Can Switzerland overcome their midfield absences? North Macedonia vs Switzerland prediction – 26.09.2026
Can Switzerland overcome their midfield absences? North Macedonia vs Switzerland prediction – 26.09.2026
Switzerland arrive in Skopje after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals, but North Macedonia will look to exploit the visitors' personnel problems.
On Saturday, September 26, 2026, North Macedonia will host Switzerland at the National Arena Todor Proeski in Skopje in the opening round of the UEFA Nations League. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 local time. The two national teams will begin their campaigns in Group B1, which also features Scotland and Slovenia. Switzerland are aiming for an immediate return to League A, while North Macedonia will be looking to establish themselves at a higher level following promotion from League C.
North Macedonia: A difficult run and a new challenge in League B
Goce Sedloski's team enter the Nations League after a disappointing sequence of results. North Macedonia have failed to win any of their last five matches, recording two draws and three defeats.
Their most recent appearance ended in a 4-0 friendly defeat against Türkiye on June 1. Before that, the Macedonians had drawn 0-0 with Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Ireland, following a 4-0 defeat against Denmark in the World Cup play-offs.
The most concerning aspect of this sequence is the team's lack of attacking productivity. North Macedonia have scored just once in their last five matches, with their only goal coming in a 7-1 defeat against Wales in November 2025.
Nevertheless, the upcoming Nations League campaign represents an opportunity for the hosts to establish themselves in the competition's second tier. Playing in Skopje, Sedloski's side will look to remain compact, limit space between the lines and create opportunities through quick transitions.
The Macedonian Football Federation has confirmed a 28-man squad for the international window. Stole Dimitrievski, Elif Elmas, Enis Bardhi and Bojan Miovski are among the experienced players available to the head coach.
However, defender Nikola Serafimov will miss the matches through injury, forcing Sedloski to consider alternative defensive combinations against a Swiss side possessing considerably more attacking quality than the hosts' recent opponents.
Switzerland: World Cup momentum overshadowed by key absences
Switzerland arrive in North Macedonia following an impressive World Cup campaign. Murat Yakin's side reached the quarter-finals, overcoming Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32 before eliminating Colombia on penalties after a goalless draw.
Their tournament ended with a 3-1 extra-time defeat against Argentina, but Switzerland demonstrated their ability to compete against demanding opposition throughout the competition.
The Swiss also recorded victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada during the group stage, scoring six goals across those two encounters.
Yakin's objective is to guide Switzerland back into League A after their relegation from the competition's top division.
However, preparations for the opening match have been complicated by several important squad changes.
On September 21, the Swiss Football Association confirmed that captain Granit Xhaka would not participate in the international gathering following a mutual decision between the player and the federation.
Denis Zakaria and Aurèle Amenda will also miss the international window because of physical problems. Isaac Schmidt, Vincent Sierro and Joël Monteiro have been called up as replacements.
These absences leave Yakin with important decisions in midfield, particularly regarding Switzerland's ability to control possession and dictate the tempo without Xhaka.
Nevertheless, the visitors retain considerable quality throughout their squad. Gregor Kobel and Manuel Akanji provide an experienced defensive foundation, while Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo and Zeki Amdouni offer a variety of attacking options.
Switzerland should have enough individual quality to create opportunities, even if their midfield requires some adjustment.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- North Macedonia have failed to win their last five matches, recording two draws and three defeats.
- The hosts have scored only one goal during that five-match sequence.
- Switzerland reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.
- The Swiss kept clean sheets against Algeria and Colombia in the World Cup knockout stage.
- Switzerland and North Macedonia will meet for the first time at senior international level.
Can the hosts find a way through Switzerland's defence? North Macedonia vs Switzerland prediction
North Macedonia's biggest problem heading into this encounter is their lack of attacking productivity. Their recent goalless draws against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Ireland showed that they can frustrate opponents, but their inability to convert limited opportunities remains a significant concern.
Switzerland have their own personnel problems, particularly in midfield, but their defensive organisation and individual quality should allow them to control significant periods of the match.
The visitors demonstrated their ability to keep opponents quiet during the World Cup, recording consecutive clean sheets against Algeria and Colombia. North Macedonia, meanwhile, have struggled to create clear-cut chances against strong opposition.
The home side could make this a difficult encounter by defending deep and slowing the tempo, but their recent scoring record suggests that finding a breakthrough against the Swiss defence will be challenging.
A controlled performance from Switzerland, with the visitors potentially winning without conceding, looks like a reasonable scenario for the opening round.
Prediction: Both teams to score – No.
