Belgium — North Macedonia : Match Preview and Prediction for May 27,2025

Match Prediction and Betting Analysis: Belgium vs North Macedonia

Expert Odds Assessment: According to bookmakers’ forecasts, the Belgian national team is considered the undeniable favorite for this upcoming fixture. The odds for a home victory (W1) are set at a low 1.16, a draw (X) is valued at 7.90, and an away win (W2) for the visitors stands at a significant 21.00. Given the current form of both squads and their statistical performance, the most attractive wager appears to be Belgium to win coupled with an Over 2.5 goals total, or alternatively, the hosts’ individual total goals to be Over 2.5, with odds for ITB1 (2.5) at 1.92. This prediction is underpinned by the Belgians’ prolific scoring ability in recent games and their inherently aggressive attacking style.

Tournament Standings and Driving Motivation

High Stakes Encounter: This match carries immense importance for both contenders in their quest for direct qualification to the World Cup. North Macedonia has emerged as an unexpected group leader in Group J, accumulating 11 points from five matches. However, their lead over Belgium and Wales is razor-thin—only one point, with Belgium still holding a game in hand. Belgium currently occupies second place with 10 points after four games, showcasing consistent form and an impressive capability to convert opportunities. For the home side, a win in this fixture would catapult them into the top spot, while for the visitors, it would solidify their leadership and enhance their prospects of a historic World Cup appearance.

Recent Performance of Both Teams

Belgium’s Formidable Run: After a surprising draw against North Macedonia at the outset of the qualification campaign, Belgium has since comfortably defeated Wales, Liechtenstein, and Kazakhstan, netting 17 goals while conceding just four. Rudy Garcia’s squad maintains an aggressive offensive posture, generating a multitude of dangerous chances and boasting one of the group’s highest xG (expected goals) metrics at 2.59 per match. Even the absence of Romelu Lukaku due to injury has not curtailed their attacking prowess, as the Belgians have managed to score 16 goals in their last three outings.North Macedonia’s Resilient Campaign: North Macedonia has undoubtedly been the standout revelation of the qualifiers, remaining unbeaten throughout: securing two victories against Liechtenstein, one win over Kazakhstan, and draws against both Belgium and Wales. The team displays well-organized defensive play and executes effective rapid counter-attacks. Nevertheless, their xG significantly trails Belgium’s at 0.79 per match. In their last five encounters, the Macedonians have registered three wins and two draws, indicating a level of consistency, but not necessarily a high offensive output.

Historical Head-to-Head Records

Previous Encounters Overview: In the initial round of the current qualification cycle, the teams played to a 1-1 draw. Notably, Belgium’s xG in that game was 2.16, highlighting the significant number of scoring opportunities they created. Across their four prior meetings, Belgium has secured three victories, with one match ending in a stalemate. Historically, Belgium has demonstrated strong performances against this opponent on their home ground, a trend supported by their home match statistics.

In-depth Tactical Analysis

Belgium’s Dynamic Offensive System: Under the guidance of Rudy Garcia, Belgium employs a formation featuring three central defenders complemented by two attacking wing-backs. This tactical setup is designed to create numerical advantages in the final third of the field. The team actively utilizes short passing sequences and swift vertical attacks, alongside an efficient execution of set-pieces. In recent games, the Belgians have consistently shown high ball possession (exceeding 60%), a substantial number of shots on target (averaging 7 per game), and an impressive passing accuracy above 85%.North Macedonia’s Counter-Attacking Strategy: North Macedonia typically adopts a more defensive stance, prioritizing a compact defensive block and rapid counter-attacks primarily through the flanks. In matches against stronger opponents, the team frequently deploys a 5-4-1 system, overloading the central area to minimize space for the opposition’s attacking players. However, this defensive strategy has historically proven less effective against Belgium, with the Macedonians regularly losing out in terms of generated chances and ball possession.

Anticipated Scenario and Further Betting Suggestions

Projected Match Flow and Additional Wagers: Taking into account the tournament motivation, the clear home advantage, and the robust xG statistics, Belgium is anticipated to dominate proceedings, forging numerous dangerous scoring opportunities against their opponent’s goal. The likelihood of both teams finding the net is assessed by bookmakers at 2.62. However, xGscore predictions point towards a 3:1 victory for the home side. Therefore, it is advisable to consider the following betting options:

• Belgium to win with an Asian Handicap (-1.5)
• Belgium’s individual total goals to be Over 2.5
• Total goals in the match to be Over 2.5
• Both Teams to Score – Yes (at odds of 2.62), for those seeking a higher-risk bet

Concluding Thoughts

Final Match Assessment: Belgium enters this crucial fixture in peak form, possessing a superior squad and strong motivation to secure the top position in their group. While North Macedonia has shown commendable stability, they are outmatched in terms of overall game quality and advanced statistical indicators. The main recommended wager remains Belgium to win with a total of Over 2.5 goals, or alternatively, the hosts’ individual total to be Over 2.5, a prediction strongly supported by both bookmaker odds and sophisticated xG metrics.