World Cup Qualification 2026: North Macedonia-Kazakhstan, likely lineups

On Monday evening at 8:45 p.m. at the Toshe Proeski National Arena in Skopje, North Macedonia hosts Kazakhstan in a match valid for Group J of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The hosts, currently at the top of the group, are aiming for first place to secure direct access to the rainbow event in Mexico, Canada and the United States. Opposite situation for Kazakhstan, bottom of the group and now virtually out of the world race.

Milevski is expected to confirm the midfield block composed of Churlinov, Alimi, Bardhi and Elmas, with the latter also returning from good performances at Napoli. Forward, confirmation for the offensive pair consisting of Miovski and Trajkovski.

No revolution is planned for Baysufinov either, who is expected to reintroduce the 3-4-2-1 used against Liechtenstein: Astanov, Orazov, Muzhikov and Vorogobskyi will man the midfield, while Samorodov and Kenzhebekeh will act in the three-quarter in support of the only point Omirtaev.

Probable lineups

Northern Macedonia (4-4-2): Dimitrievski; Ilievski, Stojcevski, Zajkov, Alioski; Churlinov, Alimi, Bardhi, Elmas; Miovski, Trajkovski. Coach: Milevski.

.

Kazakhstan (3-4-2-1): Seysen; Kasym, Zhaksybaev, Alip; Astanov, Orazov, Muzhikov, Vorogobskyi; Samorodov, Kenzebekeh; Omirtaev. Coach: Baysufinov.

.