First up for Wales, on Tuesday, is the unappetising prospect of a friendly against fellow play-off losers Northern Ireland, who were beaten in their semi-final against Italy in Bergamo on Thursday.
Longer term, there is the potential of a home European Championship in 2028, with Wales co-hosting alongside England, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
“That was the talk after the game,” said Harry Wilson, who hit the bar early on against Bosnia-Herzegovina but could not deliver a decisive blow before the game went to penalties.
“We were all so desperate to get to America and play at the World Cup. To finish the qualifying so strongly, I felt we were in a really good position going into the semi-final and it just wasn’t meant to be.
“But we know we’re a really, really good team and we saw that throughout the qualifying campaign.
“Although we’re all disappointed, it’s about looking forward now. We’ve got a Nations League A campaign and then on to the next Euros, which we’re all desperate to play at home.”
Shootout heartbreak is not new to Wales, nor to Leeds United winger James, whose miss was decisive when Wales lost to Poland on penalties in the Euro 2024 play-offs two years ago.
That was perhaps why James spoke to the media after the loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina, as he offered public support to Neco Williams and the visibly upset Brennan Johnson.
“I’ve been there before and you feel all the weight is on you. You feel like you let your country down – but they haven’t at all,” said James.
“It’s not always meant to be but they’ll definitely be stronger for it.”
Wales will have to be stronger if they are to avoid more nights like this.
“I felt this was the night and this was the week,” Earnshaw said.
“My soul is tired but there is more to come. I’ve loved watching what we’ve seen, I’m excited for what’s next.”