Kazakhstan vs. North Macedonia Tips and Odds – 09/06/2025

• Fixture: Kazakhstan vs North Macedonia
• Date: Monday, 9 June 2025
• Venue: Astana Arena, Astana, Kazakhstan

Match Preview

Kazakhstan host North Macedonia at the Astana Arena in a crucial World Cup 2026 Qualifying Group J encounter, with both sides looking to boost their hopes of reaching the finals. The hosts currently sit third in the group with three points from two matches, while North Macedonia are second with five points from three games—a position earned thanks to resilient recent performances against strong opposition.

Kazakhstan come into this fixture having beaten Liechtenstein 2-0 in their last qualifier, a match where they dominated defensively and limited their opponents to just three shots. However, this victory was a rare highlight in a challenging run, as Kazakhstan have lost 12 of their last 15 matches in all competitions and have struggled defensively, conceding 24 goals in their last 10 games. Their home form is inconsistent, with only two wins in their last five at the Astana Arena, and they have often found it difficult to score more than once per match.

North Macedonia, by contrast, are enjoying a nine-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, including a 1-1 draw with Belgium and a similar result against Wales in their last two qualifiers. Their defensive solidity has been a hallmark, with six clean sheets in their last six victories, and they have conceded just twice in their last eight matches. While their wins have mostly come against lower-ranked sides, their ability to frustrate stronger teams, as shown against Belgium, suggests a team growing in confidence and tactical discipline.

Both squads are relatively healthy for this match. Kazakhstan are without midfielder Serikzhan Muzhikov due to injury, and attackers Artur Shushenachev and Oralkhan Omirtayev were not called up. North Macedonia miss influential midfielder Arijan Ademi but welcome back Nikola Serafimov from suspension. These absences may slightly affect midfield stability for both teams, but the core lineups remain intact.

Key Players

• Kazakhstan: Maxim Samorodov and Baktiyor Zainutdinov are the main creative outlets, with Samorodov scoring recently and Zainutdinov providing attacking impetus from midfield. Defensively, Aleksandr Marochkin and Nuraly Alip anchor the back line, but their ability to contain North Macedonia’s forwards will be tested.
• North Macedonia: Elif Elmas, the Napoli midfielder, is the orchestrator in the middle of the park, while Bojan Miovski is in scoring form, having netted in back-to-back away games. Ezgjan Alioski’s experience at left-back and Enis Bardhi’s leadership in midfield are also crucial for the visitors.

Prediction

Given Kazakhstan’s defensive vulnerabilities and North Macedonia’s impressive unbeaten run, the visitors are favorites to edge this contest. North Macedonia’s structured approach and recent results against higher-ranked teams suggest they have the discipline to secure a narrow victory, though Kazakhstan’s home advantage could keep the scoreline close. Expect a low-scoring affair, with North Macedonia likely to prevail by a single goal.

Predicted score: Kazakhstan 0-1 North Macedonia

Betting Markets & Odds

Odds are indicative and subject to change.

This match promises to be a tense, tactical battle with North Macedonia’s form and defensive resilience giving them the edge, but Kazakhstan’s home crowd could make it a tricky assignment for the visitors.