Wales Coach Craig Bellamy Focused on World Cup Qualification
Wales head coach Craig Bellamy is fully committed to qualifying for next year's World Cup, despite speculation linking him to Celtic, according to Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney.
Bellamy, who had a loan spell at Celtic during his playing career, has emerged as a potential candidate to succeed Brendan Rodgers following the latter's departure from the Scottish club last week.
However, Wales is currently in the midst of a World Cup qualifying campaign, with crucial matches against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia scheduled for this month, leading up to play-offs in March.
"Craig has done an outstanding job with Cymru [Wales]. He has established an identity and a playing style that has generated excitement among fans," Mooney stated during an interview with S4C's Sgorio.
"He is just over a year into a four-year contract, and our primary focus is on qualifying for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year. He is completely focused on the two significant matches in November. It's natural to be linked to other jobs when you perform well, and Celtic is a prestigious football club."
Bellamy, who began his coaching career at Cardiff City’s academy before serving as an assistant to Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht and Burnley, has made a strong impact in his first senior managerial role.
The 46-year-old made the best start of any Wales manager following his appointment in July 2024, going unbeaten in nine matches and securing promotion to the top tier of the Nations League while introducing an exciting new style of play.
However, he is currently facing one of the most challenging periods of his tenure, with Wales having lost three of their last four matches across all competitions.
If Celtic were to pursue Bellamy, they would need to pay a "significant, seven-figure" compensation fee, as described by FAW sources to BBC Sport Wales, which would increase if the move occurred before next year's World Cup.
In terms of salary, Bellamy currently earns less than some other candidates for the Celtic position, such as Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, having taken a pay cut from his previous role as Burnley's assistant coach.
"He will continue to attract interest from other clubs. He is an exciting coach who has captured the imagination of many," Mooney added. "I believe he will continue to excel with Cymru and eventually manage some of the best teams in the world. I have no doubt about that.
"For now, our focus is solely on qualifying for the World Cup. We all share the mantra 'Together Stronger' at the FAW, and Craig is central to that. Our goal is to secure six points in November, advance to the play-offs, and then head to the World Cup."