Match report

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

Belgium

0–0

FYR Macedonia

Oct 10, 2025

Belgium

Home

Match

Oct 10, 2025 · FT

FYR Macedonia

Away

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

6' Belgium Card · Yellow Card

Alexis Saelemaekers

Simulation
30' FYR Macedonia Card · Yellow Card

S. Ashkovski

Foul
46' FYR Macedonia subst · Substitution 1

Off: S. Ashkovski · On: D. Churlinov
57' FYR Macedonia subst · Substitution 2

Off: B. Miovski · On: M. Ristovski
59' Belgium subst · Substitution 1

Off: Alexis Saelemaekers · On: L. Openda
68' Belgium Card · Yellow Card

Arthur Theate

Foul
74' Belgium subst · Substitution 2

Off: L. Trossard · On: M. Fofana
74' FYR Macedonia subst · Substitution 3

Off: J. Atanasov · On: S. Despotovski
74' FYR Macedonia subst · Substitution 4

Off: A. Stojcevski · On: I. Alimi
79' Belgium Card · Yellow Card

K. De Bruyne

Foul
84' FYR Macedonia subst · Substitution 5

Off: V. Musliu · On: D. Velkoski
87' FYR Macedonia Card · Yellow Card

T. Kostadinov

Time wasting
89' Belgium subst · Substitution 4

Off: T. Castagne · On: T. Meunier
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.