Elise Hughes: Focus on Albania ahead of World Cup qualifying return leg

Elise Hughes said on 11 October 2026 she is concentrating on Wales' play-off second leg against Albania in Llanelli on Tuesday, even as the prospect of reaching the World Cup remains a lifelong ambition. Wales head into the return fixture with a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Shkoder.

Hughes, who has played for Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace, spoke after Rhian Wilkinson's side edged the semi-final first leg in Albania. A draw in the Llanelli return would be enough to send Wales through to the next stage of qualifying for next summer's tournament in Brazil.

Hughes described the personal significance of a World Cup place, saying: "When you're a kid, it doesn't get bigger than that," and adding, "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."

She emphasised the squad's present priorities, stating: "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."

Rhian Wilkinson acknowledged her side will need to improve after an unconvincing 1-0 victory in Shkoder. "There's always room for improvement," Sunderland's Hughes told BBC Sport Wales. "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."

If Wales overcome Albania, they will face either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final in December; even if Wales win that play-off final they could face a potential inter-confederation play-off in February.