On Friday, June 6, 2025, Macedonia will welcome Belgium to the Toše Proeski National Arena for a crucial Group 3 clash in the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. Both teams enter the encounter with differing trajectories—Macedonia currently sit at the top of the group with four points from two matches, while Belgium aim to recover from inconsistent form despite a dominant history in the fixture.

This matchup marks the third round of group play, and with valuable qualification points at stake, both sides are expected to approach the fixture with intensity. Macedonia will look to build on their unbeaten start, while Belgium seek to reestablish their status as one of Europe’s elite footballing nations following recent setbacks in non-competitive fixtures.

Macedonia Overview

Macedonia have made a positive start to their qualifying campaign, collecting a win and a draw from their opening two matches. With four goals scored and only one conceded, their early performance reflects a balanced approach that combines attacking intent with defensive structure.

Their most recent result was a 1-1 home draw against Wales, a team ranked higher in international standings. That performance extended Macedonia’s unbeaten run and demonstrated their capacity to compete against seasoned European squads. The team’s resilience was evident, particularly in their ability to manage periods of pressure and transition quickly into attack.

Under the leadership of head coach Blagoja Milevski, Macedonia have adopted a tactical setup that prioritizes organization at the back and swift counters when possession is won. Milevski’s emphasis on youth integration and flexible systems has yielded noticeable improvements, with several emerging players making significant contributions.

Macedonia’s recent run of form further supports their credentials. Over their last five matches across all competitions, the team remains unbeaten with four victories and one draw, signaling increased consistency and belief within the squad. Playing at home, where they traditionally draw strong support, the hosts will aim to maintain defensive discipline while exploiting any openings left by their more experienced opponents.

Belgium Overview

Belgium enter the fixture in a transitional phase. Though traditionally one of Europe’s top-performing sides, the Red Devils have seen a recent decline in form outside of competitive qualifiers. Their last five matches overall produced one win and four defeats, raising concerns over squad cohesion and tactical clarity.

Despite this recent downturn, Belgium’s World Cup qualifying performances remain strong. Reviewing their last five qualifiers, which span the current and previous campaigns, the team has notched four wins and a draw. This contrast underscores Belgium’s tendency to respond effectively in competitive fixtures, even as they struggle to replicate that form in friendlies or Nations League matches.

The team’s latest qualifier resulted in a decisive 3-0 home victory over Ukraine, offering potential evidence of recovery. That performance was marked by improved coordination across all lines and clinical finishing—elements that had been missing in earlier games.

Belgium’s manager, Roberto Martinez, continues to rely on his tactical versatility and familiarity with the squad, which still includes experienced figures alongside rising talents. His approach typically emphasizes possession control, high pressing, and quick attacking transitions. With qualification points on the line, Martinez will likely revert to a structured lineup capable of minimizing risks while seeking a breakthrough.

Historical Matchups and Statistical Advantage

The head-to-head record between the two sides clearly favors Belgium. In their most recent encounter, Belgium secured a narrow 1-0 win on home soil. Across the last four meetings in all competitions, Belgium have claimed three wins and one draw, while Macedonia have yet to register a victory.

This historical dominance, combined with Belgium’s higher FIFA ranking and broader tournament experience, provides the visitors with a psychological edge. However, given Macedonia’s current form and home advantage, the outcome is unlikely to be straightforward.

Form Review and Latest Fixtures

In recent games, Macedonia have demonstrated a level of consistency not previously associated with their national side. Their five-match unbeaten streak highlights both growing tactical maturity and improved squad depth. Their draw against Wales reinforced the perception of a team capable of frustrating higher-ranked opponents through compact defending and calculated risk-taking in attack.

Belgium, in contrast, have endured a challenging stretch with four losses in their last five games across all competitions. However, their 3-0 win over Ukraine suggests a potential return to form, particularly in meaningful matches. This result, if followed by a similar performance in Skopje, could help Belgium build momentum during a critical period in the qualifiers.

Macedonia vs Belgium betting odds

Bookmakers have priced Belgium as clear favorites for the upcoming clash. Current odds place a Belgium win at 1.42 with 1win, while a draw is set at 4.45. A home win for Macedonia is considered an outside bet at 8.90. In the “Both Teams to Score” market, “No” is the more favored option at 1.53, compared to 2.44 for “Yes,” indicating expectations of a low-scoring game.

Those exploring betting markets may also consider handicap options on Belgium to improve returns, especially given the visitors’ higher overall quality and recent 3-0 win. For bettors prioritizing defensive trends, backing “Both Teams to Score – No” aligns with both teams’ recent results and past encounters, which have often featured low goal totals.

Numerous betting platforms currently offer welcome bonuses, including free bet credits upon initial deposits. These promotions may provide new users with additional value when placing wagers on matches such as this World Cup qualifier.

Prediction

As both teams prepare for this pivotal encounter, the dynamics suggest a tightly contested affair. Macedonia’s recent form and tactical cohesion make them capable of holding firm against stronger opposition, particularly at home. Nevertheless, Belgium’s superior squad depth, historical dominance in the matchup, and strong qualifying record position them as likely winners.

The match may ultimately hinge on whether Belgium can break down Macedonia’s defense early. If the hosts manage to frustrate their opponents through organized defending and effective game management, they could extend the contest deeper into the second half. However, the odds remain in favor of a narrow Belgian victory with limited scoring chances on either side.

Prediction: Macedonia 0 – 1 Belgium / Under 2.5 Goals