North Macedonia U19 hold Northern Ireland to 0-0 draw in Turnovo
The home side played out a 0:0 draw with Northern Ireland at Kukush Stadium; Hodza’s effort was saved and the visitors hit the post.
North Macedonia's under-19s opened their home qualifying tournament with a goalless draw against Northern Ireland on 11 November 2026.
The match was staged at Kukush Stadium in Turnovo on a well-kept grass pitch. The game was physical and cagey, with few clear scoring opportunities for either side.
Missed chances and a late scare
North Macedonia tried repeatedly to create overloads and break through the visitors' defence, but the final ball was often lacking. Hodza had the team's clearest opening, only for his shot to be denied by the Northern Ireland goalkeeper. In the closing minutes the visitors struck the crossbar from a free kick, the nearest either side came to a goal.
After the opening round North Macedonia have one point. In the other Group match Malta face Switzerland next.
North Macedonia (starting XI): Trajkov, Abdulrahmani, Cvetkovski, Markoski, Rochi, Kurtishi, Taleski, Velkov, Stojkovski, Tanchev, Hodza.
Also used: Grasheski, Mrmachoski, Mustafi.
Photo: press material from the event
