Wales delivered a stunning performance, thrashing North Macedonia 7-1 in Cardiff and securing a crucial boost for their World Cup play-off aspirations. The emphatic victory ensures Wales will have a home semi-final in the upcoming World Cup play-offs.
The match, played on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, saw Wales produce arguably their best performance in years. Harry Wilson captained the side and scored a hat-trick. David Brooks, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James, and Nathan Broadhead also contributed to the scoreline. North Macedonia's Bojan Miovski scored their only goal.
Wales's dominant display was a welcome surprise, especially considering the absence of key players due to injury and suspension. Craig Bellamy, the Wales head coach, lauded the performance as "close to a perfect performance". He had responded to the absentees by fielding an attacking line-up, which paid dividends.
Wales were already guaranteed a play-off berth thanks to their Nations League group triumph. However, the win against North Macedonia was crucial to ensure a home semi-final and potentially avoid a top-ranked opponent in the play-off draw. Finishing second in Group J behind Belgium, Wales secured a spot in pot two for the play-off draw.
The victory marked Wales's first time scoring seven goals in a match since 1978. Harry Wilson opened the scoring with a penalty in the 18th minute, followed by David Brooks. Brennan Johnson's brilliant goal further extended Wales's lead. Daniel James added another in the second half, before Wilson completed his hat-trick, including another penalty. Substitute Nathan Broadhead then sealed the victory with a late goal.
North Macedonia, who had arrived in Cardiff unbeaten in the qualifying campaign, struggled to cope with Wales's attacking prowess. Their hopes of securing a favorable play-off draw were dashed as they suffered their first defeat on away soil since June 2024.
Looking ahead, Wales will be eager to maintain their momentum as they prepare for the play-off semi-final in March. The play-off draw is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, at FIFA's headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Wales will face either the Republic of Ireland, Albania, Kosovo, or Bosnia in Cardiff. Should they progress to the final, they could face a top seed such as Italy, Denmark, Turkey or Ukraine.
