Belgium had won three successive meetings with North Macedonia prior to the reverse fixture in June, in which Ezgjan Alioski's stunning late equaliser salvaged a point for the hosts in Skopje.
On home soil, the Red Devils have won 24 of their last 29 qualifiers, scoring four or more goals in 13 of them, their most-recent defeat coming at the hands of Germany in September 2010.
Belgium vs North Macedonia preview
Belgium have featured at each of the last six major tournaments, having failed to qualify for five in succession beforehand, and this month's double header will determine whether or not they can start planning for North America next summer just yet. Last month could not have gone any better for Rudi Garcia's team, enjoying a pair of 6-0 victories, demolishing both Liechtenstein in Vaduz and then Kazakhstan at Stade Constant Vanden Stock; Kevin De Bruyne on target in both.
As a result, the Red Devils have ten points out of a possible 12 on the board, winning three on the spin since that draw in Skopje in June. With a trip to Cardiff to come on Monday night, victory in these two fixtures will all but rubber stamp top spot for Belgium, but any slip ups would open the door for the chasing pack. So, will they Red Devils pick up three points at Arteveldestadion?
As for North Macedonia, having made their major tournament debut at Euro 2020, they're still dreaming of making a maiden World Cup appearance next summer. Blagoja Milevski's side actually come into this international window top of Group J, still unbeaten after five fixtures. They have held both Wales and Belgium to draw at Toše Proeski Arena, the former particularly dramatic, taking the lead through Bojan Miovski in the 91st minute, only to concede in the 96th.
Meantime, the Lynxes have won three out of three against the section's two minnows, hammering Liechtenstein 5-0 last time out; Enis Bardhi, Darko Churlinov, Lirim Qamili and Luka Stankovski all scoring. However, the toughest tests are still to come, traveling to Ghent here before concluding their campaign at the Cardiff City Stadium next month. In recent times, North Macedonia have enjoyed qualifying away wins in both Germany and Italy, so could they upset the odds again on Friday night?
Belgium vs North Macedonia head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 5.
- Belgium Wins: 3. Draws: 2. North Macedonia Wins: Zero.
Belgium team news
Rudi Garcia is without key midfielder Youri Tielemans as well as Belgium's all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku both due to injury, while fellow forward Charles De Ketelaere is a doubt.
After falling out with previous head coach Domenico Tedesco, Thibaut Courtois is back, so will start in goal, with Arthur Theate alongside Zeno Debast the first-choice centre-back pairing.
Veteran Axel Witsel has been recalled, hoping to earn his first cap for 16 months, while Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard are set to start out-wide, looking to supply Loïs Openda.
Belgium predicted lineup vs North Macedonia: (4-3-3): Courtois; Castagne, Debast, Theate, De Cuyper; Tielemans, Raskin, De Bruyne; Doku, Openda, Trossard.
Belgium player to watch vs North Macedonia
Kevin De Bruyne took his tally to 34 international goals with a double against Kazakhstan last time out, overtaking Eden Hazard, meaning only the aforementioned Lukaku has more, so will he add to his tally?
North Macedonia team news
Blagoja Milevski's squad features plenty of experienced figures, including Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski, who will need to be at his best if they're to get anything from this one.
In attack, Aleksandar Trajkovski has been without a club since leaving Hajduk Split in May, but did start against Liechtenstein last month, so could keep his place up front.
North Macedonia predicted lineup vs Belgium: (4-3-3): Dimitrievski; Ilievski, Musliu, Velkovski, Alioski; Alimi, Kostadinov, Elmas, Bardhi; Trajkovski, Miovski.
North Macedonia player to watch vs Belgium
Bojan Miovski scored his second goal for new club Rangers against Falkirk on Sunday. He is likely to be North Macedonia's primary goal threat in Ghent, having scored eight times for his country, two of which have come in this campaign.
Belgium vs North Macedonia prediction
We cannot see beyond a comfortable Belgian victory at Arteveldestadion, likely to swat North Macedonia aside, thereby propelling themselves into top spot: Belgium 3-0 North Macedonia.
Belgium vs North Macedonia FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Belgium vs North Macedonia in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Belgium vs North Macedonia in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Belgium vs North Macedonia in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Belgium vs North Macedonia in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Belgium vs North Macedonia in World Cup qualification?
Belgium vs North Macedonia takes place on Friday 10 October 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).