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    Cymru vs. North Macedonia | 2026 FIFA World Cup – European Qualifiers – Group J

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        Live ReportMatch Summary

        1. Check out our guide to the FIFA World Cup Play-Off draw, which takes place on Thursday, 20 November in Zurich, Switzerland.

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        7. THE MORNING AFTER THE NIGHT BEFORE

          Yes, it did actually happen. Cymru dominate the front and back pages this morning following that incredible 7-1 win over North Macedonia at the Cardiff City Stadium last night.

          A must-win match against a side yet to experience defeat and only concede three goals in Group J appeared a difficult challenge for Craig Bellamy’s side but Cymru more than produced when it mattered.

          The reward is a home tie in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final in March, with the draw taking place in Zurich on Thursday. Cymru are in Pot 2 can draw either the Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina or Kosovo.

        8. WILSON REFLECTS ON ‘AMAZING NIGHT’

          Harry Wilson scored a hat-trick on a night that saw him wear the captains armband for the very first time as Cymru produced their best performance under Craig Bellamy to beat North Macedonia 7-1 in Cardiff.

          “An amazing night for me, but tonight was about the team,” said Wilson to BBC Match of the Day Wales. “We wanted to show how good a team we are.

          “The team were disappointed after the Liechtenstein game – even though we dominated the game, it would have been nice to score a few more goals.

          “We were determined to go out there tonight and show people that we can not only keep possession, but we can also punish teams as well. For me personally it was amazing to get the hat-trick, and I’m delighted for the other boys to get their goals as well.

          “From the get-go we were really good, I thought we started well and had them under pressure. We conceded a goal that we’re not happy with, but I thought our reaction to that was fantastic. Second half, we had complete control and managed to get a few more.”

          CARDIFF, WALES - 18 NOVEMBER 2025: Wales' Harry Wilson during the a post match interview during the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifying fixture between Wales & North Macedonia on the 18th of November at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

        9. JOHNSON – ‘WE WERE WAY TOO MUCH FOR THEM’

          Brennan Johnson put in an exceptional performance in the 7-1 win and scored with a superb strike from the edge of the area.

          “It was really good performance,” said Johnson to BBC Match of the Day Wales. “I think we just showed completely what we’re all about tonight. A great attacking showcase.

          “Coming into the game, on paper it’s a difficult game, they (North Macedonia) had a lot to play for. Individual performances, as a collective as well, I thought we were way too much for them.

          “I think I always feel like I have a point to prove. I’m someone who can be quite tough on himself. I just always want to go out and perform my best. I really enjoyed today, playing with the lads was really enjoyable. I’m so glad the game went how it did.”

        10. BROOKS – ‘WE NEEDED A BIG PERFORMANCE’

          David Brooks spoke to BBC Match of the Day Wales following the 7-1 win over North Macedonia that sealed a home play-off semi-final for Cymru in March.

          “I was really happy with the whole team performance,” said Brooks, who scored the second goal (below). “Before the game the gaffer was mentioning that he thought it was going to be a good match-up for us and that there was going to be a lot of opportunities to hurt them.

          “The front four especially we were loving our time out there, creating chances and getting goals so I can’t complain. Going into a game, I love creating and getting in the positions where I think I can score goals and I just felt like today there were a lot of opportunities for me to do what I love doing.

          “I thought it was a really good match-up as well. The boys turned up today. We were a bit disappointed with how the group’s gone and leaving it so late to clinch second. We needed a big performance today and I felt like we did that.”

        11. Harry Wilson has been voted the EE Seren Y Gêm.

        12. BELLAMY ON ‘CLOSE TO PERFECTION’ PERFORMANCE

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy spoke to the media after the incredible 7-1 win over North Macedonia.

          “We were there from the start of the game and we felt this team was tailor-made for us,” said Bellamy. “We had to have the right habits and do all the parts of the game that maybe people don’t see.

          “I just enjoyed tonight, it was really top for us. I believe that was the type of performance we need to be producing.

          “I like playing this way, I might not be realistic to some people, but I like this because I feel when we get it right, these moments happen. I hope the players enjoyed it tonight, because I enjoyed watching it.

          “Tonight is as close to perfect as I could have hoped for. I know North Macedonia will feel this one tonight as they’ve been brilliant in the group. But I felt there was a team ready to hurt them, and I felt it could be us.

          “The whole team were exceptional and I thought everyone was on it. You don’t win 7-1 through individuals.”

        13. 👏 Craig Bellamy shows appreciation for The Red Wall. The Red Wall shows appreciation for Craig Bellamy.

        14. 📸 Taking the ball home.

        15. MATCH SUMMARY:

          An unforgettable night at the Cardiff City Stadium as Cymru stormed into the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs with a resounding 7-1 win over North Macedonia. Harry Wilson, captain and hat-trick hero, headlined a performance that brought the very best out of Craig Bellamy’s side.

          Bellamy made five changes to his starting line-up from the team that defeated Liechtenstein 1-0 on Saturday as he prepared his side for this must-win match without the suspended duo of Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James.

          Wilson captained the side for the first time and Cymru’s intentions were clear from the outset as Bellamy’s offensive formation brought the best out of the pace in his frontline. Brennan Johnson and Dan James both caused problems for North Macedonia in the opening exchanges, and it set the tone for what would follow.

          On 18 minutes, Andrej Stojchevski brought down David Brooks in the area and Wilson made no mistake from the resulting spot-kick. Brooks would then make it 2-0 minutes later as he converted a ball from Johnson past goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski.

          Cymru were in a commanding position, but a defensive lapse allowed North Macedonia back into the match shortly after the restart as Bojan Miovski fired his effort past Karl Darlow. The drama continued as both teams continued to attack at every opportunity, but it was Johnson who would be the next to get the crowd on their feet.

          On 37 minutes, Johnson picked up the ball on the left and drilled a superb effort into the far top corner to restore Cymru’s two-goal advantage. North Macedonia went in desperate search to reduce the deficit before half-time, but Darlow denied Enis Bardhi with a fine save from a free-kick on the edge of the area.

          Cymru showed no intention of sitting on their lead and started the 2nd half in the same manner with Brooks forcing a fine save from Dimitrievski. On 57 minutes, James made it 4-1 as he collected a flick from Wilson in the area and placed his effort into the far corner to send the Red Wall wild.

          Despite making a number of changes, North Macedonia conceded defeat as Cymru remained camped in their half for long periods, with Bellamy’s side looking in absolute complete control of the match. Darlow was left untroubled as the home side kept possession and pushed for more goals.

          On 75 minutes, Wilson scored his second of the match to make it five with a superb free-kick from the edge of the area. It was an absolute moment of magic on a special night for Wilson and Cymru as the national anthem echoed around the stadium.

          It was only fitting that Wilson would then complete his hat-trick. After being brought down in the area by Darko Velkovski, Wilson dusted himself down to convert from the resulting penalty. Cymru weren’t finished there, with substitute Nathan Broadhead rounding-off a famous night for Craig Bellamy’s side.

        16. FULL-TIME VERDICT: Harry Wilson will take all the headlines as he grabbed his first international hat-trick while wearing the captain’s armband for the first time, but this was a dominant performance from Cymru on a night when they needed nothing less. David Brooks, Brennan Johnson, Dan James and Nathan Broadhead also added their names to the scoresheet to make this another special night at the Cardiff City Stadium. An incredible atmosphere added to an occasion that reminded us all just how good watching Cymru can be. Seventh heaven, and we’ll be back here to do it all again in March.

        17. 88'

          Goal

          BROADHEAD Nathan Paul

        18. 87'

          Simply seventh heaven as Broadhead makes it… seven. 7-1.

        19. ⚽️⚽️⚽️ That’s three for Wilson.

        20. 84'

          Substitution

          DAVIES Isaak replaces CULLEN Liam Jamie

        21. 83'

          Substitution

          Nikola Serafimov replaces Stefan Ashkovski

        22. 83'

          Substitution

          MEPHAM Christopher replaces RODON Joseph

        23. 82'

          Substitution

          KPAKIO Ronan replaces WILLIAMS Neco

        24. 81'

          Yellow card

          Gjoko Zajkov

        25. 81'

          The captain completes his hat-trick from the penalty spot. What a performance from Wilson and Cymru this evening.

        26. 81'

          Penalty

          WILSON Harry

        27. 77'

          The Red Wall are in great voice as the national anthem echoes around the Cardiff City Stadium. This is another one of those special nights.

        28. 75'

          The captain delivers with a superb free-kick to make it five for Cymru. A moment of brilliance as he leads by example.

        29. 75'

          Goal

          WILSON Harry

        30. 67'

          Cymru had an outside chance of winning the group with a victory this evening. However, Belgium are now 7-0 ahead against Liechtenstein, so fair to say that ship has indeed sailed.

        31. 📸 James enjoyed that one.

        32. 66'

          Substitution

          Jani Atanasov replaces Isnik Alimi

        33. 65'

          Two changes for Cymru but no change to the attacking intent as Thomas and Broadhead are introduced. Both players caused problems for Liechtenstein on Saturday and will be keen to get involved in this dominant display.

        34. 65'

          Substitution

          Elmin Rastoder replaces Bojan Miovski

        35. 64'

          Substitution

          BROADHEAD Nathan Paul replaces BROOKS David

        36. 64'

          Substitution

          THOMAS Sorba replaces JAMES Daniel Owen

        37. 57'

          Incredible stuff from Cymru. A flick from Wilson is finished by James to make it 4-1. 4-1!

        38. 57'

          Goal

          JAMES Daniel Owen

        39. 55'

          Substitution

          Lirim Kjamili replaces Andrej Stojchevski

        40. 55'

          Substitution

          Darko Churlinov replaces Tihomir Kostadinov

        41. 53'

          A double change imminent for North Macedonia. The visitors need to do something to get themselves back into this one.

        42. 52'

          That was a huge chance for Cymru! Brooks denied by a fine save from Dimitrievski.

        43. 49'

          A positive start again from Cymru as they take the game to North Macedonia. Bellamy’s side are looking confident on the ball and are certainly not sitting on their lead.

        44. 46'

          No changes from either team as North Macedonia kick off the second half.

        45. HALF-TIME VERDICT: A breath-taking half of football at the Cardiff City Stadium as Cymru raced into a two-goal lead as captain Harry Wilson converted from the penalty spot after 18 minutes before David Brooks doubled the advantage shortly after the restart. However, a lapse at the back allowed North Macedonia to respond through a goal from Bojan Miovski. Cymru soon settled back into their stride, and after dominating long periods of the match, it was over to Brennan Johnson to score the third with an incredible strike into the far top corner of the net. You feel there’s still plenty more drama to come in this one.

        46. 😃 Johnson all smiles after scoring a cracker from outside the box into the top corner.

        47. 42'

          Darlow denies Bardhi with a fine save to his near post. Cymru could do with the half-time whistle now as North Macedonia are really pushing for a second goal.

        48. 40'

          Stojchevski with the shot from distance for North Macedonia but his effort is blocked. The visitors are desperate to get themselves back into the game before half-time.

        49. 37'

          What a strike from Johnson! An incredible effort that gives Dimitrievski absolutely no chance as it settles in the top corner of the net.

        50. 37'

          Goal

          JOHNSON Brennan

        51. 35'

          What a chance for Cymru! Neco Williams does everything right but his effort cannons off the post. That could be a huge moment in the match.

        52. 34'

          Things seem to have finally settled down after a frantic opening 30 minutes. Still plenty more to come in this one though, both teams are really up for it tonight.

        53. 📸 Wilson celebrates scoring Cymru’s opener from the penalty spot.

        54. 26'

          Another good chance for Cymru but Rodon’s header is deflected wide. This match is living up to the hype.

        55. 23'

          Cymru really can’t afford to switch off like that. Miovski with the ideal response for the visitors to bring North Macedonia back in the match.

        56. 23'

          Goal

          Bojan Miovski

        57. 21'

          It’s all going perfectly for Cymru as Brooks doubles the lead. Bellamy’s side have dominated the game so far.

        58. 21'

          Goal

          BROOKS David

        59. 18'

          Never in doubt! Captain Wilson converts from the resulting spot kick to give Cymru a deserved lead.

        60. 18'

          Penalty

          WILSON Harry

        61. 17'

          Yellow card

          Stole Dimitrievski

        62. 17'

          A clear penalty for Cymru as Brooks is brought down in the area by Stojchevski.

        63. 11'

          Yellow card

          Tihomir Kostadinov

        64. 11'

          Yellow card

          Tihomir Kostadinov

        65. 11'

          The pace of James prompting Kostadinov to make a rash tackle to stop him which results in a booking. Cymru very much in control so far.

        66. 8'

          Alimi tries his luck from long-range for North Macedonia. Darlow isn’t troubled as his effort sails over the bar.

        67. 📸 The tradition continues.

        68. 7'

          Cymru enjoying plenty of possession in these opening exchanges with the pace of James causing problems for the visitors.

        69. 2'

          Almost the perfect start for Cymru but Brooks fires over after a great run from Johnson. Great start for the home side to get the crowd on their feet.

        70. 1'

          Here we go! Cymru kick off after a rousing rendition of the national anthem from the Red Wall and moments applause to remember Trefor Lloyd Hughes and Rod Thomas. A huge night ahead in the capital. C’mon Cymru!

        71. Warm-ups are complete… kick off is next!

        72. 📸 Harry Wilson wears the captain’s armband tonight.

        73. 🤩 Fans showing off the new Cymru threads.

          CARDIFF, WALES - 18 NOVEMBER 2025: fans arrive ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifying fixture between Wales & North Macedonia on the 18th of November at the Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

        74. TEAM NEWS

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has made five changes to his starting line-up from the team that defeated Liechtenstein 1-0 on Saturday.

          With Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James suspended, Bellamy has brought David Brooks, Liam Cullen, Brennan Johnson, Josh Sheehan and Harry Wilson into the first XI, with Wilson captaining his country for the first time.

          Mark Harris, Sorba Thomas and Nathan Broadhead all started against Liechtenstein and are named on the bench this evening.

          Meanwhile, Blagoja Milevski has made two changes to the North Macedonia starting line-up from the side that drew 1-1 with Kazakhstan last month with Stefan Ashkovski and Tihomir Kostadinov coming into their XI.

        75. One more game to complete Group J

        76. The stage is set for another famous night at the Cardiff City Stadium.

        80. PAPER ROUND

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy features across the front and back pages this morning ahead of the huge 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia in Cardiff.

          “I like the fact that we’ve got something on this game,” explained Bellamy. “I like the fact that we had something on the Liechtenstein and Belgium games.

          “We know we need to win, but we have to be patient as well. That’s the key because North Macedonia do defend deep. They are happy not to have possession but they do have counter-attacking ability, so we have to be aware of that.”

        83. PREPARATIONS CONTINUE

          The Cymru squad were back on the training ground this morning ahead of Tuesday’s huge 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia in Cardiff.

          A 1-0 win for Cymru over Liechtenstein on Saturday moved Craig Bellamy’s side level on points with their opponents heading into the final Group J match.

          Harry Wilson missed the victory in Vaduz through suspension but will now captain his country for the must-win match as Cymru look to seal second spot in the group, and with it guarantee a home tie in the play-off semi-final.

          However, Cymru will be without Jordan James, who scored his first senior international goal on Saturday, and Ethan Ampadu, who captained the side in that win, as both players picked up bookings that rule them out of Tuesday’s match through suspension.

        86. BELLAMY CALLS ON RED WALL

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy also spoke to the media on Monday afternoon to look ahead to the huge 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia.

          “I would prefer to have top spot, but I take it game by game. I like the fact that we’ve got something on this game, it’s a new experience for me because when I was playing those last three or four games, we had nothing to play for, so that’s nice.

          “It’s always a big help playing at home, it is in any sport. We know we need to win, but we have to be patient as well. North Macedonia do defend deep, they’re happy not to have possession, but they counter-attack well.

          “We want the fans to recognise the moments when we need them the most. We do this together, and we have to give them something to cheer as well.

          “To finish second and have a home game is huge, just from my experience of watching Wales over the last few years, you can see it’s a huge advantage.”

          Bellamy also praised Harry Wilson having confirmed that he would captain the side against North Macedonia. “He’s been really, really important, and we see it when he’s not with us as well,” he explained.

          “Harry plays at a very high level. I’ve been really impressed by him and how he conducts himself as well, and everyone’s the same, it’s a privilege to be with this group, but Harry’s at the forefront of that as well.”

        87. WILSON TO CAPTAIN CYMRU

          Harry Wilson returns from suspension to captain the side against North Macedonia tomorrow night and spoke to the media from the team base in Cardiff on Monday.

          “It’s a big honour for me. I feel like one of the senior players and to be given the chance to lead my country out tomorrow is something I’m looking forward.

          “We go into every game to try to win, and we really want that second place in the group. We know how important it is to win to get that home tie in the first leg as everyone knows how strong we are at home with the fans behind us.

          “With the number of caps and big games that I’ve played in I like to think that I’m one of the leaders in group, and now it’s up to me to lead the team and lead them in the right way to get that win.

          “To play in this team as a forward player you have to do the defensive side as well, and that’s really important especially against the bigger teams. I’ve got that Welsh blood in me and every time I wear that shirt I want to do my best.”

        90. MEET THE REF

          The experienced Danny Makkelie from the Netherlands will take charge of the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Cymru and North Macedonia in Cardiff on Tuesday night.

          The 42-year-old officiated at the last two EURO finals and 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Makkelie has been a FIFA official since 2011 and regularly referees fixtures across UEFA’s club competitions in addition to domestic games in the Dutch Eredivisie.

          Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries are the assistant referees while Marc Nagtegaal is the fourth official. Pol van Boekel is the VAR and he will be assisted by Richard Martens. All of the officials are from the Netherlands.

        92. AS IT STANDS

          It’s all to play or in Group J heading into the final round of fixtures with Belgium, North Macedonia and Cymru all still capable of claiming top spot and with it automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

          However, Belgium have a huge advantage heading into Tuesday’s final match as they already have a two point lead over their rivals and host bottom of the table Liechtenstein, a team still looking for their first point of the campaign.

          Cymru and North Macedonia will meet in Cardiff equal on points but the visitors have the superior goal difference, meaning that only a Cymru win would move Craig Bellamy’s side into second place, assuming Belgium do not lose.

          Although Cymru are guaranteed a play-off place through their performance in the last UEFA Nations League, finishing as runners-up in the group would result in home advantage for the play-off semi-final.

        93. PREVIOUS MEETINGS

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has been involved in all three previous meetings between Cymru and Macedonia, and there is nothing to separate the two nations heading into this final match of this qualifying campaign.

          North Macedonia were known as Macedonia when they were paired against Cymru in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying, and Bellamy played in both matches for Chris Coleman’s side.

          The opening match in September 2013 took place in Skopje and ended with a 2-1 win for the hosts, with Aaron Ramsey scoring Cymru’s goal from the penalty spot.

          The return match was just a month later at the Cardiff City Stadium and it was Cymru that claimed maximum points with a 1-0 victory through a goal from Simon Church after 67 minutes.

          The most recent meeting between Cymru and North Macedonia took place in Skopje back in March this year and there was a dramatic ending with two goals in added time resulting in a 1-1 draw.

          North Macedonia thought they had done enough to claim the points when Bojan Miovski scored a minute into the additional time, but David Brooks (below) salvaged a point for Bellamy’s Cymru five minutes later.

        95. There is no live report available for this match

        Lineups

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