North Macedonia vs. Wales: Prediction, Betting Tips

The upcoming clash between North Macedonia and Wales in the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers is generating significant buzz among football enthusiasts and bettors alike. Scheduled for March 25, 2025, at the Tose Proeski Arena in Skopje, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. In this article, we will delve into the prediction, betting tips, analysis, and statistics for this highly anticipated game.

Match Preview

North Macedonia and Wales are both aiming to make a strong start in their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Both teams have shown promising form in recent matches, making this encounter even more intriguing.

North Macedonia has been in excellent form, winning six of their last ten games, with only three losses and one draw. Their recent victories include a 3-0 win against Liechtenstein and a 1-0 win against the Faroe Islands. The team has been solid defensively, conceding only seven goals in their last ten matches.

Wales, on the other hand, has also been impressive, with four wins, five draws, and only one loss in their last ten games. Their recent performances include a 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan and a 4-1 win against Iceland. Under the guidance of new coach Craig Bellamy, Wales has shown resilience and determination, making them a formidable opponent.

Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record between North Macedonia and Wales is relatively balanced. The two teams have faced each other twice in international football, both during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. North Macedonia won 2-1 at home on September 6, 2013, while Wales secured a 1-0 victory at home on October 11, 2013.

Team News and Lineups

North Macedonia is expected to field a strong lineup, with key players like Aleksandar Trajkovski and Enis Bardhi leading the attack. The team has been consistent in their performances, and coach Blagoja Milevski will be looking to maintain their winning momentum.

Wales will rely on the likes of Daniel James, Ben Davies, and Rabbi Matondo to make an impact. The team has shown great depth and versatility under Bellamy’s leadership, and they will be eager to secure a crucial away win.

Betting Tips and Odds

When it comes to betting, several factors need to be considered. Here are some key betting tips and odds for the North Macedonia vs. Wales match:

1. Match Result: The odds for a North Macedonia win are around 21/10, while a draw is priced at 11/5, and a Wales win is at 6/4. Given both teams’ recent form, a draw or a narrow win for either side seems likely.
2. Correct Score: A 1-1 draw is a popular prediction, with odds of approximately 5/1. Both teams have shown the ability to score, but their solid defenses might limit the number of goals.
3. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Betting on under 2.5 goals could be a safe option, given the defensive strengths of both teams. The odds for under 2.5 goals are around 1.71.
4. Both Teams to Score: Considering the attacking prowess of both sides, betting on both teams to score is a viable option. The odds for this bet are approximately 1.94.
5. First Goalscorer: Players like Aleksandar Trajkovski for North Macedonia and Daniel James for Wales are strong contenders to score the first goal. The odds for Trajkovski are around 9/1, while James is priced at 17/2.

Statistical Analysis

Analyzing the statistics of both teams provides valuable insights into their performance and potential outcomes for the match:

• North Macedonia has scored 14 goals in their last ten games, averaging 1.4 goals per match. They have conceded only 0.7 goals per match, highlighting their defensive solidity.
• Wales has scored 12 goals in their last ten games, with an average of 1.2 goals per match. They have conceded 0.9 goals per match, indicating a slightly less robust defense compared to North Macedonia.

Key Players to Watch

North Macedonia:

• Aleksandar Trajkovski: A prolific forward, Trajkovski has been instrumental in North Macedonia’s recent successes. His ability to find the back of the net makes him a key player to watch.
• Enis Bardhi: Known for his creativity and vision, Bardhi is a crucial playmaker for North Macedonia. His set-piece prowess could be a game-changer.

Wales:

• Daniel James: With his pace and dribbling skills, James is a constant threat to opposition defenses. His ability to create and score goals makes him a vital asset for Wales.
• Ben Davies: As the captain, Davies provides leadership and stability at the back. His defensive capabilities and aerial prowess are essential for Wales’ success.

Tactical Analysis

North Macedonia is likely to adopt a balanced approach, focusing on solid defense and quick counter-attacks. Their ability to transition from defense to attack swiftly could pose problems for Wales.

Wales, under Bellamy’s guidance, has shown a preference for a high-pressing game. They will look to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities through their dynamic wingers and midfielders.

Prediction

Given the form and strengths of both teams, this match is expected to be closely contested. North Macedonia’s home advantage and solid defense make them slight favorites, but Wales’ resilience and attacking prowess cannot be underestimated.

Prediction: North Macedonia 1-1 Wales

Conclusion

The North Macedonia vs. Wales match promises to be an exciting encounter with significant implications for their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaigns. Both teams have shown impressive form, and this game could go either way. Bettors should consider the key betting tips and odds mentioned above to make informed decisions.

As the match day approaches, football fans and bettors alike will be eagerly anticipating this clash. Whether you’re supporting North Macedonia or Wales, this game is sure to provide plenty of excitement and drama.