Wales vs North Macedonia Predictions

• North Macedonia have won one of their last five games
• Wales have won five of their last eight games in Cardiff
• The hosts can secure a home playoff game with a victory

Wales to strengthen World Cup hopes

Despite the top three in Group J being split by only two points, this clash between third and second doesn’t quite have the all-or-nothing stakes you might expect.

A home clash with Liechtenstein should see Belgium win the group with ease. Meanwhile, the side that finishes third is already guaranteed a playoff berth through the Nations League.

However, that doesn’t mean this is a meaningless fixture. Finishing second would give Wales a home draw in March’s playoffs. Should they finish third, they could face a visit to Italy or Turkey in the semi-finals.

North Macedonia have proven tough to beat of late, while they head into this game knowing a draw is enough for them to secure second. Expect them to let Wales dictate things here, but the Welsh should be confident in front of a packed Cardiff City Stadium.

Wales had the better chances in their meeting in March, drawing 1-1 in Skopje. They’ve won five of their last eight games in Cardiff, only losing to Belgium, while drawing with Poland and Turkey. The hosts should add to that fine form, and they’re backed to secure all three points.