The Macedonia senior national team are wrapping up preparations for their first-ever encounter with Switzerland. The match against one of Europe’s strongest national teams is scheduled for this Saturday at 20:45 at the Todor Proeski National Arena in Skopje.
With this match, Macedonia opens a new Nations League cycle and its first season in League B. In Group B1, besides Switzerland, our opponents are also Slovenia and Scotland.
After completing four training sessions ahead of the match, head coach Goce Sedloski is satisfied with the players’ attitude and work.
„I am extremely satisfied with all the players. They completed all four training sessions at maximum intensity and know what they need to do on the pitch. You have to play against every opponent, including a strong Switzerland. We know what kind of squad they have, but I want us to focus primarily on ourselves. All our players are healthy and training well, except Nikolov, who will not play. With the help of the crowd, I believe we can achieve a positive result. We expect great support from the stands, and it is up to us to put in a good performance,“ said Sedloski.
For Macedonia, this will also be the first home match after a lengthy break, which further increases the motivation of the national team players. Captain Enis Bardhi expects a full stadium to be an important factor in the match against Switzerland.
„We have a great atmosphere, we are happy to be together again and we are ready to give our maximum. We expect great support from the fans, and that means a lot to us. We are playing in Skopje, this is our home and we need to show our identity. A full stadium means a lot to us and we are aware that a difficult match awaits us,“ said Bardhi.
There is also new energy in the squad, with several young players joining the senior national team for the first time. The captain stressed that the youngsters have been well received in the national team and that their presence brings additional freshness.
One of the national team’s leaders, Elif Elmas, also expects an exceptionally difficult challenge, but believes in Macedonia’s quality and readiness.
„I expect a difficult match. We are playing against a powerful national team and a World Cup quarter-finalist, but we are ready and will go for a positive result. We are honoured that the young players are with us, and we are accepting them in the best way possible. It is an honour for every footballer to wear the national team shirt,“ Elmas said.
Switzerland arrive in Skopje following their appearance at the 2026 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals. The team led by Murat Yakin have a large number of quality and experienced players despite several absences from the squad.
For the Macedonia national team, however, the focus is clear: a strong start to the new cycle, with maximum commitment on the pitch and support from the stands.
Macedonia – Switzerland, Saturday, 20:45, Todor Proeski National Arena.
