For fans, this means frustration mixed with possibility. Three defeats sting. Yet Wales' hopes of staying in League A and possibly securing a Euro 2028 seedings boost remain in their own hands going into next month's final two fixtures.

Two games. Everything still to play for.