Wales v North Macedonia preview
With Belgium extremely more likely to take the direct qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup in European qualifying Group J, Wales and North Macedonia’s match is ready to have penalties for the perimeters’ one-legged play-off semi-final in March.
Until Belgium lose at dwelling to a Liechtenstein aspect who’ve misplaced all seven of their qualifiers within the marketing campaign, the 2 groups behind them – each of whom are assured a play-off spot due to their Nations League performances – are vying for second place, which might guarantee a house semi-final in Thursday’s draw.
The international locations are stage on factors however North Macedonia begin in second due to their five-goal superiority, which means Wales can solely leapfrog them with victory.
“I like the truth that we’ve received one thing on this sport,” stated Wales supervisor Craig Bellamy. “It’s a brand new expertise for me as a result of once I was taking part in [for Wales in qualifying], in these final three or 4 video games [of campaigns] we had nothing to play for, in order that’s good.
“It’s at all times an enormous assist taking part in at dwelling, as it’s in any sport. We all know we have to win, however now we have to be affected person as properly.
“North Macedonia do defend deep. They’re joyful to not have possession however they counter-attack properly.
“To complete second and have a house sport is large. Simply from my expertise of watching Wales over the previous few years, you may see it’s an enormous benefit.”
North Macedonia midfielder Luka Stankovski regards the journey to the Cardiff Metropolis Stadium as “the important thing match of the qualifiers”.
“I hope that this time it won’t be just like our sport in opposition to Belgium,” stated Stankovski, referencing the 0-0 draw away to the Crimson Devils on October 10, when North Macedonia went with out an try on course and had 20% of possession.
“However that match was additionally a part of our ways and we managed to get a superb outcome. Techniques are the duty of the coach, and our job is to implement them on the pitch.
“I don’t suppose that the whole lot relies on luck, though it’s also a consider in the present day’s soccer. We’ve a transparent tactic and I imagine that would be the key to success.”
Wales v North Macedonia group information
Wales are once more with out a number of senior figures. Ben Davies misses out via damage, becoming a member of Ben Cabango and Kieffer Moore on the sidelines.
Aaron Ramsey, Connor Roberts, Danny Ward and Wes Burns stay unavailable, however Dan James returned from damage as a starter in opposition to Liechtenstein.
Joe Rodon is anticipated to marshal the visiting defence, having scored in opposition to each Liechtenstein and Belgium earlier within the marketing campaign. Brennan Johnson, Mark Harris and Nathan Broadhead are competing for the central attacking function.
Midfielder Jordan James, who scored within the 1-0 win away to Liechtenstein on Saturday, is suspended alongside captain Ethan Ampadu after each have been booked in Vaduz.
Which means Harry Wilson will skipper the aspect on the Fulham winger’s return from a ban, calling the accountability “an enormous honour”.
“I really feel like one of many senior gamers and to be given the possibility to steer my nation out is one thing I’m wanting ahead to,” added Wilson.
“With the variety of caps and massive video games I’ve performed in, I prefer to suppose I’m one of many leaders in group. Now it’s as much as me to steer the group in the best option to get that win.”
Bellamy, who will even return to the technical space following a suspension, praised Wilson’s affect as “actually, actually vital”.
“We see it when he’s not with us as properly,” he stated. “Harry performs at a really excessive stage. I’ve been actually impressed by him and the way he conducts himself.
“Everybody’s the identical and it’s a privilege to be with this group, however Harry’s on the forefront of that.”
North Macedonia will miss the expertise and flexibility of former Leeds United participant Ezdzan Alioski, who’s injured.
Midfielder Bojan Dimoski and wingers Lirim Qamili and Kristijan Trapanovski return after absences from the earlier squad.
“I’m sorry that Alioski can be lacking,” stated coach Blagoja Milevski. “He’s vital, however it is a probability for others to say themselves.
“No matter the truth that [only] a small variety of [our] gamers have steady taking part in time at their golf equipment, they at all times give their most within the Macedonian jersey.
“For me, they’re phenomena. To play at this stage with out [the] rhythm [of playing regularly] is a matter of respect. Everybody has earned their place within the national group.”
Milevski stated he was satisified and had religion in his squad after testing a brand new formation, “new tactical duties” and “conditions that now we have not labored on earlier than” in a 0-0 pleasant draw with Latvia on Thursday.
The match winner 😍@JordanJaj66 👏 pic.twitter.com/xbmgrlEwT7
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) November 16, 2025
Wales v North Macedonia predicted line-ups
Wales beginning XI: Karl Darlow, Neco Williams, Dylan Lawlor, Joe Rodon, Jay Dasilva, Daniel James, Nathan Broadhead, Josh Cullen, Harry Wilson, Sorba Thomas, Mark Harris
North Macedonia beginning XI: Stole Dimitrievski, Mario Ilievski, Andrej Stojchevski, Nikola Serafimov, Stefan Ashkovski, Zekirija Ramadani, Isnik Alimi, Lirim Qamili, Eljif Elmas, Aleksandar Trajkovski, Bojan Miovski
Learn how to watch Wales v North Macedonia: Stay stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Tuesday is at 19:45 GMT (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT), with dwell protection within the UK on BBC One Wales, BBC Three and S4C.
Steaming on an enormous number of gadgets is obtainable through BBC iPlayer, S4C On-line and the BBC Sport web site.
Wales v North Macedonia stats
- Except for the likeliest permutations, North Macedonia will qualify as group winners in the event that they beat Wales and Belgium lose to Liechtenstein, or if North Macedonia win by seven objectives or extra and Belgium draw
- Wales will qualify as group winners in the event that they beat North Macedonia and Belgium lose to Liechtenstein, or if Wales win by 12 objectives or extra and Belgium draw
- Bellamy’s group will go into the play-offs as group runners-up if each they and Belgium win, or if Wales win by 10 objectives or fewer and Belgium draw
- The guests dominated possession and had six of the eight makes an attempt on course between the groups when these sides met in Skopje on March 25, North Macedonia going forward via Bojan Miovski within the 91st minute earlier than David Brooks equalised within the 96th
- Defeats to Belgium in qualifying and Canada in a pleasant imply Wales have misplaced their final two dwelling matches, though that they had gained their earlier 4 as a part of an 11-game unbeaten run in such video games over 90 minutes
- North Macedonia are unbeaten in 14 aggressive matches, together with two attracts with Belgium and one at dwelling to England
- Together with friendlies, they’re unbeaten in 4 matches and have drawn their final three
- Ten of their final 13 aggressive video games have produced clear sheets
- 5 of these clear sheets have come of their final 5 aggressive away video games, with the attract Belgium ending a run of 4 wins on the street
- Milevski’s group have solely scored greater than as soon as in two of their final 11 matches, each coming in opposition to Liechtenstein
