Monday Night Upset? Why North Macedonia Is Poised to Topple Kazakhstan – and Take the Group Lead in World Cup Qualifying
North Macedonia eyes the top spot as they clash with Kazakhstan, whose defensive frailties could spell the end of their World Cup dreams.
- North Macedonia is unbeaten in 9 matches—winning 6
- Kazakhstan has lost 12 of its last 15 games
- The most likely result: 0-1 in favor of North Macedonia (14.23%)
- Kazakhstan has never qualified for a World Cup
World Cup qualifying heats up in Group E as Kazakhstan hosts North Macedonia at Astana Arena on Monday night. With both teams gunning for a historic boost, every minute will matter in this high-stakes showdown.
After a gritty draw with Belgium, North Macedonia sits just two points behind group leaders Wales. A win tonight would see them leapfrog into the top position—a monumental achievement for the Balkan side.
Kazakhstan, however, faces an uphill battle. Despite a recent 2-0 victory over Liechtenstein, the squad’s defensive woes are hard to overlook—they’ve shipped 24 goals in their last 10 outings. Manager Ali Aliev’s team sits third, and sharing a group with titans like Belgium and Wales makes qualification look like a distant dream.
Related reading: Dive deeper into the world of international football at FIFA and check the latest qualifiers updates on UEFA.
Q&A: Who’s Got the Edge?
How has Kazakhstan performed at home?
The Hawks recently won 2-0 against Curacao at home but dropped points in their last four matches at Astana Arena, with three losses and one draw. Their form seesaws wildly, raising questions about their consistency under pressure.
What sets North Macedonia apart right now?
Confidence. North Macedonia’s squad, led by Blagoja Milevski, is on a sizzling nine-match unbeaten streak, with six clean sheets in their last six wins. The team has frustrated higher-ranked sides, most recently drawing with both Wales and Belgium—no small feat.
How Will The Teams Line Up?
Kazakhstan Possible Starting XI:
Goalkeeper Mukhamedjan Seisen will marshal a back three of Marat Bystrov, Aleksandr Marochkin, and Nuraly Alip. Expect Islam Chesnokov and Maksim Samorodov on the flanks, with Dastan Satpayev in attack.
North Macedonia’s Expected Formation:
Shot-stopper Stole Dimitrievski will rely on defenders Andrej Stojchevski, Gjoko Zajkov, and Visar Musliu. Up front, stars Enis Bardhi, Bojan Miovski, and Eljif Elmas will spearhead the attack, flanked by creative midfielders Jani Atanasov and Tihomir Kostadinov.
How Can North Macedonia Exploit Kazakhstan’s Weaknesses?
– Press high: Kazakhstan’s leaky defense has been their Achilles’ heel, with opponents finding ways to break through late in games.
– Control midfield: North Macedonia must outmuscle Ramazan Orazov and Georgy Zhukov to dictate play and tempo.
Prediction: Will North Macedonia Make History?
Data analysis gives North Macedonia a 55% chance of victory, with a 14% probability of a narrow 0-1 win—an outcome that would send shockwaves through the group and put Wales on high alert. Kazakhstan’s probability of grabbing a win? A precarious 19.6%.
Optimism is high in Skopje, and with momentum on their side, North Macedonia is primed to seize the group summit.
Stay tuned to BBC and ESPN for live coverage and expert analysis as Monday’s fireworks unfold.
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Your Next Steps: Get Ready for the Action
- Review each team’s recent form and key players
- Bookmark UEFA’s site for live updates
- Watch for in-game tactical shifts and late drama
- Share your predictions and join the global debate online
Who will rise to the occasion? Mark your calendar, spread the word, and don’t miss this pivotal World Cup qualifying clash!
