North Macedonia vs Belgium prediction, H2H and probable lineups - June 6, 2025
On June 6, 2025, Skopje will host a pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifier as North Macedonia welcomes Belgium in Group J. I'm not expecting a goal-fest in this encounter.
Preview
This will be Belgium’s first match in the qualifying campaign, while North Macedonia have already managed to pick up points in their previous fixtures.
North Macedonia started their qualification run confidently, securing a 3-0 victory over Liechtenstein and drawing 1-1 with Wales, conceding a late equalizer. Under Blagoja Milevski, the team has shown consistent form, relying on key players such as striker Bojan Miovski, midfielder Enis Bardhi, and goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. Of particular note is North Macedonia’s defense, which has conceded just one goal in their last seven matches.
Belgium, meanwhile, approaches the game with a new head coach—Rudi Garcia, appointed in January 2025 after Domenico Tedesco’s departure. Under Garcia, the Red Devils have already played two Nations League playoff matches against Ukraine: after losing the first leg 1-3, Belgium bounced back with a commanding 3-0 home victory, showcasing both character and adaptability.
The Red Devils still boast plenty of experience: Romelu Lukaku, who netted a brace in the last match, along with Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne, who continue to dictate play in midfield. However, question marks remain over the involvement of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, whose relationship with the previous coaching staff was strained.
Group J features five teams: Belgium, North Macedonia, Wales, Kazakhstan, and Liechtenstein. The group winner secures a direct ticket to the World Cup, while the runner-up will have to fight through the playoffs. The upcoming clash in Skopje promises to be tense: North Macedonia is eager to build on their momentum and keep pushing for first place, while Belgium aims to kick off their campaign with a win and underline their status as favorites. Expect an intriguing battle between two ambitious sides with contrasting styles and tactical setups.
Probable lineups
- North Macedonia: Dimitrievski, Zaikov, Serafimov, Musliu, Alioski, Hieski, Alimi, Bardhi, Kostadinov, Miovski, Elmas
- Belgium: Sels, Meunier, Faes, Debast, Castagne, Vanaken, Tielemans, De Bruyne, Trossard, Lukaku, Doku
Match facts and H2H
- Belgium has failed to win in their last eight away games, recording four draws and four losses in that span.
- North Macedonia, in contrast, are enjoying a strong run—unbeaten in their last eight matches.
- The head-to-head history between these sides includes four matches: Belgium has won three, with one draw.
- Only one of those four encounters featured a high-scoring affair. The other matches were notably cagey.
Prediction
North Macedonia have looked solid in recent games, but they haven’t faced an opponent of Belgium’s caliber for some time. Expect a cautious affair: the hosts will likely sit deep and be satisfied with a draw. Belgium, despite their favorite status, have struggled on the road. Prediction—under 2.5 goals at odds of 1.9.
