These two nations have played out three meetings to date, enjoying one victory apiece and then a draw earlier in this campaign. Their sole clash on Welsh soil came in 2013, Simon Church the match-winner, as the pair finished bottom and second-bottom of their qualifying group.
Wales vs North Macedonia preview
These two nations both know they are destine for a place in March's World Cup play-offs, but the outcome of this clash in Cardiff could be key in determining their respective fates. Their encounter in Skopje in March was dramatic to say the least, with Bojan Miovski seemingly snatching victory for the hosts in injury time, only for David Brooks to salvage a draw in the 96th minute. So, 238 days on and 1,300 miles west, will this rematch be equally as eventful?
Wales know that only a victory here will see them pinch second place, due to the fact their visitors boast a superior goal difference. Many expected Craig Bellamy's team to claw back the goals deficit on Saturday, but their trip to Rheinpark Stadion proved to be a struggle. In the end, Jordan James' strike on the hour mark was the only goal of the evening in Vaduz, as the Dragons huffed and puffed to beat minnows Liechtenstein, the side ranked 206 out of 2010 by FIFA.
So far, the only side to beat Bellamy's team in a competitive fixture is Belgium, defeated 4-3 in Brussels and 4-2 in Cardiff, the latter ending their hopes of automatic qualification. By gaining promotion to Nations League A a year ago, Wales are guaranteed a play-off spot, irrespective of where they finish in Group J, but claiming the runners-up spot does have obvious benefits. By finishing second, they were secure a home semi-final against a pot 3 side while, should they end up third, they would be away in the semis against a top-ranked nation, with Italy, Ukraine, Türkiye or Poland among their possible opponents. So, while it may not appear to be the case on the surface, victory for Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium could exponentially enhance their World Cup hopes.
Well, North Macedonia arrive in South Wales still unbeaten in World Cup qualification, something, you won't be surprised to learn, they've never achieved before. Four of the Lynxes' seven outings have ended all square, notably holding Belgium to a pair of draws; Ezgjan Alioski lashed home a late equaliser in Skopje, before they battled to a goalless stalemate in Ghent last month.
So, regardless of the outcome here, they will be going into March's play-offs full of confidence, set to play their semi-final away from home, but fighting for better seeding, just like their hosts. North Macedonia made their major tournament debut at Euro 2020, making waves in the last World Cup play-offs, dumping out Italy in Palermo, only denied a place in Qatar by a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Portugal. Thus, Milevski's side will be no push-overs, fancying their chances of securing the point they need in Cardiff to retain second place in Group J.
Wales vs North Macedonia head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 3.
- Wales Wins: 1. Draws: 1. North Macedonia Wins: 1.
Wales team news
If Craig Bellamy's team are going to claim victory here, they're going to do it without numerous key players. First-choice midfield duo Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James are both suspended, after collecting their second yellow cards of the campaign in Vaduz. Meantime, Connor Roberts, Ben Davies, Aaron Ramsey and Kieffer Moore are all injured, which is not ideal.
So, Josh Sheehan and Rubin Colwill are likely to form a youthful midfield duo, with Dylan Lawlor and Jay Dasilva once again part of a makeshift backline. In better news, Harry Wilson can return, having served a ban of his own in Liechtenstein, with Brennan Johnson also set to come back in.
Five players, namely Joe Rodon, Chris Mepham, Lewis Koumas, Sheehan and Neco Williams, would all sit out March's play-off semi-final if cautioned by referee Danny Makkelie.
Wales predicted lineup vs North Macedonia: (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Williams, Rodon, Lawlor, Dasilva; Sheehan, R Colwill, Wilson, Brooks, Johnson; Harris.
Wales player to watch vs North Macedonia
The returning Harry Wilson is the top-scorer in the squad with 14 international goals, seven of which have come at the Cardiff City Stadium, so can he add to this tally?
North Macedonia team news
Blagoja Milevski's side have had two extra days to prepare for this fixture, drawing 0-0 with Latvia in a friendly last Thursday. He heavily rotated for that match, but three key figures are injured, namely defenders Visar Musliu and Ezgjan Alioski as well as midfielder Agon Elezi.
Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski will win his 85th cap, only for men have more for North Macedonia, while midfield duo Eljif Elmas and captain Enis Bardhi are into the 70s in terms of caps.
North Macedonia predicted lineup vs Wales: (5-3-2): Dimitrievski; Ilievski, Stojchevski, Velkovski, Velkovski, Ashkovski; Kostadinov, Elmas, Bardhi; Ristovski, Miovski.
North Macedonia player to watch vs Wales
Bojan Miovski of Rangers was the scorer in the reverse fixture, bagging his eighth international goal, so can he help earn a draw or perhaps more against Wales in Cardiff this time?
Wales vs North Macedonia prediction
We are not backing Wales to secure the win they need to pinch second place in Cardiff. Craig Bellamy's side are significantly depleted in key areas, while North Macedonia are still yet to lose in qualifying, a fact we believe will still be true come the close of play: Wales 1-1 North Macedonia.
Wales vs North Macedonia FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Wales vs North Macedonia in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Wales vs North Macedonia in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: BBC Three, BBC Wales & S4C
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Wales vs North Macedonia in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Wales vs North Macedonia in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: BBCiPlayer
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Wales vs North Macedonia in World Cup qualification?
Wales vs North Macedonia takes place on Tuesday 18 November 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (GMT), 14:45 (ET) & 11:45 (PT).