North Macedonia vs Kazakhstan Prediction – World Cup 2025 Qualifier Preview, Lineups & Key Stats

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⚽ North Macedonia vs Kazakhstan – World Cup 2025 Qualification Preview

The World Cup 2025 Qualifiers resume with an intriguing Group D clash between North Macedonia and Kazakhstan on October 13, 2025, at the National Arena Toshe Proeski in Skopje. Both sides enter this match determined to strengthen their standing in a competitive group where every point counts.

For North Macedonia, this fixture represents a crucial opportunity to stay in contention for a playoff spot. The hosts have shown moments of brilliance in 2025, but inconsistency has held them back. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, have surprised many with their resilience and tactical discipline, making this an evenly matched contest on paper.

🇲🇰 Team Form and 2025 Performance

North Macedonia (2025 form):
The team led by Blagoja Milevski has endured a mixed qualifying campaign so far, alternating between strong home wins and narrow away defeats. They’ve performed particularly well in Skopje, where passionate home support often inspires aggressive attacking play.

Midfield maestro Eljif Elmas continues to be the creative engine of the team, while Aleksandar Trajkovski and Bojan Miovski have been key figures up front. Defensively, however, Macedonia have looked vulnerable, conceding late goals in tight matches against Austria and Georgia earlier this year.

Kazakhstan (2025 form):
Managed by Magomed Adiev, Kazakhstan have grown into one of the most organized teams in Eastern Europe. Their performances in 2025 have been disciplined, with a series of low-scoring games reflecting their defensive structure.

Captain Baktiyor Zaynutdinov and striker Abat Aymbetov have been instrumental, combining technical ability with physical strength. Their impressive 2–1 away victory over Cyprus in March showed Kazakhstan’s growing maturity and tactical awareness.

⚔️ Head-to-Head Record

The two teams have faced each other four times since 2014, with North Macedonia holding the advantage.

  • North Macedonia 4–0 Kazakhstan (June 2024, Friendly)

  • Kazakhstan 1–1 North Macedonia (March 2022, Nations League)

  • North Macedonia 2–0 Kazakhstan (November 2020, Friendly)

  • Kazakhstan 0–1 North Macedonia (October 2018, Nations League)

In total, North Macedonia have won three and drawn one, scoring eight goals and conceding only one. The record clearly favors the hosts, especially when playing in Skopje.

🧩 Predicted Lineups

North Macedonia (4-2-3-1):
Dimitrievski – Musliu, Velkovski, Serafimov, Alioski – Ademi, Bardhi – Elmas, Trajkovski, Churlinov – Miovski

Kazakhstan (3-4-2-1):
Pokatilov – Maliy, Marochkin, Alip – Vorogovskiy, Zaynutdinov, Beysebekov, Kuat – Tagybergen, Samorodov – Aymbetov

🔎 Tactical Breakdown

North Macedonia are expected to dominate possession, using quick transitions and wing overloads to break down Kazakhstan’s compact shape. Their full-backs, particularly Ezgjan Alioski, will push forward aggressively, looking to supply crosses for Miovski and Trajkovski.

Kazakhstan, on the other hand, will rely on their disciplined defensive structure and rapid counterattacks. Zaynutdinov’s movement between midfield and attack will be crucial in linking play and catching Macedonia’s defense off guard.

Expect North Macedonia to press high early on, while Kazakhstan will stay patient, hoping to capitalize on set pieces and defensive errors.

🌟 Players to Watch

  • Eljif Elmas (North Macedonia): The Napoli midfielder remains the creative heartbeat of the team, capable of unlocking defenses with his vision and close control.

  • Bojan Miovski (North Macedonia): The Aberdeen striker has been in excellent form in 2025, scoring crucial goals in qualifiers.

  • Baktiyor Zaynutdinov (Kazakhstan): The team’s captain and leader, influential both in midfield and attack.

  • Abat Aymbetov (Kazakhstan): A physical forward with strong aerial presence and finishing ability.

🔮 Match Prediction

While Kazakhstan have shown admirable organization, North Macedonia’s home advantage and attacking talent should prove decisive. Expect the hosts to control the tempo and create numerous chances through their dynamic midfielders.

Kazakhstan’s resilience might limit the scoreline early, but Macedonia’s quality in the final third should eventually make the difference.

✅ Predicted Score: North Macedonia 2–0 Kazakhstan
✅ Both Teams to Score: No
✅ Total Goals: Under 2.5

🏁 Conclusion

This qualifier in Skopje promises a tactical battle between a creative home side and a disciplined visiting team. North Macedonia will look to reignite their qualification hopes with a confident display, while Kazakhstan aim to frustrate and snatch a result through counterattacks.

Ultimately, Macedonia’s technical edge, home momentum, and superior attacking options should earn them three valuable points in front of their passionate fans. 🇲🇰🔥