Belgium will kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign this evening against North Macedonia in Skopje.
The Red Devils are favourites to win their group, but are currently sitting in fourth place in Group J, with the other teams in the group having already played two matches each.
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has withdrawn from contention for tonight’s match due to a back injury. Matz Sels is expected to deputise.
North Macedonia are currently at the top of Group J, having claimed four points from their two opening games. They beat Liechtenstein 3-0 in March and were held to a 1-1 draw with Wales in their last match.
Wales are in second place, also on four points. Wales beat 3-1 Kazakhstan in their first qualifying match.
Kazakhstan are in third place, having beaten Liechtenstein 0-2 in their last outing. Liechtenstein prop up the table after failing to pick up any points from their two games.
There are 12 groups of four or five teams in the European Qualifiers. The winner of each group will automatically qualify to play in the World Cup finals, with a further four spots available in the play-off round.
Belgium’s next match will be against Wales on Monday at the King Baudouin stadium in Brussels.
North Macedonia v Belgium will kick off tonight at 8.45pm.
