The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumes with an intriguing Group J fixture as North Macedonia plays host to European stalwarts Belgium at Brann Stadion. While Belgium enters as the clear favorite, the early dynamics of this qualification cycle have taught us to expect resilience from this Macedonian side. With both teams tied on win rate for the year and North Macedonia boasting an unbeaten record in group play so far, this match presents more nuances than the odds alone suggest.
Midfield control could be the defining factor, with Belgium’s Youri Tielemans expected to dictate tempo and North Macedonia’s Eljif Elmas aiming to break lines with his mobility. Both have shown a knack for influencing games in key moments — keep an eye on their contributions as the match unfolds.
The “hot stat” coming into this match: Belgium’s last outing saw them put three goals past Ukraine in an assertive victory, demonstrating their attacking potency after a brief stumble. That offensive turnaround will loom large in Bergen.
| 🏆 Tournament: | FIFA World Cup UEFA Qualification 2026 (Group J) |
| 🏟 Venue: | Brann Stadion, Bergen |
| 🗓️ Date: | 06.06.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:45 CEST |
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North Macedonia vs Belgium prediction
Given Belgium’s squad depth and firepower, they stand poised to dictate play and create sustained pressure. However, North Macedonia, coached by Blagoja Milevski, has made a habit of frustrating well-fancied opponents, relying on compact defensive structure and quick transitions sparked by Elmas and Bardhi. Belgium, under Rudi Garcia, typically dominates possession and employs a high pressing game, which may yield gaps when North Macedonia looks to counter.
Both teams feature disciplined midfields and, notably, neither side has accumulated a rash of cards or excessive fouling in recent outings. Belgium’s last five matches saw them average high possession and accurate passing (often above 85%), but a vulnerability to swift counters remains. North Macedonia, conversely, owns a solid defensive record and showed clinical finishing versus Liechtenstein.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Belgium -1.5 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
North Macedonia’s recent games show a growing confidence. In their last outing, a 1-1 home draw against Wales, North Macedonia absorbed pressure for long spells but responded with sharp, decisive passing on the break. Prior to that, a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein highlighted their ability to punish defensive lapses, capitalizing on set pieces and turnovers. Their unbeaten start in Group J—scoring four and conceding just once—underscores a team built on collective grit and timely attacking surges.
Belgium’s recent games have been marked by contrasts. They rebounded impressively from a 1-3 loss to Ukraine by routing the same opponent 3-0, a match where the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku came alive in the final third. Before that, Belgium suffered narrow defeats to Israel and Italy—games notable for missed chances and uncharacteristic defensive lapses. Yet, when their midfield clicks and the full-backs push forward, Belgium’s ceiling rises as high as any side in Europe.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | North Macedonia | Belgium |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 4 | 4 |
| Total shots | 16 | 19 |
| Free kicks | 20 | 15 |
| Corner kicks | 10 | 7 |
| Total fouls | 18 | 20 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 83 | 87 |
| Interceptions | 22 | 18 |
| Offsides | 6 | 8 |
🚨Read our full North Macedonia vs Belgium stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Belgium the favourite
- Moneyline North Macedonia 9.00 | Belgium 1.36
- Draw 4.80
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.83 | Under 2.5 2.00
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.18 | No 1.68
The bookmakers’ odds reflect Belgium’s superior talent and depth—at around 69 percent implied win probability, they’re expected to take full points. North Macedonia’s price is long, and while recent results underline their defensive improvement, a home win would be a seismic shock. The value lies with Belgium to not only win but do so with a margin, especially given their capacity to score heavily when in rhythm.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
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North Macedonia. Source: Official Website
Possible Starting Lineups
North Macedonia possible starting eleven

- GK: Stole Dimitrievski
- DF: Ezgjan Alioski, Visar Musliu, Darko Velkovski, Stefan Ristovski
- MF: Elif Elmas, Enis Bardhi, Arijan Ademi, Boban Nikolov
- FW: Aleksandar Trajkovski, Bojan Miovski
Expect North Macedonia to continue with their pragmatic 4-2-3-1, banking on organization and the attacking thrust of Bardhi and Elmas. Dimitrievski’s shot-stopping and Alioski’s full-back runs will be critical. Look for Trajkovski’s experience up front to provide hold-up and inspiration in attack.
Belgium possible starting eleven

- GK: Koen Casteels
- DF: Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Arthur Theate, Yannick Carrasco
- MF: Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, Orel Mangala
- FW: Jeremy Doku, Romelu Lukaku, Leandro Trossard
Rudi Garcia is likely to field a forward-thinking 4-3-3, utilizing Tielemans’ creativity and Onana’s physicality in midfield, with Doku and Trossard stretching the pitch. Lukaku will be the focal point, hunting for early crosses and direct service. Watch for Doku’s directness and Carrasco’s overlap to create danger wide.
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Belgium. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
This has the makings of a classic “favorites versus disruptors” contest. My main pick is Belgium -1.5 Asian Handicap—expect the Red Devils’ offensive machinery to eventually stretch a stubborn Macedonian block, especially as legs tire. The creative core of Tielemans and forward punch of Lukaku should prove decisive. North Macedonia’s organized defensive lines may keep things tight early, but sustained pressure and bench depth favor Belgium pulling away in the final third. Yet, football remembers shocks—and North Macedonia has built their recent reputation on being the team nobody wants to overlook.

