Wales, and four home nations, came back to the FIFA in 1946 and participated in the qualifier bouts for the World Cup in 1950. The two top teams would make it to the finals held in Brazil, but Wales didn’t make it. The 1950s were a great time for Welsh football with the stars like Alf Sherwood, John Charles, Jack Kelsey, as well as Ivor Allchurch. In 1958, Wales made its one and only World Cup. Having finished 2nd to Czechoslovakia in the qualifying Group 4, the Welsh had thought that their chances of going to Sweden were over. Welsh football had gone with out the politics in the Middle East.
Egypt and Sudan would not play with Israel and Indonesia required meeting Israel in a neutral location. Because of this Israel was announced winners of their group in Asian/African area. FIFA didn’t want to let a team qualify for the World Cup finals with out even playing so lots were drawn for the second place teams in the UEFA. Belgium was pulled but wouldn’t play, so then Wales was pulled and given a two legged play off with Israel and a place in Sweden for the winning team.
After beating Israel 2-0 at the Ramat Gan Stadium and 2-0 at Ninian Park, Cardiff, Wales ended up at the World Cup Finals. The Welsh made their point in Sweden, pulling all the matches for their group against Mexico, Hungary, and Sweden before winning against the Hungarians in a play off bout to get to the finals. There the Welsh lost to Brazil 1-0, with Pele getting the sole goal of the bout for the South American. Wales’ chance of winning was capped by an injury of John Charles.