Cymru return to Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night for a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifier against North Macedonia, with Craig Bellamy’s side knowing that victory is essential to secure second place in Group J.
Saturday’s 1-0 win away to Liechtenstein moved Cymru level on points with North Macedonia heading into the final matchday, but the visitors currently hold the advantage on goal difference. A win in Cardiff would lift Cymru into second place, assuming Belgium avoid defeat, and guarantee a home play-off semi-final for the Red Wall.
Kick-off is at 19:45, with the Match Centre providing full build-up throughout the day.
Squad Update
Harry Wilson returns from suspension and will captain Cymru, with Craig Bellamy highlighting the midfielder’s influence on and off the pitch.
Cymru will be without Jordan James and Ethan Ampadu, who are both suspended after picking up bookings in Vaduz. James scored his first senior international goal in Saturday’s victory, while Ampadu wore the armband in the win.
Preparations continued on Monday, with the squad back on the training pitch in Cardiff ahead of Tuesday’s must-win clash.
Bellamy Calls on the Red Wall
Speaking to the media, Bellamy emphasised the importance of home support and the need for patience against a well-organised North Macedonia side. He said he prefers having something on the game, as it brings focus and intensity, and highlighted how crucial playing at home can be.
Bellamy noted that North Macedonia are comfortable defending deep, allowing Cymru possession but posing a threat on the counter-attack. He encouraged supporters to lift the team in key moments, saying that Cymru will approach the challenge together and must give fans something to cheer.
He also praised Harry Wilson’s leadership, expressing how important he is to the team and how his absence is always felt when he is unavailable.
Wilson Ready to Lead Cymru
Harry Wilson said that captaining Cymru is a huge honour. He feels like one of the senior players and is looking forward to leading the team out in Cardiff.
Wilson said the squad go into every game wanting to win and are fully aware of the importance of securing second place to earn a home tie in the play-off semi-final. He also highlighted the strength Cymru have when playing at home with the Red Wall behind them.
He added that he relishes the responsibility that comes with his experience and wants to lead the team in the right way to get the win.
Meet the Referee
The match will be officiated by experienced Dutch referee Danny Makkelie, who has taken charge of fixtures at the last two EURO finals and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Makkelie has been a FIFA official since 2011 and regularly referees across UEFA’s club competitions and the Dutch Eredivisie.
He will be supported by assistant referees Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries, with Marc Nagtegaal acting as fourth official. Pol van Boekel is the VAR, assisted by Richard Martens.
As It Stands
Belgium top Group J with a two-point lead heading into the final match and host bottom-placed Liechtenstein. Cymru and North Macedonia sit level on 13 points, but only a Cymru win would move Bellamy’s side into second place, assuming Belgium do not lose.
Cymru are already guaranteed a play-off place through their UEFA Nations League performance, but finishing as runners-up would secure home advantage in the play-off semi-final.
Previous Meetings
Cymru and North Macedonia have met three times in this qualifying cycle and remain evenly matched.
Their two meetings during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers saw both teams win once. North Macedonia won 2-1 in Skopje, while Cymru claimed a 1-0 victory in Cardiff thanks to a Simon Church goal.
The most recent meeting took place in Skopje in March this year and ended 1-1 in dramatic fashion. North Macedonia took the lead in added time, but David Brooks equalised five minutes later to rescue a point for Cymru.
Follow the Match Live
For full build-up, team news, live updates, in-match commentary, photography and post-match reaction, visit the official Match Centre:
The Match Centre will update throughout the day and through the match as Cymru look to secure a vital win under the lights in Cardiff.