The third round of the 2026 World Cup European qualifiers Group J kicked off. North Macedonia, playing at home, tied with Belgium 1-1 after Alioski scored after leading.

In the 12th minute, Belgium started to cooperate. Lukaku received the pass from his teammate in the penalty area and turned to shoot, but the ball was blocked by the opponent. In the 20th minute, Bilis created a chance with a cross. Nicholas Laskin headed the ball, but the ball touched the opponent and went out of the baseline.

In the 27th minute, North Macedonia tried to counterattack. Elmas got the ball and shot from the top of the penalty area, but the ball hit the post. Then Ennis Baldi's shot also hit the post. In the 28th minute, Salemax made a straight pass, and Lukaku in the penalty area received the pass from his teammate and shot but was blocked. Then Dirk Iper made a supplementary shot and scored, helping Belgium take the lead 1-0.

In the 44th minute, Belgian defender Thomas Meunier was shown a yellow card warning by the referee for a foul.

At the beginning of the second half, North Macedonia arranged for Agon Elezi to replace Atanasov. In the 48th minute, North Macedonia created an offensive opportunity. Elmas received a pass from his teammate and volleyed the ball. The ball hit Bojan Ilivski and bounced into the net, but after VAR intervention, it was offside, so the goal was ruled invalid.

In the 54th minute, North Macedonia continued to attack. Elmas passed the ball over the defense and Kostadinov shot directly, but the ball went over the goal. In the 61st minute, Belgian striker Doku, who plays for Manchester City, dribbled the ball and made a cross, but it was blocked by North Macedonia goalkeeper Dimitrevski.

In the 74th minute, Ennis Baldi fell to the ground while trying to receive the ball in the penalty area, but the referee did not make a penalty. In the 82nd minute, Belgium arranged for Openda to replace Lukaku. In the 86th minute, Churlinov made a lob pass to the penalty area, and Alioski volleyed and scored, helping North Macedonia to tie the score 1-1.

In the end, North Macedonia drew 1-1 with Belgium at home.