Wales have qualified for their first World Cup final since 1958 after beating Ukraine 1-0 at Cardiff City Stadium.
In a play-off finale soaked in the rain in the Welsh capital, visiting captain Andriy Yarmolenko headed in his own net in the 34th minute as he tried to block a Gareth Bale free-kick.
Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey made nine stops to deny his team’s Eastern European rivals.
The result means that Robert Page’s men will enter Group B for the tournament, which will begin in Qatar in November, along with England, the United States and Iran.
Image: Gareth Bale’s free kick was deflected into the net
Bale said the result was “what dreams are made of.”
He told Sky Sports: “The result is the biggest result in the history of Welsh football. We are ecstatic: we are going to a World Cup.
“I’m speechless. We’re very happy. We did it for all our amazing fans and words can’t describe how I feel right now.”
Bale, who has suffered a spasm in his back, said it was “difficult to get over the game”.
Asked if he is now postponing talking about retirement, he replied: “For a while.”
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey commented: “The little Wales in a World Cup, eh?”
He added: “Getting to three big tournaments now, to end with a World Cup, that’s another thing.”
Wales defender Ben Davies said there was “a lot of excitement in the game; sometimes it was frantic, but we faced it”.
Page said he was “amazing” and was “so proud” of his team.
Image: For some fans in Ukraine, the emotions were very high
It was an emotional occasion for the Ukrainian fans who saw their team away from home, where the war against Russia continues.
They wrapped themselves in the flag of their nation, seeking hope in dark times.
Arriving at the game, they were able to gain confidence with Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Scotland at Hampden Park.
Despite having some decent chances, however, they have not been able to find the net.
Former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon said Ukraine “did not do much harm”, adding that “it created opportunities but it just wouldn’t be its nightmare”.
Wales looked nervous and disorganized in the first minutes of the match.
But they grew steadily in the contest, forcing a couple of corners as Bale and Aaron Ramsey looked for openings on the fast, wet surface.