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

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        Live ReportMatch Summary

        1. Key Performer

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        7. The Cymru players join the traveling fans in Skopje following the 1-1 draw.

        8. As it stands

          A late equaliser for Cymru in North Macedonia maintains an undefeated start to the campaign for both nations and both now sit on four points from their opening two games.

          Kazakhstan claimed their first points on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein in Vaduz to move into third place.

        10. Match Summary:

          A crazy finish in Skopje as Cymru rescued a point with the last kick of the game through substitute David Brooks.

          Football had been put into perspective with the tragedy that occurred in North Macedonia that claimed the lives of 59 people just over a week ago, and it seemed the stars had aligned for them on an emotional night when they took the lead in added-time. But there was another twist to come.

          Jordan James almost gave Cymru the perfect start inside the first minute but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. The chance set the tone for the early exchanges as Tihomir Kostadinov responded by going straight down the other end but his shot went wide of Karl Darlow’s right-hand post. Few could have predicted at that point that it would remain goalless until the 92nd minute.

          Dan James was constant problem for North Macedonia on the right for Cymru and his efforts were matched on the left by Sorba Thomas. However, the home side maintained a disciplined last line of defence while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack. It was clear to see how this side had kept six clean sheets in their last six games.

          Thomas had the best chance of the opening half on 33 minutes but he failed to convert a cross from Jordan James, while Josh Sheehan tried his luck from long-range but Dimitrievski made a comfortable save. Despite Cymru having the better of the possession, North Macedonia forced a couple of late corners, with Ezgjan Alioski shooting high and wide with their best opportunity.

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy rolled his attacking dice throughout the 2nd half with the introductions of Kieffer Moore, David Brooks and Rabbi Matondo. The visitors had enjoyed the majority of possession and created the better chances throughout the match, but substitute Darko Churlinov forced Karl Darlow to make the save of the match on 65 minutes to lift the spirits of the home team.

          North Macedonia were visibly boosted by Cymru failing to make their superiority count as the match entered the final minutes, but it was an uncharacteristic mistake from substitute Joe Allen that allowed Bojan Miovski the time and space to score in added-time as he intercepted his misplaced back-pass.

          Despite the setback, Cymru responded with a real desire to make amends, and Brooks delivered with the equaliser with the final action of a match that will only be remembered for the absolute chaos that brought it to a close.

        11. Full-time verdict: And breathe…… A crazy night in Skopje as North Macedonia take a late lead only for Cymru to score a late, late equaliser. Substitute David Brooks salvages a point to make amends for Joe Allen’s mistake that enabled the home side to go ahead with what seemed to be the winning goal. How important will that point be in the final standings? It could be a crucial return for Craig Bellamy’s side in a fixture that will cause problems for every other team in this group. Eight games undefeated for Bellamy, but only just.

        12. 90' + 7'

          Cymru are level! Brooks scores deep, deep into added time to break North Macedonian hearts with the last kick of the game when all seemed lost for Cymru. A close and competitive game, an absolutely mental finish.

        13. 90' + 7'

          Goal

          BROOKS David

        14. 90' + 4'

          Yellow card

          JAMES Jordan Anthony

        15. 90' + 3'

          Yellow card

          BOJAN MIOVSKI

        16. 90' + 2'

          Disaster for Cymru as Allen’s misplaced pass is intercepted and Miovski capitalises to slot the ball past Darlow. Bellamy’s side did not deserve that.

        17. 90' + 2'

          Substitution

          ALEKSANDAR TRAJKOVSKI replaces BOJAN MIOVSKI

        18. 90' + 2'

          Goal

          BOJAN MIOVSKI

        19. 89'

          North Macedonia having a real go at the Cymru defence in these final moments of the match. This is no time to concede.

        20. 87'

          Substitution

          BOJAN DIMOSKI replaces BOJAN ILIEVSKI

        21. 84'

          Another roll of the dice from Bellamy as Matondo is introduced after his first Cymru goal on Saturday night. Allen also comes on to bring some experience to the midfield for these final minutes.

        22. 84'

          Substitution

          ALLEN Joseph Michael replaces SHEEHAN Joshua Luke

        23. 84'

          Substitution

          MATONDO Rabbi replaces JOHNSON Brennan

        24. 81'

          A big chance for North Macedonia as Alioski plays the ball across the area with pace. A real scare for Cymru there at this late stage of the match.

        25. 80'

          Yellow card

          RODON Joseph

        26. Captain Ben Davies clears the ball

        27. 75'

          Brooks is introduced for Broadhead as Bellamy makes another attacking change with 15 minutes remaining.

        28. 75'

          Substitution

          BROOKS David replaces BROADHEAD Nathan Paul

        29. Sorba Thomas has caused North Macedonia plenty of problems this evening

        30. 71'

          Huge chance for Cymru as Johnson’s effort is blocked on the line after confusion in the North Macedonia defence.

        31. Cymru fans in Skopje

        32. 65'

          A big chance for North Macedonia but substitute Churlinov is denied by a good save from Darlow.

        33. 64'

          The first change of the match from Cymru as Moore replaces Dan James. Expect a few positional alterations to accommodate the big striker.

        34. 64'

          Substitution

          MOORE Kieffer Roberto Francisco replaces JAMES Daniel Owen

        35. 61'

          Substitution

          JANI ATANASOV replaces GJOKO ZAJKOV

        36. 61'

          Substitution

          DARKO CHURLINOV replaces ISNIK ALIMI

        37. 59'

          A break in play on 59 minutes to remember the 59 people who tragically lost their lives in North Macedonia recently.

        38. Neco Williams pushes forward with the ball

        39. 57'

          A great run from Johnson finds Broadhead with space on the edge of the area, but his shot clears the crossbar.

        40. 56'

          Dan James is a constant thorn in the side of North Macedonia. A great ball across the area but nobody is there to take advantage. Another chance not taken for Cymru.

        41. 52'

          Jordan James tries his luck from distance but doesn’t cause any problems for Dimitrievski.

        42. Dan James is tackled by Nikola Serafimov

        43. 46'

          We’re back underway in Skopje as Cymru kick-off. No changes from either side at half-time.

        45. Half-time verdict:Patience was key for Cymru against Kazakhstan on Saturday and it will be again this evening against a determined North Macedonia side who like to defend in numbers and counter-attack with real purpose. A close and competitive match that started with chances for both teams in the opening exchanges, Cymru have had the better of the possession, but Bellamy’s side need to show a bit more in the final third in order to make it count. No goals at half-time despite both teams showing a clear determination to win this match.

        46. 45' + 2'

          Yellow card

          NIKOLA SERAFIMOV

        47. 40'

          A chance for North Macedonia from a corner but Alioski puts the ball high and wide.

        48. Jordan James has been influential for Cymru in the opening half.

        49. 38'

          A long-range effort from Sheehan after some good work from Thomas on the left, but a comfortable save for Dimitrievski,

        50. 35'

          The North Macedonian fans are becoming restless as Cymru enjoyed an extended period of possession. Bellamy will want his side to make the most of this before half-time.

        51. 33'

          A big chance for Cymru but Thomas cannot direct his effort on target after some excellent play from Jordan James.

        52. Brennan Johnson takes on the North Macedonia defence

        53. 30'

          The match resumes after a fairly lengthy stoppage. Dimitrievski doesn’t look comfortable and Cymru will want to take advantage of any vulnerability.

        54. 27'

          A stop in play as North Macedonia goalkeeper Dimitrievski receives treatment. Bellamy has called his players over to the touchline to share his thoughts on what he has seen so far.

        55. The Cymru players observe a minute’s silence before kick-off.

        56. 23'

          A heavy challenge from Elmas on Williams but he’s back on his feet. Little between the two sides at the midway point of the opening half.

        57. 21'

          Rodon with an effort on target for Cymru as he heads a corner from Thomas into the hands of Dimitrievski.

        58. 20'

          Both teams still showing plenty of attacking intent. A few strong challenges as expected in this competitive match with both sides looking to take maximum points.

        59. 15'

          A decent opportunity for Cymru but Dan James’ ball into the area is intercepted.

        60. The Cymru starting line-up

        61. 10'

          Bellamy emerges from the dugout to stand on the edge of the technical area and orchestrate a few tactical tweaks.

        62. 7'

          A very open start to the match with both teams looking to gain the early advantage. We could be in for an eventful night.

        63. 3'

          North Macedonia respond with an early effort of their own but Kostadinov’s effort doesn’t trouble Darlow in the Cymru goal.

        64. 2'

          Almost the perfect start for Cymru but Jordan James’ effort is saved Dimitrievski. A positive start from the visitors.

        65. 1'

          North Macedonia get the ball rolling in Skopje. Although it’s still very early in the campaign, this is an important match for both nations.

        66. North Macedonia are currently on an impressive run of six straight victories in which they have kept six clean sheets. Their run of results dates back to last September with a 2-0 win over Armenia, just a few days after a 1-1 draw with the Faroe Islands.

        67. Cymru defender Joe Rodon is ready for the challenge ahead.

        69. Captain Ben Davies was part of the Cymru side that lost 2-1 to Macedonia in Skopje back in 2013. “I remember that game well and it was a tough night for us,” said Davies at the pre-match press conference yesterday.

          “Those things happen in games and I feel we’re in a different spot as a group right now. I’ve also been back here since with Spurs, so I’ve played here a couple of times before. It’s a good place to play football and I’m looking forward to the game.”

        71. The Red Wall are also completing their pre-match preparations.

        73. Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy takes a pre-match walk around the stadium in Skopje. Bellamy remains undefeated after seven matches in charge of the national team.

        77. The Cymru squad have arrived at the Toše Proeski Arena.

        78. Opposition changes

          North Macedonia have made two changes to their starting line-up from the side that claimed a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein on Friday night.

          Head coach Blagoja Milevski has included Bojan Ilievski and Tihomir Kostadinov in his team while Darko Churlinov and Aleksandar Trajkovski are named as substitutes.

          The 32-year old Trajkovski is the leading goalscorer in the current North Macedonia squad having scored 22 goals in 92 senior appearances, including the opening goal in the victory over Liechtenstein.

        79. Three changes for Cymru

          Cymru head coach Craig Bellamy has made three changes to his starting line-up from the team that defeated Kazakhstan in Cardiff on Friday.

          Chris Mepham, Jordan James and Nathan Broadhead all come into the starting line-up as Connor Roberts, David Brooks and Liam Cullen are named on the bench. Ben Davies captains the side on what will be his 94th international appearance.

          Lewis Koumas returns to the squad and takes his place on the substitutes bench, while it was on this day in 2023 that Broadhead made his senior debut for Cymru and scored an equaliser in added-time against Croatia in Split.

          Elsewhere, Liechtenstein take on Kazakhstan in Vaduz this evening in the other Group J game. Both nations are looking for their first points of the campaign.

        82. Pre-match prep

          The Cymru squad took a walk around the capital city of Skopje earlier today ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia this evening.

          Head coach Craig Bellamy has a fully-fit squad to choose from with no injuries reported following the 3-1 win over Kazakhstan in Cardiff on Friday.

        85. Emotional night ahead in Skopje

          The players of North Macedonia and Cymru will observe a moment of silence prior to kick-off on Tuesday evening and will wear black armbands in memory of the 59 people who lost their lives in the town of Kocani just over a week ago.

          “First and foremost, I’d like to send my condolences to the families and also the people of North Macedonia,” said Cymru head coach Bellamy at his pre-match press conference on Monday night. “We’ve had our own tragedies as well. We know as a country what they’re going through and I’d like them to know that everyone in Wales is fully behind them.

          “It’s difficult to talk about football when moments like this happen, but we’re here for it. But at the same time, we’re fully aware of the situation and completely respect the situation. We’re behind you.”

          Cymru and North Macedonia both made winning starts to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday night, extending Bellamy’s unbeaten start as Cymru head coach to seven games.

          “I know we’ve guaranteed a play-off, but it’s every game, ‘Can you win? How can you set the team up to win?’ That’s the only way my psyche works,” Bellamy added. “I don’t think I’m a naive person, but maybe someone’s going to teach me a lesson soon. Hopefully not Tuesday, though.”

        88. Preparations continue

          Ahead of their flight to Skopje, the Cymru squad continued their preparations for the next 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia earlier today.

          Craig Bellamy’s side enjoyed a positive start to the new campaign on Friday night with a 3-1 win over Kazakhstan in Cardiff, but can expect a tougher test on Tuesday against a side that currently top Group J following their 3-0 win over Liechtenstein.

        89. Meet the Ref

          French referee Jérôme Brisard will take charge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between North Macedonia and Cymru in Skopje on Tuesday evening.

          The 38-year old, who celebrates his birthday on the eve of the match, became a FIFA referee in 2018 and in 2020 refereed the Coupe de la Ligue Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon. Brisard was also appointed as a VAR for the EURO 2020 finals.

          Erwan Finjean and Alexis Auger are the assistant referees and Romain Lissorgue is the fourth official. Bastien Dechepy is VAR and he will be assisted by Eric Wattellier. All the match officials are from France.

        91. Previous meetings

          Tuesday’s opponents became North Macedonia in 2019, but previously Cymru were paired with Macedonia for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying as the two nations came together in Group A.

          The first meeting took place in Skopje in September 2013 . The home side took the lead through Ivan Trichkovski before Aaron Ramsey equalised from the penalty spot for Chris Coleman’s side. However, Aleksandar Trajkovski scored an 80th minute goal for Macedonia to claim maximum points with a 2-1 win.

          The return match in Cardiff took place the following month and it was striker Simon Church who scored the only goal of the game after 67 minutes as Cymru completed their home fixtures for the campaign with a 1-0 victory.

          Neither side would qualify for the finals in Brazil the following summer as Macedonia finished bottom of the group, with Cymru just one place above them.

        93. Bellamy excited for North Macedonia challenge

          Cymru head coach is looking forward to taking his squad to Skopje on Tuesday night and the opportunity to build on their winning start to the new qualifying campaign against North Macedonia.

          “They’re a good team,” said Bellamy after Friday’s 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan. “We have to be at our best. Do I have sleepless nights over it? No. There’s more important things.

          “I like the challenge of being able to prepare a team to go to somewhere like North Macedonia. I would like the opportunity to prepare a team to go to Brazil. I want to improve and I want the players to improve.

          “I don’t look at everything like living with a knife between my teeth. It’s the challenge you have to embrace and be excited about. North Macedonia leaves a lot to be excited about.”

        95. As it stands

          North Macedonia and Cymru are both on three points at the top of Group J in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying as the two nations prepare to go head-to-head in Skopje on Tuesday evening (19:45).

          Goals from Daniel James, captain Ben Davies and substitute Rabbi Matondo earned Craig Bellamy’s side a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan in Cardiff on Friday night to make it seven games undefeated for the head coach.

          Earlier that day, North Macedonia comfortably defeated Liechtenstein 3-0 in Vaduz through goals from Aleksandar Trajkovski, Visar Musliu and Bojan Miovski to hand head coach Blagoja Milevski the perfect start to the campaign.

          Top seeds Belgium are currently competing in the UEFA Nations League Play-Offs and will switch their attentions to the FIFA World Cup when their qualifiers begin in June. Belgium suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat to Ukraine in their 1st leg match on Thursday night.

        96. Key Performer Results

          The results are in from our match centre Key Performer vote for the 3-1 home win over Kazakhstan on Saturday.

          In third place was Ben Davies, with Neco Williams in second. The winner of the vote was Dan James, who produced a fantastic performance against Kazakhstan.

          The winner of the signed football is Cymru fan, Jack Mathias.

          Take part in the Key Performer vote here in the match centre following today’s game for your chance to win an official FAW football.

        97. There is no live report available for this match

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