Match report

Belgium 0-0 FYR Macedonia: World Cup Qualifiers End in Stalemate

Belgium
Belgium
0–0
FT
FYR Macedonia
FYR Macedonia
Oct 10, 2025

Belgium, known for their offensive prowess, were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by FYR Macedonia in a World Cup Qualifiers match. Despite dominating possession, Belgium failed to find the back of the net, while FYR Macedonia's robust defensive strategy ensured they remained unscathed throughout the 90 minutes. Key moments included yellow cards for Alexis Saelemaekers and Arthur Theate of Belgium, and FYR Macedonia's S. Ashkovski and T. Kostadinov also receiving cautions.

Key Facts

  • Final score: Belgium 0-0 FYR Macedonia
  • Alexis Saelemaekers received a yellow card for Belgium at the 6th minute
  • Arthur Theate and Kevin De Bruyne also received yellow cards for Belgium
  • S. Ashkovski and T. Kostadinov received yellow cards for FYR Macedonia
  • Belgium made five substitutions: L. Openda, M. Fofana, T. Meunier, J. Seys, and Maxim De Cuyper
  • FYR Macedonia made five substitutions: D. Churlinov, M. Ristovski, S. Despotovski, I. Alimi, and D. Velkoski

Lineups

Belgium

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Starting XI

  • 1 T. Courtois (G)
  • 21 T. Castagne (D)
  • 2 Z. Debast (D)
  • 3 A. Theate (D)
  • 5 M. De Cuyper (D)
  • 8 N. Raskin (M)
  • 22 A. Saelemaekers (M)
  • 20 H. Vanaken (M)
  • 7 K. De Bruyne (M)
  • 11 J. Doku (M)
  • 10 L. Trossard (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 M. Vandevoordt
  • 13 M. Sels
  • 4 B. Mechele
  • 6 A. Witsel
  • 9 M. Fofana
  • 14 D. Lukebakio
  • 15 T. Meunier
  • 16 J. Seys
  • 17 C. Vanhoutte
  • 18 A. Onana
  • 19 L. Openda
  • 23 M. Batshuayi

FYR Macedonia

Formation: 5-3-2

Starting XI

  • 23 S. Dimitrievski (G)
  • 3 S. Ashkovski (D)
  • 2 A. Stojcevski
  • 5 G. Zajkov (D)
  • 6 V. Musliu (D)
  • 8 E. Alioski (D)
  • 18 T. Kostadinov (M)
  • 21 J. Atanasov (M)
  • 7 E. Elmas (M)
  • 10 E. Bardhi (F)
  • 20 B. Miovski (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 D. Iliev
  • 12 I. Aleksovski
  • 4 N. Serafimov
  • 9 A. Trajkovski
  • 11 D. Churlinov
  • 13 S. Despotovski
  • 14 D. Velkovski
  • 15 E. Rastoder
  • 16 I. Alimi
  • 17 D. Babunski
  • 19 M. Ristovski
  • 22 L. Stankovski

Timeline

  1. Belgium
    6' Belgium Card · Yellow Card
    Alexis Saelemaekers

    Simulation

  2. FYR Macedonia
    30' FYR Macedonia Card · Yellow Card
    S. Ashkovski

    Foul

  3. FYR Macedonia
    46' FYR Macedonia subst · Substitution 1
    Off: S. Ashkovski · On: D. Churlinov
  4. FYR Macedonia
    57' FYR Macedonia subst · Substitution 2
    Off: B. Miovski · On: M. Ristovski
  5. Belgium
    59' Belgium subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Alexis Saelemaekers · On: L. Openda
  6. Belgium
    68' Belgium Card · Yellow Card
    Arthur Theate

    Foul

  7. Belgium
    74' Belgium subst · Substitution 2
    Off: L. Trossard · On: M. Fofana
  8. FYR Macedonia
    74' FYR Macedonia subst · Substitution 3
    Off: J. Atanasov · On: S. Despotovski
  9. FYR Macedonia
    74' FYR Macedonia subst · Substitution 4
    Off: A. Stojcevski · On: I. Alimi
  10. Belgium
    79' Belgium Card · Yellow Card
    K. De Bruyne

    Foul

  11. FYR Macedonia
    84' FYR Macedonia subst · Substitution 5
    Off: V. Musliu · On: D. Velkoski
  12. FYR Macedonia
    87' FYR Macedonia Card · Yellow Card
    T. Kostadinov

    Time wasting

  13. Belgium
    89' Belgium subst · Substitution 4
    Off: T. Castagne · On: T. Meunier
  14. Belgium
    89' Belgium subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Maxim De Cuyper · On: J. Seys

Match Stats

Stat Belgium FYR Macedonia
Fouls 15 8
Pass Accuracy 88% 63%
Offsides 2 0
Red Cards
Total Shots 25 3
Corners 13 2
Total Passes 690 203
Yellow Cards 3 2
Blocked Shots 12 2
Shots on Target 5 0
xG 3.24 0.05
Shots off Target 8 1
Possession 78% 22%
Goals Prevented
Accurate Passes 608 128
Shots Inside Box 20 0
Saves 0 5
Shots Outside Box 5 3

Key Match Notes

  • The yellow card given to Alexis Saelemaekers in the 6th minute could have shifted Belgium's momentum as they struggled to maintain their usual attacking rhythm.
  • FYR Macedonia's defensive resilience was evident throughout, especially after the substitution of D. Churlinov in the 46th minute, which helped solidify their defensive line and withstand Belgium's pressure.