Vaduz, Liechtenstein – Wales secured a crucial, albeit narrow, 1-0 victory against Liechtenstein, setting the stage for a decisive showdown with North Macedonia in Cardiff. Jordan James's second-half goal proved to be the difference in a match where Wales dominated possession but struggled to break down a resolute Liechtenstein defense.
The match, played at the Rheinpark Stadion, saw Wales controlling the game from the outset. However, creating clear-cut chances proved difficult against a Liechtenstein side that was well-organized and determined to frustrate their opponents. In the first half, Nathan Broadhead had a goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review, further adding to Wales's frustration. Despite the setback, Wales continued to press, with Broadhead and Daniel James coming close to breaking the deadlock.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 60th minute. A well-weighted pass from Neco Williams found Daniel James, who then squared the ball across the goal for Jordan James to tap in his first senior international goal. The goal sparked celebrations among the travelling Welsh fans, but also served as a catalyst for Liechtenstein to venture forward in search of an equalizer.
Liechtenstein created a rare opportunity in the 77th minute when Andreas Malin headed over from a corner. However, Wales managed to maintain their composure and see out the game, although not without a few nervy moments. Sandro Wolfinger volleyed narrowly past the post late on, reminding Wales of the importance of securing the win.
While the victory was paramount, the match came at a cost for Wales. Jordan James, the goal scorer, and captain Ethan Ampadu both received yellow cards, ruling them out of the crucial upcoming match against North Macedonia. Their absence will undoubtedly be a significant blow for Wales, forcing manager Craig Bellamy to reshuffle his midfield for Tuesday's game.
Wales's win against Liechtenstein, coupled with other results in Group J, means that their match against North Macedonia is effectively a play-off for a potential World Cup play-off spot. A win for Wales would see them leapfrog North Macedonia in the group standings and secure a seeded spot in the play-offs, increasing their chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. A draw or a defeat, however, would leave their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread, dependent on their Nation League performance.
The match is scheduled to take place on November 18, 2025, at the Cardiff City Stadium. The game will kick off at 7:45 PM local time and will be broadcast live on BBC One Wales, BBC Three, S4C, BBC iPlayer, S4C Online and BBC Sport Website. With so much at stake, a thrilling encounter is anticipated as both teams battle for a place in the World Cup play-offs.
