Wales qualify for Women's Euros to make first major tournament appearance

It is the first time Wales Women have qualified for a major tournament. Credit: PA Images

Wales Women have qualified for their first major football tournament and will compete at the 2025 Women's Euros.

Goals from Hannah Cain and Carrie Jones gave Wales a 2-1 Euro 2025 play-off second leg victory over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, meaning Rhian Wilkinson’s team triumphed 3-2 on aggregate as they progressed to next summer’s European Championship in Switzerland.

Leicester forward Cain’s 50th-minute penalty came after a VAR check showed the ball had struck Anna Patten’s arm from a Wales free-kick. She kept her cool to put Wales ahead following her recent return to action after a second major knee injury, then substitute Jones - brought on for an injured Jess Fishock - struck 17 minutes later.

Patten scored in the 86th minute to ensure a nervous finish for Wales which included a goal-line clearance from the visitors during eight minutes of added time that Ireland dominated, but they held out to spark wild scenes of celebration at the Aviva Stadium.

Wales showed two changes from the first leg in Cardiff, which ended in a 1-1 draw, with defender Josie Green starting instead of Ceri Holland and forward Ffion Morgan replaced by Cain.

Rhian Wilkinson (left) started coaching Wales in February 2024. Credit: PA Images

Wales boss Wilkinson, who was appointed only nine months ago to lead the team, has now helped the team to major finals in her first campaign in charge.

Euro 2025 will see 16 of Europe's best teams compete over 25 days next July. Wales will discover their opponents on 16 December.

  • Watch the moment players from Newport club Graig Villa Dino FC celebrate Wales' Hannah Cain scoring during the Euros play-off final.

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