For all the permutations and labyrinthine paths to next summer's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the equation facing Wales in Cardiff was simple.
Barring a seismic shock in Belgium's game against Liechtenstein, a Welsh victory against North Macedonia would see them finish second in Group J and secure home advantage for their play-off semi-final, where possible opponents included sides such as Kosovo and Albania.
Fail to win and Wales would still make the play-offs thanks to their Nations League success but their semi-final would be away, at higher ranked nations such as four-time World Cup winners Italy.
There was no hint of an upset in Belgium as they hammered Liechtenstein 7-0 to seal top spot in Group J and a World Cup place.
And similarly, the outcome was never in doubt from the first whistle in Cardiff.
Bellamy's side made a blistering start as they pressed their opponents and put them under pressure, the recalled Johnson embodying the hosts' sense of purpose with a surging second-minute run into the penalty area which led to a Brooks volley which went narrowly over.
That set the tone for an outstanding display in which Wales' forwards tore their hitherto defensively solid visitors to shreds.
Brooks, Wilson, Johnson and James combined to spectacular effect, the latter's through ball setting Brooks free before he was tripped by Andrej Stojchevski for Wilson's first penalty.
Johnson, who had been benched for Wales' previous two games, then set up Brooks with an excellent low cross before scoring himself as he cut inside from the left and fired a right-footed shot into the top far corner.
North Macedonia had scored in between those two Wales goals - the hosts' defence alarmingly open to let Miovski in - but if there was any lingering anxiety that Wales might throw away their advantage, they swiftly put that to bed.
The freedom and creativity of their performance was exemplified by the fourth goal, a thrilling dance involving Johnson and Wilson, whose no-look flick teed up James to fire into the bottom corner.
Wilson's free-kick - a fabulous, Bale-esque effort - ran that close for the accolade of best goal of the game, and the Fulham playmaker sealed his hat-trick with a spot-kick after he was fouled.
The disbelieving home crowd were treated to a final goal in the 88th minute when Cardiff City's Davies, just on for his debut, flicked on a corner into the path of Broadhead, who stabbed in to give Wales a seventh goal in one game for the first time since thrashing Malta in 1978.
