Switzerland will be expected to challenge for promotion from Group B1 of the Nations League. They start their campaign against North Macedonia at the Toše Proeski Arena.

North Macedonia hoping Bardhi can continue to deliver

North Macedonia are likely to use a back three, but they won’t be able to call upon the injured Nikola Serafimov, one of their regular centre-backs. Mario Mladenovski could take his place.

Enis Bardhi remains a key figure in this side. The 31-year-old attacking midfielder has scored 20 times in 82 international appearances. However, he may be short on match fitness, having failed to start for Konyaspor in the Turkish Süper Lig so far this term.

Elif Elmas and Bojan Miovski should support Bardhi in the final third of the pitch. With a packed schedule ahead, Goce Sedloski will need to make use of his bench, and he has called up Anes Meliqi, Gjorgje Dzekov, Matej Gashtarov and Hristijan Maleski for the first time.

North Macedonia predicted lineup vs Switzerland (3-4-2-1): Dimitrievski; Zajkov, Musliu, Mladenovski; Ilievski, Elezi, Atanasov, Alioski; Bardhi, Elmas; Miovski.

Switzerland looking to build on World Cup success

Tournament specialists Switzerland beat Algeria and then Colombia to reach the quarter-finals at this summer’s World Cup. Murat Yakin is one of Europe’s longest-serving international coaches, and again he’s set to oversee the next cycle building towards Euro 2028.

Yakin has a few selection problems to contend with. Captain Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from the squad, along with Denis Zakaria and Aurèle Amenda, who are dealing with fitness issues.

Key striker Breel Embolo is also suspended, following his recent red card against Argentina. Winsley Boteli could potentially fill that void. The 20-year-old has scored six times in nine Swiss Super League appearances this term for FC Sion.

Switzerland predicted lineup vs North Macedonia (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Athekame, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodríguez; Freuler, Jashari; Rieder, Manzambi, Ndoye; Boteli.

North Macedonia vs Switzerland Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Switzerland to win & Under 5.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.49 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: North Macedonia 0-2 Switzerland
  • 22Bet Booking Code: FGQ2J

Key stats:

  • Switzerland haven’t lost any of their past nine matches in regulation time.
  • Excluding extra time, the Swiss only conceded 0.67 goals per game at the World Cup.
  • North Macedonia are winless in eight fixtures.

Despite some notable absentees, Switzerland have enough talent to win this match. They can still count on the likes of Johan Manzambi, who lit up the World Cup with three goals and two assists in just four appearances.

North Macedonia’s attacking struggles also make backing the visitors to triumph in a game with under 5.5 goals a smart choice. The hosts haven’t scored in any of their four matches in 2026. Their form has really dipped since a promising start to 2026 World Cup qualifying, with no victories since their clash with Liechtenstein more than 12 months ago.

North Macedonia vs Switzerland Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: North Macedonia to score under 0.5 goals
  • Odds: 1.93 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: PJP2J

Backing North Macedonia to score under 0.5 goals offers value at odds of 1.93. Sedloski’s team have failed to net in six of their past eight internationals.

Switzerland’s defence is solid enough to shut them out in Skopje. The Rossocrociati conceded only twice in six group games during World Cup qualifying.

Verdict: Switzerland to win & Under 5.5 goals (1.49) — North Macedonia 0-2 Switzerland