Eight matches without a win against a World Cup quarterfinalist: North Macedonia vs Switzerland prediction
The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 opener between North Macedonia and Switzerland will take place on September 26 at the Toše Proeski Arena. The hosts begin their League B campaign after earning promotion, while the Swiss have dropped down from the top tier and head into the tournament after reaching the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
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North Macedonia: promotion followed by a prolonged crisis
North Macedonia had an almost perfect Nations League campaign last time out — five wins and one draw saw them top their group and move up from League C. The team also looked solid in World Cup qualifying, suffering just one defeat in eight matches, but a 7-1 thrashing by Wales cost them second place.
After that, their results deteriorated sharply. North Macedonia lost 0-4 to Denmark in the playoff, then drew 0-0 with both Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina before being thrashed 0-4 by Turkey in their most recent match. Their winless run has now reached eight games.
Switzerland: a strong World Cup campaign and a desire to quickly return to League A
Switzerland endured a poor previous Nations League campaign, collecting just two points from six League A matches, but then raised their level significantly. Murat Yakin’s side went unbeaten in World Cup qualifying — four wins and two draws secured top spot in the group.
The Swiss also impressed at the World Cup itself. They went through the group stage unbeaten, then knocked out Algeria and Colombia, with only Argentina stopping them in the quarterfinals — a 3-1 defeat after extra time, with Switzerland also reduced to ten men.
Match facts
- North Macedonia have gone eight matches without a win.
- North Macedonia have failed to score in their last three matches.
- Switzerland reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup.
The hosts’ winless run could continue: North Macedonia vs Switzerland prediction
North Macedonia are traditionally a difficult opponent at home, but their current form is deeply concerning. The team have not won for a long time and have virtually stopped scoring, while two recent 0-4 defeats highlight just how much trouble they have against well-organized opponents.
Switzerland will be without Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria and the suspended Breel Embolo, but even with those absences, the visitors’ squad depth is clearly superior. After a strong World Cup campaign, Yakin’s team have every chance of opening the new Nations League season with a convincing win.
