North Macedonia will face Kazakhstan in a crucial World Cup qualifying match on Monday at Tose Proeski Arena. A win could significantly enhance North Macedonia’s chances of progressing to the World Cup 2026.
Current Standings in Group J
Currently, North Macedonia leads Group J with 12 points from six matches, while Kazakhstan occupies the fourth spot with six points from six games. The standings are tight, with only two points separating North Macedonia from both Belgium and Wales, who hold games in hand.
Recent Form
- North Macedonia recently drew 0-0 against Belgium, despite facing significant pressure.
- Kazakhstan bounced back with a 4-0 victory over Liechtenstein, ending a three-match losing streak.
Key Statistics
| Team | Points | Matches Played | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Macedonia | 12 | 6 | >10 | 2 |
| Kazakhstan | 6 | 6 | 4 | >20 |
Match Preview
North Macedonia has shown a strong defensive record, conceding just two goals throughout the qualifying campaign. However, their scoring ability has been a concern, with only one match in their last six seeing more than one goal scored.
Under the management of Blagoja Milevski, the team has remained unbeaten in their last 12 competitive outings, winning eight of these matches. They have not lost at Tose Proeski Arena in ten games, securing five victories. In contrast, Kazakhstan has struggled on the road, losing 11 of their last 12 away matches.
Team News
In their last match against Belgium, North Macedonia utilized a back three. For the upcoming game, they are likely to shift to a four-man defense. Key players like Gjoko Zajkov and Andrej Stojchevski are expected to form the defensive line, with Enis Bardhi and Isnik Alimi providing support in midfield.
Kazakhstan is anticipated to maintain their 4-2-3-1 formation. Key attackers Dastan Satpaev and Ramazan Orazov are likely to start, supported by a dual midfield pivot of Islambek Kuat and Georgi Zhukov.
Predictions
Given their home advantage and defensive prowess, North Macedonia is favored to secure a victory. A predicted outcome is a 2-0 win for the home side.
The stakes are high for both teams, with North Macedonia aiming to capitalize on their form and Kazakhstan striving to keep their qualifying hopes alive. Fans can expect an intense matchup as both sides battle for crucial points in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
