Wales have just produced one of the most dominant performances in their history by crushing North Macedonia 7-1 at the Cardiff City Stadium. The emphatic victory, Wales’ biggest win since 1978, not only sealed a second-place finish in Group J but also guaranteed home advantage in the World Cup play-off stages that take place in March - a crucial advantage that could prove decisive in their quest to reach the 2026 World Cup.
A Statement of Intent
The pre-match narrative had painted a picture of desperation. Wales needed victory to secure the seeding that would guarantee a home semi-final in the upcoming play-offs, with the alternative being an away fixture against one of the top seeds. North Macedonia, meanwhile, arrived in Cardiff unbeaten throughout the qualifying campaign, having earned draws against Belgium twice, and only conceding 3 goals in the entirety of the qualifying campaign.
What unfolded was anything but a tight affair. From the opening moments, Bellamy’s side established their intentions with a controlled, attacking intensity that North Macedonia simply could not contend with. The pace set by Wales’ attacking quartet - with Brennan Johnson welcomed back into to the starting line-up after his recent absences - proved too much for the Balkan side. Within 20 minutes, Wales had established a commanding 2-0 lead, through goals from Harry Wilson and David Brooks.
Calm. Composed. Capten. 🫡
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) November 18, 2025
pic.twitter.com/83SK2OhYve
Wilson’s Historic Night
The narrative of the evening, however, belonged entirely to Harry Wilson. The Fulham winger, captaining Wales for the first time in his career, delivered a level of individual performance that has not been seen since the Gareth Bale era. Wilson’s hat-trick, including two penalties and a stunning free-kick, epitomised not just individual brilliance but a relentless confidence that permeated through the entire Welsh squad.
Wilson’s first contribution came in the 18th minute from the penalty spot, dispatched low into the right-hand corner after David Brooks was fouled by Andrej Stojchevski. The Fulham star showed great composure, converting with minimal fuss despite Stole Dimitrievski's attempts to unsettle him. Two minutes later, Brooks doubled the advantage with a smart finish from close range, assisted by a Brennan Johnson cross.
However, the match took a unnerving turn in the 23rd minute when North Macedonia’s Bojan Miovski punished a defensive lapse. Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s slip allowed the Rangers striker an unmissable finish, reducing the deficit to just one goal and briefly reigniting North Macedonia’s hopes.
However, Wales responded to this setback in stunning fashion. Fourteen minutes later, Brennan Johnson produced a moment of individual brilliance, cutting in from the left and unleashing a rocket from the edge of the box that arrowed into the top right corner. The goal effectively decided the match’s trajectory, and Wales entered the interval 3-1 ahead with complete command of proceedings.
Brennan Johnson, take a bow! 🚀
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 18, 2025
🏴 Wales 3-1 North Macedonia 🇲🇰
Watch, follow & listen with the BBC 📲📻📺#BBCFootball #Wales pic.twitter.com/DkVCDk0wLv
The Rout Continues
The second half became less a competitive fixture and more a demonstration of men versus boys. In the 57th minute, Daniel James latched onto a back heel flick from Wilson in the box to extend the lead to 4-1. James’ blistering pace had terrorised the North Macedonian defence throughout, with Wilson's assist and the finish that followed, showcasing the confidence and swagger coursing through the Welsh team.
The match then became Wilson’s personal showcase. In the 75th minute, the captain bent a sublime free kick over the North Macedonia wall, curling the ball into the top corner with the precision that has become his trademark. It was a moment of sublime quality that drew raptures from the Red Wall. Just six minutes later, Wilson completed his hat trick from the penalty spot, again dispatching with confidence to his right after being fouled by Darko Velkovski.
The rout was complete in the 88th minute when substitute Nathan Broadhead added a seventh, stabbing home after Isaak Davies flicked the ball toward goal from a corner. It represented the perfect full stop to a night that had seen Wales produce football of the highest level against a typically watertight team.
We could watch that Harry Wilson free-kick on repeat 🔁
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 18, 2025
A hat-trick for the Fulham midfielder in his first game as Wales captain 🤩#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/oGvwidgwWC
The Path Forward
Wales’ victory will be remembered as more than just a cricket score in a football match. It represented a moment where Craig Bellamy’s vision for the team crystallised into a genuine statement of intent. With Harry Wilson captaining the side with distinction, Brennan Johnson rediscovering his form, and the entire team showcasing a ruthlessness that has been absent from Welsh football for periods of their qualifying campaign, this performance proved that Bellamy’s Wales can compete at the highest level.
The March playoffs will present a different challenge, opponents of equal calibre across the seeded positions await. Yet armed with the Red Wall, a squad flowing with confidence and the individual brilliance of their star players, it could be time for Cymru fans to start dreaming of a World Cup spot.
