Prediction Wales vs North Macedonia 2026 – Betting Tips for the WC Qualification Europe on 18/11/2025

Tense Group Finale Heads to Cardiff: What the Numbers Say

Wales welcome North Macedonia to Cardiff City Stadium on 18 November in what promises to be a tactically tight World Cup qualification showdown. Both sides sit on 13 points after seven matches, separated only by goal difference and form that tells two very different stories. Wales arrive with the home advantage and a buoyant recent win in Liechtenstein, while North Macedonia travel unbeaten in the group — more often drawing than decisively winning. That contrast sets the tone: a fixture where intensity will be high but margins could be wafer-thin.

Wales have been productive in front of goal across the campaign, netting 14 times overall and registering eight of those at home. Their attacking output — reflected in a higher shots and attacks average — suggests they will probe and press. Yet they have also been vulnerable at times, conceding 10 goals in the group and recording just three clean sheets. North Macedonia, by contrast, have made defense their hallmark: only three goals conceded in seven fixtures, and notably zero conceded away according to the available away stats. This clean-sheet reliability underpins their unbeaten record and makes them a dangerous opponent in a match where patience may be rewarded.

Form, Head-to-Head and Recent Clues

The head-to-head in this qualifying cycle produced a 1-1 draw earlier in the campaign, and the recent run for North Macedonia is littered with draws — four in the latest sample — showing they can stifle teams and grind out results. Wales’ sequence is more volatile, a mix of wins and losses that signals attacking promise but defensive inconsistency. Recent best-player mentions in the data — Jordan James for Wales and Bojan Ilievski for North Macedonia — are reminders that decisive moments can come from individuals, but the bigger picture favors structural caution over free-scoring fireworks.

Given the defensive solidity of North Macedonia away from home, and Wales’ tendency toward mixed outcomes rather than runaway victories, this game looks likelier to be settled by few clear-cut opportunities rather than a goal-fest. If you’re eyeing the goals market, timing and discipline will matter; consider reading guidance on the right time to place bets on goal markets before pulling the trigger. To strengthen your approach with data tools and context, check out learn about some of the tools that can help with analysis.

Betting suggestion Based on the defensive numbers for North Macedonia (few goals conceded, clean-sheet form away) and Wales’ inconsistent defensive record, the most prudent single-market play is the goals market: Under 2.5 goals. This selection fits the teams’ head-to-head precedent, recent draws and the low-scoring away profile of North Macedonia. Risk-aware stake sizing is recommended.