Overview
- Wales need a win in Cardiff to overtake unbeaten North Macedonia for Group J runners-up and host a March playoff semifinal.
- North Macedonia hold the goal-difference edge, so a draw would secure second place for them.
- Wales will be without suspended midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James, and injured defender Ben Davies.
- Harry Wilson has been named captain for the first time and will lead Wales on his 67th cap.
- Bellamy urges patience against a deep, counter-attacking opponent and warns about VAR interruptions, noting that missing second would leave Wales low-seeded for a likely away tie that could include Italy.