The upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifying match between North Macedonia and Wales on Tuesday, 25 March, at the National Arena Todor Proeski in Skopje is set to be an interesting fixture, with a bit of history tied to the venue. Wales will be aiming to continue their campaign for a spot in next year’s World Cup in North America.
The match is particularly memorable for the Welsh team due to the 2013 World Cup qualifier in Skopje, when then-manager Chris Coleman made headlines for missing his flight, resulting in him being absent for the game. It was an unfortunate moment for Coleman, who also lost his passport, and it seemed to set the stage for a tough match. Wales went on to lose that game, but it marked a pivotal point in the team’s journey, as they ultimately found their voice and began to forge a path that eventually led to qualification for major tournaments.
As Wales look to build on their past success and push for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, this match is not only a chance for them to get crucial points but also an opportunity to reflect on how far the team has come since that eventful evening in Skopje 12 years ago.
Fans can tune in to the match on BBC One Wales, iPlayer, and BBC Sport’s website and app, with live commentary available on BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra. Text commentary and highlights will also be available online.