Wales thrash North Macedonia to storm into World Cup playoffs

Wilson celebrates after scoring for Wales

An inspired attacking performance from Wales, captained by hat-trick hero Harry Wilson, galvanised their World Cup qualification hopes with an impressive 7-1 triumph over North Macedonia.

Wales began the night under no illusion of the task that lay ahead in their final Group J fixture, fully aware that three points were essential to securing home advantage in the play-off round.

Craig Bellamy’s side settled quickly, with David Brooks hooking over in the opening moments after Brennan Johnson set the early tempo with a driving run.

Wales’ bright start was swiftly rewarded as they raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 20 minutes.

Harry Wilson, captaining the side for the first time, perfectly dispatched from the penalty spot after Brooks was felled, before Brooks himself doubled the advantage by steering in Johnson’s precise cutback.

North Macedonia instantly hit back, albeit in fortuitous fashion, after Welsh goalkeeper Karl Darlow crucially slipped as Bojan Miovski bore down on goal, leaving the Glasgow Rangers striker with a simple finish.

But Welsh hopes were quickly restored when Johnson spectacularly cut onto his right from the touchline and unleashed a rising shot from 18 yards that sailed into the net, capping a captivating first half.0

Player ratings

The Balkin side’s struggles to live with Wales’ quick-paced attacks continued into the second period.

A dangerous back-heel pass from Liam Cullen ran uncontested across the goal face, merely needing the final touch, and another dangerous chance from lively Brooks sailed dangerously over the crossbar.

With the Welsh brimming with confidence, buoyed by every subsequent attack, a fourth duly arrived with Brooks and Wilson stylishly combining before Cullen pounced on Wilson’s clever flick.0

With 15 minutes remaining, Wilson emphatically netted his second of the night, curling in a delightful free-kick, before completing his hat-trick with his second penalty of the night. 0

Substitute Nathan Broadheadglo netted a late seventh to secure the Welsh a memorable victory that secures them a home advantage in Thursday’s playoff draw.

Despite suffering their first defeat on away soil since June 2024, North Macedonia’s previously unbeaten qualifying campaign comes to an abrupt end, plunging their own qualification hopes into doubt.

Catch up on the match here

Key match stats