Wales National Football Team: Historical Match Records and Statistics
The history of the Wales national football team, often referred to as the Red Dragons, is a rich tapestry of international competition spanning over a century. From the early days of the British Home Championship to modern global fixtures, the team has established a legacy of resilience and high-scoring encounters.
Tracking the progress of the Welsh squad involves analyzing decades of match data, including legendary victories and challenging defeats. By examining archival records from sources like the Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF) and the Welsh Football Data Archive, we can see the evolution of the team's performance on the world stage.
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Key Facts
- Highest Victory: Wales achieved a massive 11–0 win against Ireland on March 3, 1888.
- Notable High-Scoring Games: Other significant wins include an 8–2 victory over Ireland in 1885 and a 7–1 win against North Macedonia in November 2025.
- Recent Dominance: The team secured a 6–0 victory over China PR on March 22, 2018.
- Individual Milestones: Ian Rush recorded a hat trick (three goals in a single game) in September 1992, equaling a national record.
Historical Match Analysis
Early Encounters and the Ireland Rivalry
In the late 19th century, Wales engaged in several high-scoring matches against Ireland. Beyond the 11–0 record, the team secured a 3–0 win on April 27, 1889. However, the rivalry was not always one-sided; for instance, the two teams played to a 4–4 draw on April 2, 1906.
Mid-Century International Growth
As the team expanded its horizons beyond the British Isles, Wales faced diverse opponents. Records show matches against Yugoslavia in 1953 and 1954, as well as a fixture against East Germany on September 25, 1957. These matches marked the team's transition into a more global competitive landscape.
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Modern Era and Recent Results
In more recent decades, Wales has continued to produce standout performances. A notable 4–0 victory over Scotland occurred on February 18, 2004. More recently, the team demonstrated its offensive strength with a 3–2 win over Belarus on September 5, 2021.
Summary of Notable Match Results
| Opponent | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 11–0 (Win) | March 3, 1888 |
| Ireland | 8–2 (Win) | April 11, 1885 |
| China PR | 6–0 (Win) | March 22, 2018 |
| North Macedonia | 7–1 (Win) | November 18, 2025 |
| Italy | 0–4 (Loss) | September 6, 2003 |
| Scotland | 4–0 (Win) | February 18, 2004 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest margin of victory for Wales?
The largest margin of victory recorded was an 11–0 win against Ireland on March 3, 1888.
Who holds a record for hat tricks in the Welsh team?
Ian Rush is noted for scoring a hat trick in September 1992, which equaled the existing record for the national team.
How did Wales perform against China PR in 2018?
Wales won the match convincingly with a score of 6–0 on March 22, 2018.
Has Wales ever played against East Germany?
Yes, Wales played a match against East Germany on September 25, 1957.
What was the result of the Wales vs. Belarus match in 2021?
Wales won the match 3–2 on September 5, 2021.