Can Belgium Overcome North Macedonia’s Home Fortress? Latest Team News, Stats, and What to Watch
Belgium faces an unbeaten North Macedonia side in Skopje as both nations target key World Cup 2026 qualifying points and history.
- Belgium FIFA Rank: 8th (59 places above North Macedonia)
- North Macedonia’s Unbeaten Run: 8 matches (since June 2024)
- Lukaku international goals: 88 (Belgium’s all-time top scorer)
- North Macedonia’s last competitive defeat at home: Over a year ago
Bracing for a heated night in Skopje, Belgium launches its World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign against North Macedonia—a team surfing an eight-match unbeaten wave and eyeing their first-ever tournament appearance. This high-stakes showdown offers drama, redemption, and the possibility of a seismic upset.
North Macedonia: Hope, Home Strength, and An Eye on History
Dreams are alive in Skopje. North Macedonia, propelled by a historic promotion in the UEFA Nations League and a fierce 3-0 dispatch of Liechtenstein, now shares Group J’s lead with Wales. Their resilience showed during a heart-stopping clash where Bojan Miovski’s late strike was matched by a last-gasp Wales equalizer. Despite the sting, an unbeaten streak stretching a year emboldens them—but Belgium’s pedigree presents a monumental test.
For more on the beautiful game’s biggest stories, check out FIFA and UEFA.
Belgium: Rebuilding, Big Names, and the Rudi Garcia Era
The Red Devils, perched eighth in FIFA’s rankings, enter a new era under Rudi Garcia after Euro 2024 disappointment and National League struggles. Garcia steadied the ship by overcoming Ukraine in a crucial playoff, maintaining Belgium’s elite status.
Now, a re-energized squad aims for its fourth consecutive World Cup appearance. While Romelu Lukaku, fresh off a stellar Serie A campaign with Napoli, leads the charge for his 89th international goal, the absence of star keeper Thibaut Courtois hands Matz Sels a rare chance to shine.
Q&A: What Are the Teams’ Key Weaknesses and Strengths?
Q: How has North Macedonia stunned bigger teams?
A: With gritty home resilience and clinical finishing—Bojan Miovski’s five goals in his last seven games have been crucial. Their tight-knit defense, marshaled by Stole Dimitrievski, has taken them to within touching distance of history.
Q: Where could Belgium struggle?
A: Belgium hasn’t won away since October 2023 and faces a raucous Skopje crowd. The Red Devils have also had to rebuild quickly under Garcia, and the Courtois injury leaves room for uncertainty in defense.
How-To: Keys to Belgium Securing Victory in Skopje
How can Belgium turn the tide away from home?
- Strike Early: Belgium thrives when ahead. Breaking the deadlock could silence the home fans and force Macedonia out of their defensive shell.
- Control the Midfield: With Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings, transition play and finding Lukaku will be crucial.
- Stay Organized: North Macedonia is known for late drama—Belgium must maintain focus for the full 90+ minutes.
Probable Lineups and Who To Watch
North Macedonia XI: Dimitrievski; Zajkov, Musliu, Manev; Ilievski, Alimi, Kostadinov, Alioski; Bardhi; Miovski, Elmas
Belgium XI: Sels; Meunier, Faes, Debast, De Cuyper; De Bruyne, Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, Doku, Lukaku
Catch all the latest stats, analysis, and exclusive updates at top football platforms like ESPN and BBC Sport.
Score Prediction and Outlook
All eyes will be on Skopje as Belgium looks to snap their away drought and halt Macedonia’s inspiring run. Expect end-to-end action—with Belgium’s star quality just tipping the balance for a 2-1 victory.
Don’t Miss the Clash! Follow Live, Stay Updated, and Share Your Predictions!
- Check group tables and stats on official tournament pages.
- Track live match data on BBC Sport or your favorite sports site.
- Discuss and predict with friends on social media—who will seize Group J momentum?
Bookmark for updates, and get ready for a World Cup qualifier that could rewrite history in Skopje!
