Manager Rudi Garcia has a strong and experienced squad at his disposal as Belgium begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying journey.
Belgium will begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey with a tricky away fixture against North Macedonia on Friday in Skopje. For the hosts, this clash marks their third game of the qualifying campaign. North Macedonia have made a promising start, collecting four points from their opening two matches – a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein and a 1-1 draw against Wales.
They now turn their attention to one of Europe’s heavyweight nations as they chase a historic first-ever World Cup qualification. Meanwhile, Belgium are currently ranked 8th in the FIFA World Rankings and will come into this game as clear favourites. However, they have been far from consistent in recent months.
After a string of underwhelming results at Euro 2024 and in the 2024–25 Nations League, former Roma and Napoli manager Rudi Garcia has taken over the reins. The Red Devils ended a six-game winless streak in March with a commanding 3-0 win over Ukraine but questions remain over their ability to perform on the road. This clash will be a key test for both sides.
North Macedonia head into Friday’s World Cup qualifierwith a clean bill of health. Manager Blagoja Milevski is expected to stick with his preferred three-at-the-back system. Valencia shot-stopper Stole Dimitrievski will start in goal. Meanwhile, midfield dynamo Enis Bardhi will once again wear the captain’s armband.
Up front, Girona’s Bojan Miovski is expected to lead the line. The in-form striker has been in excellent touch for the national team, netting five goals in his last seven international outings. With home support behind them and a fully fit squad, North Macedonia will look to spring a surprise against a high-profile Belgium side.
Dimitrievski; Zajkov, Musliu, Manev; Ilievski, Alimi, Kostadinov, Alioski; Bardhi; Miovski, Elmas
Belgium will be without veteran goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid shot-stopper has withdrawn from the squad due to a back injury. Club Brugge’s Nordin Jackers has been drafted in as a replacement but Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels is expected to get the nod for Friday’s World Cup Qualifier.
Manager Rudi Garcia has a strong and experienced squad at his disposal as Belgium begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying journey. Up front, Romelu Lukaku will spearhead the Belgian attack. The prolific striker will aim to add to his impressive 88-goal international tally.
Sels; Meunier, Faes, Debast, De Cuyper; De Bruyne, Onana, Tielemans; Trossard, Doku, Lukaku
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