Jess Fishlock Set for Wales Coaching Role if Team Reaches Play-Off Final
Jess Fishlock is set to return to the Wales national team setup in December as a coach if the squad reaches the Women’s World Cup play-off final, according to head coach Rhian Wilkinson. Fishlock, who is currently playing her final club season with Seattle Reign in the National Women’s Soccer League, previously worked as a technical assistant for Wales during their qualifying campaign opener in March.
Transitioning From Record-Breaking Player to Coaching Staff
Fishlock remains Wales‘ most-capped footballer and recently became the all-time leading scorer for Seattle Reign by netting two goals in a win over Boston Legacy. Despite retiring from international play last October, the 39-year-old offered to return as an active player for the upcoming fixtures. Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson addressed that playful proposition while announcing the roster on Tuesday, noting that Fishlock joked, “call me up coach, I’m ready.” Wilkinson admitted she did not appreciate the comment, adding that Fishlock remains a wonderful player and a great leader.
Rather than a playing comeback, Wilkinson outlined a specific coaching pathway for the veteran. Fishlock will remain on club duty with Seattle Reign when Wales travels to face Albania on Friday, 9 October, and during the return leg in Llanelli four days later. Another recently retired former player, Kayleigh Barton, will join the national team staff for those specific Albania ties. Should Wales advance past Albania, Fishlock will officially step into a coaching role for the two-legged play-off final.
World Cup Play-off Bracket Guide
The path to the global tournament requires moving through a tricky qualification bracket. Albania currently sits 36 places behind Wales in the FIFA world rankings, though the Welsh squad earned two victories against them during the group phase of World Cup qualifying. Despite missing a string of senior players for the upcoming semi-final, Wilkinson’s squad must clear this hurdle to set up a decisive matchup.
If Wales overcomes Albania over the October fixtures, they will face either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final scheduled for December. That final round is where Wilkinson intends to integrate Fishlock onto the coaching staff.
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