North Macedonia Seeks Victory Against Wales In World Cup Qualifier

North Macedonia and Wales are gearing up for a pivotal match in the second round of the UEFA qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place on March 25, 2025, at the National Arena Toshe Proeski in Skopje. Both teams approach this key encounter with momentum after winning their opening matches.

North Macedonia showcased their potential with a convincing 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein, marking their strong start to the qualification campaign. Under the guidance of coach Blagoja Milevski, the team has been on a six-match winning streak across all competitions, demonstrating both offensive strength and defensive solidity. They’ve not conceded a single goal in those appearances, which adds immense confidence as they face a more competitive opponent like Wales.

The match against Wales is particularly crucial for North Macedonia; this is their chance to prove they can compete on a higher level after moving up to League B in the UEFA Nations League. In their last encounter, they employed a 3-5-2 formation, but expectations are high for a return to their more effective 4-2-3-1 setup. This switch could provide better offensive options while maintaining robust defensive coverage.

On the other side of the pitch, Wales also comes into this match with high spirits after defeating Kazakhstan 3-1 in their opening game of the qualifiers. Under coach Craig Bellamy, the 'Dragons' are looking to solidify their standing after a strong performance in the UEFA Nations League, where they managed to secure their promotion to the elite League A last season. Currently, they are riding a wave of confidence, having not lost in any of their last seven official matches.

This run highlights Wales’ determination to build on their recent performances and secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup. Notably, the team's distribution of scoring indicates a more collective approach, with several players contributing goals, as evidenced by the last match where the likes of Ben Davis and Matondo found the net.

The tactical battle between the two coaches will be fascinating. North Macedonia will likely focus heavily on their sturdy defense, aiming to leverage counter-attacks against Wales, who may dominate possession. Given both teams’ defensive capabilities, spectators might anticipate a tactical showdown with limited scoring opportunities.

North Macedonia and Wales have a relatively brief but competitive history. They faced off twice in 2013, with each team claiming a victory on their home turf. Such historical context adds an extra layer of competitiveness to this match, further igniting interest among fans and pundits alike.

As anticipation builds, the expected lineups for both teams indicate a blend of youth and experience. North Macedonia is anticipated to field their strongest team, with no significant injuries reported, while Wales will also rely on their top performers, including the likes of Darlow, Williams, and Johnson, who have significant experience in the Premier League.

The betting odds suggest a slight advantage for Wales, yet the home advantage for North Macedonia cannot be overlooked. Experts have mixed predictions for the outcome, some leaning towards Wales due to their overall prowess, while others expect North Macedonia to draw or upset the visitors in front of their home crowd.

Ultimately, this match is more than just a game; it represents a critical juncture in the qualification process for both teams. For North Macedonia, it is a chance to assert their place in the competitive landscape of European football, while for Wales, it’s an opportunity to maintain the upper hand in the group standings.

As both squads prepare, the match on March 25th promises an enthralling encounter filled with drama, skill, and the unyielding quest for World Cup glory.