Gareth Bale sets sights on 2026 World Cup at LAFC unveiling

Gareth Bale has set himself the target of playing for Wales at the 2024 European Championships and even left the door open for the following World Cup after joining LAFC.
Bale has signed a 12-month contract with LAFC, with the option of a further 18 months.
Bale is confident that his move to Major League Soccer will provide him with the right preparation for the winter World Cup with Wales. But the 32-year-old has made it clear that he does not see the Qatar tournament as being his Wales swansong. Hinting that he could even try to go on until 2026, Bale said: “I want to make my mark in this league, it’s not just for the short term. Maybe I can get to the Euros and one more after that. My goal is to play a big part and try to win trophies.
“It’s an amazing honour to be here,” said Bale at his unveiling at the Bank of California Stadium. “I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans and giving them many moments to cheer about. It’s an incredible club and it became clear this is where I wanted to be. Hopefully now I can play my part and win trophies here.” “The reception I got before the game on Friday words can’t describe. I’m looking forward to getting properly started and enjoyed my first training session with the team today. “It’s nice to get started, it had been a while. I need to get some training under my belt and I’m looking forward to playing with them all. I don’t think anyone sees it as a retirement league any more. The standard here is really increasing, it’s a lot better than people in Europe think. This club is new but it feels like it’s been here forever. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”