Weather Woes Disrupt Wales' Women's World Cup Qualifying Journey to Montenegro
Wales faces significant challenges ahead of their Women's World Cup qualifier against Montenegro after their flight was forced to divert to Brindisi, Italy, due to severe weather conditions. The squad, under the management of Rhian Wilkinson, departed from Cardiff at 16:30 BST on Wednesday, intending to reach Podgorica in approximately three hours. However, electrical storms in the Montenegrin capital made landing impossible, leading to a diversion that left the team stranded in Italy. After waiting on the tarmac for over three hours, the decision was made for the team to remain in Brindisi for the night. This unexpected turn of events prompted the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to quickly arrange accommodations for the players and staff while also planning alternative travel to Montenegro for Thursday. The FAW confirmed via social media: "Due to storms in Podgorica, the Cymru women's national team flight was diverted this evening, landing safely in Brindisi airport in south Italy. The team will stay overnight in Italy and will arrange alternative travel to Montenegro ahead of Friday evening's match." Wales is set to clash with Montenegro in Podgorica for their penultimate Group B1 fixture at 17:00 BST on Friday. Following this match, they will host Czech Republic in Cardiff on Tuesday, a crucial game as they vie for the top spot in the group.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-06-04