Match Preview: North Macedonia vs Switzerland in Nations League

North Macedonia will take on Switzerland in a Nations League match as part of the 2026-2027 season. North Macedonia recently earned promotion from League C to League B after finishing first in their group with five wins and one draw in six matches.

Under the management of Goce Sedloski, North Macedonia had a commendable World Cup qualifying campaign, recording three wins, four draws, and just one loss in eight matches in Group J. However, their only defeat came against Wales, which cost them a playoff spot by a narrow three-point margin. Their World Cup playoff hopes were dashed after a heavy 0-4 loss to Denmark in the semifinals.

Currently, North Macedonia is struggling to find consistency, having drawn 0-0 against both Ireland and Bosnia & Herzegovina, followed by a 0-4 defeat to Turkey in their last match. They are eager to end their winless streak and secure their first victory under Sedloski against a formidable Swiss side.

Switzerland, on the other hand, is competing in League B after finishing last in their League A group during the previous Nations League season, managing only two points from two draws and four losses. However, their form has significantly improved since then, as they qualified for the 2026 World Cup with an unbeaten record, achieving four wins and two draws in six matches, topping their qualifying group.

At the World Cup, Switzerland continued their strong performance, advancing from the group stage with two wins and a draw, and defeating Algeria and Colombia in the knockout rounds. Their journey ended in the quarter-finals after a 1-3 loss to Argentina, where they conceded two goals in extra time while down to ten men.

Swiss coach Murat Yakin will be looking for a quick return to winning ways following the disappointment of the World Cup exit as they prepare to face North Macedonia.

Team News

• North Macedonia is expected to field Bojan Miovski and Elmin Rastoder in attack, with Eljif Elmas playing as an attacking midfielder. Experienced players Ezgjan Alioski and Bojan Ilievski are likely to be positioned in the defensive flanks, while Enis Bardhi and Matej Gastarov are anticipated to start in midfield.
• For Switzerland, captain Granit Xhaka will miss this gathering, and Denis Zakaria is sidelined due to injury. Breel Embolo is also serving a suspension from the World Cup. Winsley Boteli may step in for Embolo as the central striker, supported by Johan Manzambi, Ardon Jashari, and Dan Ndoye.

Projected Lineups:

North Macedonia: Dimitrievski, Stojchevski, Zajkov, Musliu, Ilievski, Gastarov, Bardhi, Alioski, Elmas, Miovski, Rastoder.

Switzerland: Kobel, Athekame, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez, Freuler, Rieder, Ndoye, Jashari, Manzambi, Embolo.

The match between North Macedonia and Switzerland is scheduled to kick off at 1:45 AM on September 27 (Vietnam time).