Wales' first five hat-tricks were all scored against the same opposition, Ireland, before Trevor Ford scored three times against Belgium on 23 November 1949, also becoming the first Welsh player to score a hat-trick against a team not from the home nations.[2] As of September 2021 the most recent player to score a hat-trick for Wales was Gareth Bale, in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Belarus on 5 September 2021.[3]
Wales have conceded 26 hat-tricks during their history,[a] the first being scored by Clement Mitchell in a friendly match on 3 February 1883 against England.[4] The first player to score a hat-trick against Wales from outside the home nations was Rajko Mitić for Yugoslavia on 21 May 1953.[5] Seven players have scored more than three goals in a single match against Wales, Joe Bambrick's six goals for Ireland during a 1929–30 British Home Championship match is the most goals scored by a player against Wales in a single match. Filippo Inzaghi of Italy is the most recent player to score a hat-trick against Wales, in a UEFA Euro 2004 qualifying match on 6 September 2003.[6]
Hat-tricks for Wales
Key
More than a hat-trick scored *
Table
Wartime internationals, not regarded as official matches, are not included in the list.
The result is presented with Wales' score first.
a Some sources attribute a hat-trick to Alex Smith during a 5–1 victory for Scotland on 15 March 1902.[38][39] However, others, including the Scottish Football Association, attribute two of his goals to other Scottish players.[40][41]
^Keith Pike (10 September 1992). "Treble by Rush Equals Record". The Times. No. 64434. p. 29. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 20 July 2015 – via The Times Digital Archive.