North Macedonia vs Belgium, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Today Match Prediction

North Macedonia vs Belgium Match Prediction & Analysis

North Macedonia will aim to continue their strong start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as they host Belgium in a crucial Group J encounter. Having already secured four points from their opening two matches, including a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein and a 1-1 draw with Wales, North Macedonia are brimming with confidence, boasting an eight-game unbeaten run.

Belgium, on the other hand, kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign hoping to reverse a recent slump in form. While they ended a four-game losing streak with a 3-0 Nations League playoff win against Ukraine, their overall record shows only one win in their last seven matches. 

Belgium holds a strong record against North Macedonia, remaining unbeaten in their four previous encounters with three wins and one draw, and notably securing two away victories including a dominant 5-0 win in 1995 and a 2-0 win in 2013.

TEAMS PREVIEW

North Macedonia Preview

North Macedonia enters their World Cup 2026 qualifying clash against Belgium with significant momentum, having enjoyed a remarkable run of form. Since November 2023, they have remained unbeaten in competitive matches, a streak that includes collecting 16 points from six UEFA Nations League matches to secure promotion from League C.

Their World Cup qualifying campaign began brightly with a dominant 3-0 home victory over Liechtenstein. While a dramatic 1-1 draw against Wales saw them concede a 96th-minute equalizer, it still extended their impressive unbeaten run across all competitions to eight matches, marking a full year since their last friendly defeat. This strong defensive organization is a key aspect of their play, with an average of just 0.50 goals conceded in their recent matches. 

Despite not boasting a roster full of global superstars, North Macedonia's squad features several players competing in top European leagues. A key figure to watch is Bojan Miovski of Girona, who has been instrumental in their recent success, scoring against both Liechtenstein and Wales. 

North Macedonia probable starting lineup: Dimitrievski (Gk); Zajkov, Musliu, Manev; Ilievski, Alimi, Kostadinov, Alioski; Bardhi; Miovski, Elmas

Belgium Preview

Belgium arrives in North Macedonia to kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign under new management, with Rudi Garcia at the helm after Domenico Tedesco's dismissal following a disappointing Euro 2024 and Nations League showing. Garcia's tenure began with a 3-1 away loss to Ukraine in the Nations League playoffs but saw a swift turnaround with a convincing 3-0 home victory, ensuring Belgium's continued presence in League A.

The "Red Devils" are clear favorites in their qualifying group. However, their recent away form has been a concern, with only one win in their last seven away matches across all competitions, dating back to October 2023. This will be a key area for Garcia to address as they seek to break this pattern in Skopje. 

Despite the managerial change, the core of the Belgian squad remains, with prolific striker Romelu Lukaku (88 international goals) leading the attack, fresh off a Serie A title win with Napoli. He will be ed by the influential Kevin De Bruyne. While Thibaut Courtois is a notable absentee due to injury, Matz Sels is expected to step in as goalkeeper.

Looking at their last six matches, Belgium has averaged 2.67 total goals per game, with 50% seeing both teams score. They have scored an average of 1.17 goals and conceded 1.5 goals per match, with 67% of these games going over 2.5 goals. Despite their recent away struggles, Belgium boasts an impressive record of not being beaten in their last 28 straight World Cup Qualification UEFA matches, highlighting their consistent performance in this competition.

Belgium Probable Starting Lineup - Sels; Meunier, Faes, Debast, De Cuyper; De Bruyne, Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, Doku, Lukaku