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International players are not particularly common in English Football League (EFL) clubs, yet AFC Wrexham has shown no limits as they make a rapid climb toward the Premier League.
The FIFA World Cup's expansion to 48 teams has opened the door for smaller nations to compete on the global stage, and it is through some of these lesser-known sides that Wrexham are poised to have representation at football's biggest tournament this summer.
The Hollywood-backed Welsh club may possess financial resources that leave domestic competitors envious, but shrewd squad construction means the current Wrexham side — seemingly destined for the Championship playoffs — is free of faded big-name signings.
Phil Parkinson commands a seasoned squad, and their familiarity with the second division has clearly played a role in their strong campaign this season. Yet the Red Dragons also shine with exciting emerging talents, and one in particular has grabbed headlines at the start of the March international break.
Bailey Cadamarteri Fires Jamaica Closer to World Cup Qualification
Bailey Cadamarteri arrived at Wrexham from a struggling Sheffield Wednesday in February, having netted five goals in League One while on loan at Lincoln City the previous season. He managed just two goals in 29 Championship appearances for the Owls this campaign and has featured only three times for his new side.
Nevertheless, expectations remain high for the 20-year-old forward at the Racecourse Ground, and Cadamarteri could return to Wales after the international break as a hero for Jamaica.
The Leeds-born striker previously turned out for England at U19 and U20 level, but switched his international allegiance in 2025 to the nation where his grandfather was born.
He led the line for the Reggae Boyz in their inter-confederation playoff semifinal against New Caledonia on Thursday, netting the match's only goal in the 18th minute. Cadamarteri reacted quickest to Rocky Nyikeine's parry from Ronaldo Webster's free-kick, finishing from close range inside the six-yard box.
Cadamarteri's second goal at international level means Jamaica — aiming to qualify for the first time since 1998 — will now face DR Congo on Tuesday, with the winner earning a place at the World Cup.
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Jamaica will enter next week's clash against the central African nation as underdogs, meaning there remains a real possibility that Cadamarteri ultimately falls short of reaching the tournament.
And while Wrexham's World Cup hopes took a hit when Wales were eliminated by Bosnia & Herzegovina in a penalty shootout, Liberto Cacace's New Zealand had already secured their spot in North America some time ago.
Cacace, who has earned 33 caps for the All-Whites, is currently nursing a hamstring injury, but is expected to feature in their World Cup preparations provided he regains full fitness.
Additionally, Dominic Hyam's consistent displays in Wrexham's backline earned him a call-up to the Scotland squad for their upcoming matches. The 30-year-old has earned just one senior cap — against Norway in 2023 — and will now look to impress manager Steve Clarke with an eye on a World Cup berth.