Wales has stormed into the World Cup play-offs with a spectacular and historic 7-1 victory over North Macedonia at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Historic Victory in Cardiff
The Welsh team delivered a performance for the ages on Wednesday 19 November 2025, netting seven goals in a single match for the first time since 1978. The emphatic win was a crucial step in their World Cup qualification journey, ensuring they finished second in Group J and, more importantly, secured a coveted spot among the second seeds for the upcoming play-off draw.
Wilson the Hat-Trick Hero
Captain Harry Wilson was the undeniable star of the show, leading by example with a magnificent hat-trick. He was not alone on the scoresheet, however, with David Brooks, Brennan Johnson, Daniel James, and Nathan Broadhead all contributing goals in the dominant display. The comprehensive nature of the win sent a clear message to their future play-off opponents.
Play-off Implications and Next Steps
The significance of this result cannot be overstated. By finishing as a second seed, Wales has now guaranteed themselves a home semi-final advantage in the play-offs. This strategic advantage means they will avoid a difficult away match against one of the top-seeded nations, dramatically boosting their chances of progressing further. The focus now shifts to Thursday's play-off draw, where Wales will discover their path to the 2026 World Cup.
