Belgium Faces North Macedonia in FIFA World Cup Qualifier Showdown

SKOPJE, North Macedonia — Belgium will kick off its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against North Macedonia on Friday, June 6, 2025. The match begins at 2:45 p.m. ET at the Todor Proeski Arena.

North Macedonia currently leads Group J with four points after drawing with Wales and defeating Liechtenstein 2-0 in their previous matches. In contrast, Belgium is yet to play a qualifying match, as the team was occupied with the Nations League.

In the previous Euro 2024 competition, Belgium faced disappointing results and exited in the Round of 16. Their recent performance in the Nations League was also not promising, adding pressure as they enter this game.

While North Macedonia seeks its first World Cup appearance, Belgium, which finished third in the 2018 World Cup, wants to reaffirm its status as a European powerhouse. The Belgians are managed by Rudi Garcia, who took over after Domenico Tedesco’s departure, aiming to reset the team’s trajectory.

North Macedonia will look to capitalize on home advantage. Team captain Enis Bardhi and striker Bojan Miovski, who scored five goals in his last seven internationals, will be key players for their squad.

Belgium will be without star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois due to a back injury, with Matz Sels expected to start. Veteran striker Romelu Lukaku aims to extend his impressive scoring record, hoping to lead Belgium to a strong start in the qualifiers.

This match represents not just an opportunity for points but also a chance for pride as North Macedonia aims to make history against one of Europe’s elite.