Wales aiming for top spot in World Cup qualifying - Moore

Kieffer Moore says Wales must target automatic qualification in their bid for a place at the 2026 World Cup finals, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Craig Bellamy's side have been drawn in Group J that includes Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein.

Sheffield United striker Moore, 32, is taking nothing for granted but believes Wales can compete for top spot with a Belgium team they have been paired with in three of the previous six qualifying campaigns.

"It's [the draw] very positive... it's not going to be easy but one that we can see, if we play the brand of football we know we can play we can top that group," Moore said.

"It will be difficult but we will give our all as we always do."

Moore's confidence is not misplaced after a Nations League campaign that earned promotion back to League A and saw Bellamy go unbeaten in his first six games in charge.

Additionally, winning Group B4 also means Wales have almost guaranteed themselves at least a play-off place for the 2026 World Cup - although Moore said Wales will not be relying on that potential safety net.

"I don't think you want to use that for you in that way, because if you know there's a way out then you don't really apply yourself maybe the way you should," he said.

"Obviously it's nice we do have that but that shouldn't be on our minds, qualification straight away should be on our minds and finishing top of the group."

Kazakhstan at home is Wales' opening fixture on 22 March, with the group qualifying campaign ending on 18 November against North Macedonia, also in Cardiff.

Wales go to Belgium on 9 June, with the return fixture on home soil on 13 October.

Moore was speaking after his two-goal performance saw Sheffield United beat former club Cardiff City on Saturday, a result that kept the Blades at the top of the Championship while plunging the Bluebirds back into the relegation places.

"I had a great time here and I loved playing here, I scored a lot of goals here," Moore added.

"I suppose it's never nice for the home fans when I come back here and still score but I loved my time here."