Sixty-four years later, Wales are back on the world stage.
After this long crossing of the desert, coach Rob Page will be able to rely on a group experienced in international games and which remains on two quality Euros (semi-final in 2016, round of 16 in 2021).
Although aging, Welsh executives are still on duty to mentor a younger generation pushing behind.
The story
Rob Page took over from local legend Ryan Giggs, who stepped down in June 2020 amid domestic abuse lawsuits.
Form of the Welsh squad
Under the leadership of Rob Page, Wales are going through a prosperous period, coming out of their pool at the last Euro and qualifying for their first World Cup since 1958. In a tough qualifying pool with Belgium and the Czech Republic in particular , the Dragons came out brilliantly, conceding only one defeat against the Red Devils.
Second in their group, the Welsh will now be keen to show that they did not come to make up the numbers in this almost historic World Cup for them.
However, they remain on a most complicated League of Nations campaign, without a single victory in six games (1 draw, 5 defeats).
The 26 Welsh players
Goalkeepers
: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Danny Ward (Leicester/ENG), Adam Davies (Sheffield United/ENG)
Defenders
: Ben Davies (Tottenham/ENG), Ben Cabango (Swanse), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town/ENG), Joe Rodon (Rennes/FRA), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth/ENG), Ethan Ampadu (Spezia/ITA), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon/ENG), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Connor Roberts (Burnley/ENG)
Midfielders
: Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town/ENG), Joe Allen (Swansea), Matt Smith (MK Dons/ENG), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United/SCO), Harry Wilson (Fulham/ENG), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth/ENG) , Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Aaron Ramsey (Nice/FRA), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff)
Forwards
: Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC/USA), Kieffer Moore (Bournemouth/D2), Mark Harris (Cardiff), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest/ENG), Dan James (Fulham/ENG)
The probable composition
Probable composition of Wales for the 2022 World Cup. LP / Infographic
Around the pillars of the selection that are Gareth Bale or Aaron Ramsey, some very promising young people have revealed themselves in recent years, like Daniel James, Brennan Johnson, Neco Williams or Ethan Ampadu.
The Dragons have the weapons to access a new knockout phase of a major tournament.
Tactically, Rob Page has the choice between a three-man defense, which he has used a lot, and a four-man defense.
Player to watch: Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale in action at the Cardiff City Stadium (Wales), September 25, 2022. Spi / Icon Sport
Wales is obviously associated with Gareth Bale, figure of this team of which he is the leader and the top scorer of all time with 39 achievements.
Although aging (33 years old), the former Real Madrid winger is never as good as when he puts on the jersey of his selection.
The five-time Champions League winner can still render great service.
Wales fixture list