Belgium face North Macedonia in a crucial World Championship 2026 qualifier that could define the tone of Group H. The Red Devils enter as clear favorites under new management, while the Macedonians aim to extend their unbeaten run and spring a major surprise. With both sides boasting strong recent form, this matchup promises tactical depth and attacking intent in equal measure.
Match Preview
Belgium have turned a corner under Rudi Garcia, who replaced Domenico Tedesco after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign. Garcia’s arrival has brought renewed structure and composure to a squad long criticized for inconsistency. The Red Devils started their qualifying campaign brightly, securing wins over Latvia and Montenegro with a combined scoreline of 6–1. Their ball retention and chance creation have been exceptional, led by Kevin De Bruyne’s return to peak fitness.
The absence of Thibaut Courtois remains significant, but Matz Sels has stepped up confidently between the posts. Romelu Lukaku continues to lead the line with purpose, closing in on 90 international goals. With Jeremy Doku and Leandro Trossard providing width and pace, Belgium’s attack looks fluid and unpredictable.
North Macedonia, under Blagoja Milevski, have developed into one of Europe’s most improved sides. Their eight-match unbeaten streak includes an impressive 3–0 dismantling of Liechtenstein and a well-earned 1–1 draw against Wales. Milevski’s side plays with compact discipline, relying on rapid transitions and set-piece precision. Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski anchors a resilient defense, while Enis Bardhi and Eljif Elmas bring creativity from midfield. Striker Bojan Miovski has been lethal recently, with five goals in seven outings for club and country.
Still, facing Belgium in Brussels is a challenge of a different scale. North Macedonia have struggled away from home, particularly against top-tier European nations, losing four of their last six on the road.
Team Form & Recent Results
Belgium (Last 5 matches): W W L D W
North Macedonia (Last 5 matches): W D W W D
Belgium’s home form remains outstanding — five wins from their last seven at King Baudouin Stadium, scoring 15 goals and conceding just three. North Macedonia’s recent away fixtures show improvement but remain inconsistent defensively.
Head-to-Head Record
Belgium and North Macedonia have met four times since 2000, with Belgium unbeaten in all encounters. Their most recent meeting ended in a comfortable 4–0 Belgian win, featuring goals from Lukaku and Hazard. North Macedonia, however, have scored just once in those four fixtures, highlighting the challenge they face in breaking down Belgium’s defense.
Lineups, Injuries & Suspensions
Belgium (4-3-3 expected): Sels – Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate – Tielemans, Witsel, De Bruyne – Doku, Lukaku, Trossard
Unavailable: Courtois (injured), Carrasco (doubtful)
North Macedonia (3-4-2-1 expected): Dimitrievski – Velkovski, Musliu, Serafimov – Ristovski, Alioski, Bardhi, Elezi – Elmas, Churlinov – Miovski
Unavailable: None major reported
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
Garcia’s Belgium favors patient buildup and positional rotation, with De Bruyne dictating tempo and Doku exploiting wide spaces. Lukaku’s physical dominance remains key to stretching defenses, while Tielemans’ range of passing provides vertical progression.
For North Macedonia, the focus will be on absorbing pressure and countering through Elmas and Bardhi’s ball-carrying ability. Miovski’s movement in behind could trouble Belgium’s aging backline, but sustaining possession will be a major challenge.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
- Full-Time Result: Belgium (1.28) | Draw (5.20) | North Macedonia (10.50)
- Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 (1.62)
- Both Teams to Score: No (1.55)
Betting Insights:
- Belgium have scored at least two goals in six of their last eight home games.
- North Macedonia have failed to score in four of their previous six away qualifiers.
- The Red Devils have won every head-to-head meeting by an average margin of 2.5 goals.
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Venue: King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels
Date & Time: October 10, 2025 – 19:45 CET
Broadcast: VRT 1 (Belgium), MRT 1 (North Macedonia), UEFA.tv (Global)
Prediction: Belgium vs North Macedonia, World Championship 2026 Qualifiers
Belgium’s attacking quality and home advantage make them overwhelming favorites. North Macedonia will bring determination and structure but may struggle to cope with Belgium’s tempo and precision. Expect the visitors to stay competitive early before the Red Devils pull away with second-half dominance.
