Wales vs North Macedonia prediction, H2H and probable lineups - November 18, 2025
On Tuesday, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will host the final match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying group stage, with Wales taking on North Macedonia. We're offering a bet on the outcome of this clash that comes with promising odds for success.
Match preview
Wales are still fighting for a direct ticket to the World Cup, but even a victory over North Macedonia won't guarantee them top spot in the group. The team sits third, behind on tiebreakers, and to reach the summit they not only need to win but also hope for a shock slip-up from Belgium against Liechtenstein.
The narrow 1-0 win over Liechtenstein in the previous round was a laboured, uninspired performance, but it kept their leadership hopes alive. However, two key players will miss this decisive match due to suspensions, which could disrupt the team's structure.
North Macedonia come into this fixture boasting an impressive defensive record — just three goals conceded throughout qualification. They remain unbeaten in this qualifying campaign and still have a shot at a direct berth, though, like their opponents, they'll need help from the group's outsider.
A goalless draw in their last friendly against Latvia extended their unbeaten streak but did raise questions about their attacking firepower. Nevertheless, the team continues to impress with defensive stability, and their away form boosts hopes for a positive result in Cardiff.
Probable lineups
- Wales: Darlow, Williams, Rodon, Lawlor, Dasilva, Sheehan, Johnson, Wilson, Brooks, D. James, Harris
- North Macedonia: Dimitrievski, Ilievski, Serafimov, Stoichevski, Ashkovski, Kostadinov, Alimi, Bardhi, Ristovski, Trajkovski, Churlinov
Match facts and head-to-head
- Both teams have 13 points heading into the final round.
- North Macedonia have avoided defeat in regular time in 8 of their last 9 away World Cup qualifiers.
- The first meeting between these sides in this campaign ended in a 1-1 draw.
Prediction
Both sides are aware that a direct berth is unlikely, and this could influence the tempo and motivation of the match. Given the deadlock in the standings and low scoring in recent games, a draw seems the most probable outcome. Our bet for the match is "North Macedonia not to lose" at odds of 2.07.
