2026-2027 Nations League: North Macedonia vs. Switzerland, Probable Lineups

Without a win since September 7, 2025, North Macedonia faces a daunting challenge in front of its home crowd on the first matchday of Group 1 in League B of the Nations League: Switzerland, fresh off an excellent 2026 World Cup run—which ended in the quarterfinals with a loss that came only in extra time, despite being a man down, to Argentina, the eventual runner-up—is set to visit the “Toshe Proeski” Stadium in Skopje. Kickoff is at 8:45 p.m.

Since their 5-0 victory over Liechtenstein a year ago, the Macedonian national team has not won another match, recording five draws and three losses and swinging from notable results—such as the 0-0 draw in Belgium on October 10, 2025—to a resounding 7-1 defeat in Wales on November 18. Having advanced to the World Cup playoffs via the Nations League, North Macedonia was then eliminated at the first hurdle, suffering a decisive 4-0 loss in Denmark.

Switzerland, on the other hand, is enjoying a rather long winning streak, considering the results at the 90-minute mark: since March 31, the Swiss have recorded four wins and five draws, excluding extra time or penalty shootouts. Johan Manzambi shone at the World Cup, and his injury in the middle of the tournament significantly hampered the team coached by Murat Yakin. The Aston Villa talent has recently returned from a long summer layoff but is already on the Swiss coach’s roster and has an excellent chance of starting the match.

Probable Lineups

NORTH MACEDONIA (3-4-1-2): Dimitrievski; Stojchevski, Zajkov, Musliu; Ilievski, Gastarov, Bardhi, Alioski; Elmas; Miovski, Rastoder. Head Coach: Sedloski.

SWITZERLAND (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Athekame, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Rieder; Ndoye, Jashari, Manzambi; Embolo. Head Coach: Yakin.