North Macedonia trained on auxiliary pitch in Lucerne ahead of Switzerland match
Thermoplan Arena turf issues forced Goce Sedloski’s squad to practise on the backup field before the 6 October match with Switzerland.
North Macedonia's senior national football team held their final training session on the auxiliary pitch of the Lucerne sports complex on 5 October 2026 after the playing surface at Thermoplan Arena was judged to be in poor condition.
Because of the turf problems at Thermoplan Arena, the squad led by coach Goce Sedloski practised late in the afternoon on the smaller field, and therefore did not have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the surface where they will face Switzerland on 6 October 2026 at 20:45.
Training shifted to the backup field
The change of venue came shortly before the Nations League B fixture against Murat Yakin’s strong Swiss side. The match on 6 October is North Macedonia’s second game in League B of the Nations League this international window.
Results have not gone the home side’s way in recent outings: North Macedonia has lost its last three matches and has failed to score in those games. On 26 September 2026 the team were beaten 0:3 at home.
The team’s staff worked under constrained preparation conditions on the auxiliary surface; the squad will travel to Thermoplan Arena for the scheduled kick-off tomorrow evening and hope the stadium pitch is usable for the game.
Photo: press material from the event
