Powys fans turn out for Wales vs USA World Cup match

Football fans in Welshpool gathered at the Town Hall to watch the historic moment in which Wales will play a in the World Cup in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The fans gathered to watch Wales in their first group stage match against the USA team.

Earlier in the year, Welshpool Town Council proposed organising a Fanzone in the Town Hall, a community space where crowds can watch the matches live.

Cllr Ben Gwalchmai, who conceived and organised the initiative in Welshpool, said: “The FanZone was born out of discussions with friends, some of whom are part of The Red Wall, who can't afford to go to Qatar, who don't necessarily want to go to a pub, but do want a feeling of community spirit - especially in the coming Winter of Discontent.

“We’re pleased to see it come together with as many people as we expected on the night and very glad a few people turned out to watch as a community.”

The fanzone will be open at the Town Hall for all of Wales’ matches in the group stage, as the second match sees Wales take on Iran on November 25 at 10am, before the crunch tie against England on November 29 at 7pm.

Cllr Gwalchmai added: “Speaking as a fan, ity’s incredibly exciting and amazing to be here for Wales’ return to the World Cup.

“No matter what happens, we’re thrilled to be in the tournament, and it’s incredible to be on the world stage.”

Fellow Wales fan Dougie Ellis said: “I have to be honest, I’m 55-years-old and this is something I simply never thought I would see.

“I was in Cardiff in 1985 and 1993, when Wales came close but fell at the last hurdle to Scotland and Romania.

“Obviously I’ll be cheering for a good result, but just seeing them qualify and make it to the tournament after so many years away is enough, and I’ll be looking forward to cheering them on in the World Cup for the first time.”