Ampadu to miss crucial World Cup qualifier after controversial booking in Wales victory

Wales will be without Ethan Ampadu for their pivotal World Cup qualifying clash with North Macedonia next week after the Leeds United midfielder received a highly contentious yellow card during Saturday’s 1–0 win over Liechtenstein in Vaduz.

Jordan James struck the decisive goal in the 63rd minute, finishing off a move created by his Leicester City namesake, with Leeds winger Dan James supplying the final pass. Despite the narrow scoreline, Wales were made to work hard to break down their resilient opponents at the Rheinpark Stadion.

Ampadu was among the standout performers on the night, delivering a remarkably composed display. The 25-year-old completed 87% of his 86 attempted passes, including 10 into the final third, created one goalscoring opportunity, attempted and completed both of his dribbles, and registered an impressive 103 touches.

Defensively, he was equally influential, contributing two tackles, two clearances, one interception and six ball recoveries, earning him a FotMob rating of 8.0.

‘Very gutted’: Ampadu reacts to costly suspension

However, Ampadu’s excellent performance was overshadowed by an 87th-minute booking that many deemed unjust. The midfielder was cautioned for what appeared to be a perfectly timed challenge—his second yellow card of the qualifying campaign—automatically ruling him out of Tuesday’s crucial meeting with North Macedonia in Cardiff. Both nations enter the fixture level on 13 points in the race for second place.

Speaking after the match, Ampadu expressed his frustration at the decision.

“I am very gutted,” he told BBC Sport. “If it had been a reckless or silly challenge, fair enough. But I don’t think I touched him, and I won the ball. It’s annoying.”

Former Wales captain Ashley Williams shared Ampadu’s disbelief, criticising referee Juxhin Xhaja’s call.

“I didn’t think Ethan Ampadu’s was a yellow,” Williams said. “He’s entitled to go for the ball. His foot is high, but so is the other player’s—and he clearly gets there first. I don’t even think it’s a foul.”

James impresses; Rodon dominates in possession

Ampadu was joined in the starting XI by club teammates Dan James and Joe Rodon, both of whom delivered strong performances.

James not only assisted the match-winner but created three chances overall. The winger came close to scoring shortly before the hour mark when he struck the woodwork from close range. He completed one of two attempted dribbles, made four touches inside the penalty area, and delivered eight crosses, earning a FotMob score of 8.0.

Rodon, meanwhile, enjoyed a largely uneventful defensive outing due to Liechtenstein’s limited attacking threat. The centre-back was exceptional in distribution, completing a game-high 146 passes, misplacing only one throughout the entire match. Twelve of those were played into the final third, and he connected with all six of his attempted long balls.

Defensively, Rodon contributed one tackle, two clearances and six recoveries, winning three of his six duels. His assured display also secured him an 8.0 rating.