Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Wales fans the stars of their first ever European Championship victory

If anyone deserved to see a win on Saturday, it was Wales’ supporters.

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Wales’ 2-1 win over Slovakia to open their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup was not only an historic moment in the country’s history, but a true reward for the great support the team received both in France and back home.

Before the match got underway, the fans joined the players in the singing of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadhau, Wales’ national anthem. Bale later remarked in a post-match interview that “it felt like a home game.”

The Wales fans that made it to Bordeaux, but did not make it into the stadium, managed to create a scintillating environment themselves, singing the anthem on the streets of the city.

The fans were rewarded in the tenth minute, when Gareth Bale scored a gorgeous freekick. Fans not only rejoiced in Bordeaux as their team scored their first ever European Championship goal, but did so also at the Fan Zone in Cardiff.

Wales supporters also paid tribute to former player and coach Gary Speed, who passed away in 2011, singing "there's only one Gary Speed." They belted the national anthem again after Slovakia's Ondrej Duda scored, encouraging their team to continue with less than half an hour on the clock. It seemed to work, as substitute Hal Robson-Kanu scored the game winner in the 81st minute.

Found singing “Please Don’t Take Me Home” as they were leaving Stade Matmut Atlantique, the Wales fans could not hide their joy as they celebrated an historic day in their country’s history. A fair reward for an outstanding performance over the 90 minutes.

See More:

More in Soccer

Soccer
World Cup 2026 bracket: Who has advanced to the knockout round?World Cup 2026 bracket: Who has advanced to the knockout round?
Soccer

What teams have advanced to the knockout round at the World Cup?

By Mark Schofield
Soccer
USMNT World Cup schedule: How to watch every U.S. match, scores, and moreUSMNT World Cup schedule: How to watch every U.S. match, scores, and more
Soccer

How to watch every USMNT match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

By Mark Schofield
Soccer
Christian Pulisic injury updates: UMSNT star out for Australia World Cup matchChristian Pulisic injury updates: UMSNT star out for Australia World Cup match
Soccer

The U.S. star is day-to-day with a calf injury in the World Cup. Here’s the latest.

By Mark Schofield
Soccer
USMNT playing for Unofficial World Championship against AustraliaUSMNT playing for Unofficial World Championship against Australia
Soccer

Qualifying for the knockout stage could come with an extra bonus on Friday.

By Bernd Buchmasser
Soccer
USA vs. Australia World Cup preview: Analysis and tacticsUSA vs. Australia World Cup preview: Analysis and tactics
Soccer
Raúl Rangel’s ‘save of the tournament’ helps Mexico win World Cup Group ARaúl Rangel’s ‘save of the tournament’ helps Mexico win World Cup Group A
Soccer

Mexico keeper Raúl Rangel made a pair of spectacular saves to help preserve a 1-0 win over South Korea

By Mark Schofield