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North Macedonia might not be the biggest name in European football, but their form says otherwise. With six wins in their last seven matches, they enter this FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier riding a high. A commanding 3-0 win over Liechtenstein and a dramatic late draw against Wales have made one thing clear: this is not the same side that once played second fiddle in Europe.
On the other side, Belgium arrives late to the qualifying party, having missed the first window due to UEFA Nations League duties. While historically dominant — with three consecutive World Cup appearances and a third-place finish in 2018 — recent results paint a different picture. One win in their last seven. Five defeats. One draw. And now, serious questions.
Design: Both Sides Have a Point to Prove
Belgium may boast the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, but continuity remains a problem. Injuries, managerial changes, and a generational shift have dented their aura. Young talents like Jeremy Doku and Lois Openda are promising, but the spark of 2018 has dimmed.
North Macedonia, meanwhile, doesn’t rely on individual brilliance. Their strength lies in cohesion. Forward Bojan Miovski, currently with Girona in La Liga, has become a key name — his stoppage-time goal against Wales earned the team a vital point.
Performance So Far: Macedonia Edges Ahead
- North Macedonia: Beat Liechtenstein 3-0, drew Wales 1-1
- Belgium: No qualifiers played yet; won last match 2-1 vs Ukraine in March (Friendly)
Belgium’s rust could be North Macedonia’s opportunity. While Belgium are still favourites on paper, the match sharpness clearly lies with the hosts.
Features: What to Expect on the Pitch
For North Macedonia:
- High Press & Compact Midfield: They’ve kept shape well in recent games, making it tough for technically superior sides to break them down.
- Set-Piece Efficiency: Most goals in their last five matches have come from dead-ball situations.
- Confidence at Home: Hosting Belgium, even without big expectations, gives them a nothing-to-lose advantage.
For Belgium:
- Possession Play: Expect 60–65% of the ball, but breaking low blocks has been their recent Achilles’ heel.
- Veterans vs New Blood: Players like De Bruyne and Lukaku still carry the burden, but eyes are also on Doku and Onana to add spark.
- Defensive Vulnerability: Leaks in the backline, especially against counter-attacks, have cost them points.
Verdict: Can Macedonia Pull Off a Shock?
This match is a true clash of momentum versus muscle. North Macedonia are in rhythm and sharp, while Belgium will be figuring out combinations and fitness levels on the fly. That said, the individual quality in Belgium’s squad is undeniable — they only need a few moments of magic to win.
But here’s the catch: if Belgium underestimate this Macedonian unit, they could be in for a frustrating night.
Prediction: A tense draw or a narrow Belgium win — but don’t rule out an upset.
Watch Live: 2:45 PM EDT on Fubo Sports (Free Trial Available)
Stream: Via FuboTV app or website
Final Word
Whether you’re tuning in for a potential giant-killing or just to see if Belgium can rediscover their rhythm, this match is essential viewing. For Macedonia, a result here could redefine their qualifying journey. For Belgium, anything less than a win would sound alarms across Brussels.
Credit: Newsweek
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