North Macedonia vs. Belgium: WCQ Match Preview, Odds & Prediction

On Friday, Belgium will play North Macedonia in Skopje to begin their qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The home team has already won its qualifying opener against Liechtenstein and drew their first encounter against Wales.

Previous Matches and Head-to-head

North Macedonia is set to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time, having only participated in one major event before, Euro 2020. They won promotion from League C in the latter months of 2024 with 16 points from six matches in the UEFA Nations League. North Macedonia and the Dragons are tied on four points after a 1-1 draw in Wales. Despite the disappointing loss, they have gone eight games without a loss, marking one year since their June 2024 friendly loss to the Czech Republic.

North Macedonia hasn't lost a competitive match since being defeated 5-2 by Italy in November 2023 during Euro 2024 qualifying. However, they will be aware that a Belgium squad sitting eight spots in the FIFA rankings could end their remarkable unbeaten streak.

Belgium, led by Rudi Garcia, has been a League A team in every Nations League edition, maintaining their tradition of being a League A team in every Nations League edition. Belgium is the heavy favorite to win their group, which includes North Macedonia, Wales, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. Belgium will travel to North Macedonia in hopes of securing their first away victory since their 3-2 win over Austria in October 2023 during the Euro 2024 qualification.

Belgium has won both of its previous away matches against North Macedonia, including a 5-0 victory in European Championship qualifying and a 2-0 win in World Cup qualifying.

North Macedonia x Belgium Team News

The custodian, Stole Dimitrievski of Valencia, will likely start in goal with Gjoko Zajkov, Visar Musliu, and Jovan Manev forming a back three to protect him.

As the third-highest scorer in North Macedonian history, Enis Bardhi will lead his team in Friday's match and provide a significant offensive threat.

The host team will start Girona forward Miovski, who has scored five goals in his last seven international games.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out of the team due to a back injury; therefore, the visiting team will be without their starting goalkeeper.

The most probable starter for Friday's friendly is Matz Sels of Nottingham Forest, while Club Brugge's Nordin Jackers has taken Courtois's spot on the roster.

Romelu Lukaku, who just won Serie A with Napoli, will spearhead Friday's attack and will be aiming to extend his international goal count to 88.

Our predictions

Belgium to win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.01 on Sky247.ng

Despite North Macedonia's eight-game winning streak, Friday's encounter with Belgium still poses a significant challenge for the hosts. Ultimately, we believe the visitors will possess the superior talent to secure a narrow victory.

Elevate your betting experience with SKY247 Nigeria. Join now and discover a thrilling world of sports, live events, and exclusive bonuses. Bet with confidence on your favorite teams and games.