Harry Wilson produced a sensational hat-trick as Wales stormed to a 7–1 demolition of North Macedonia in Cardiff, securing home advantage for their 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final.
Craig Bellamy’s side went into the final Group J fixture knowing automatic qualification was still a mathematical possibility, though it depended on an unlikely Belgium slip-up against Liechtenstein. With the Red Devils cruising to a 7–0 win in Liège, attention quickly turned to ensuring Wales finished strongly and guaranteed a play-off semi-final on home soil next March.
Harry Wilson opened the scoring after 18 minutes from the penalty spot, confidently sending the goalkeeper the wrong way after Brennan Johnson was fouled in the box.
North Macedonia briefly threatened to make a contest of it when Bojan Miovski pulled one back midway through the first half, but Wales’ attacking fluency soon took over again. Johnson restored the two-goal cushion with a superb solo strike, weaving through defenders before rifling home to make it 3–1 before half-time.
The second half became a procession. Daniel James added a fourth shortly after the restart, sweeping in from close range following a clever flick from Wilson, who was captaining the side in place of Aaron Ramsey. The Fulham playmaker then took centre stage, adding two more goals — one a cool finish, the other another confidently dispatched penalty — to complete his first international hat-trick.
Substitute Nathan Broadhead completed the rout late on, tucking away Wales’ seventh to cap one of the nation’s most emphatic performances in recent years.
The victory ensured Wales finished second in Group J, comfortably ahead of North Macedonia, and crucially earned the right to host their play-off semi-final at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Speaking afterwards, Bellamy praised his side’s ruthless display and Wilson’s leadership. “Harry was outstanding — not just the goals, but his attitude, his energy, and the way he drove the team forward,” said the Wales boss. “We wanted to make a statement tonight, and the players did exactly that.”
Wales will now await Thursday’s play-off draw, with four places at the expanded 2026 World Cup still up for grabs through the 16-team European play-offs.
