Welsh captain joins Cymru for two Women’s World Cup European play-off matches against Albania as nation continues pursuit of first-ever World Cup berth
RENTON, WASH. – Seattle Reign FC midfielder Angharad James-Turner has been called up to the Welsh Women’s National Team for the first round of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup European play-offs during the October international window. Cymru will face Albania on the road on October 9 before hosting the second leg on October 13.
Wales enters the window after finishing atop Group B1 during the qualifying stage. Cymru closed out group play in June with a 1-1 road draw against Montenegro before earning a decisive 3-1 victory over Czechia at Cardiff City Stadium to claim the top spot in the group. James-Turner appeared in both matches, coming off the bench against Montenegro before returning to the starting lineup and playing the full 90 minutes as captain in the victory over Czechia.
The October fixtures bring a familiar opponent for Cymru, which earned victories in both meetings with Albania during the group stage, winning 4-0 at home and 1-0 on the road in April. The upcoming series begins October 9 in Albania before returning to Wales for the decisive second leg on October 13.
In Seattle, James-Turner has made 12 starts in 24 appearances for Reign FC this season. The veteran midfielder scored in Seattle’s 3-0 victory over the Kansas City Current on March 25 at ONE Spokane Stadium and made her 50th regular season appearance for the club in a 2-0 win over Bay FC on September 12.
Wales will need to advance past Albania to face the winner of the two-match series between Romania and Norway in the second round of the European play-offs later this year.
