North Macedonia
Odds to win: 500/1
Overview
North Macedonia burst onto the international scene by qualifying for Euro 2020, their first major tournament, and then stunning Italy in the 2022 World Cup playoff, eliminating the reigning European champions in Palermo. The Lynxes play a disciplined, counter-attacking style that maximizes their limited resources. Their squad features players from various European leagues, with a collective spirit and tactical organization that compensates for a lack of individual star power. North Macedonia's rise has been one of the feel-good stories of European football, proving that well-coached, motivated teams can compete with traditional powers.
Key Players
Elif Elmas
Midfielder · RB Leipzig
Aleksandar Trajkovski
Forward · Al-Fayha
World Cup History
North Macedonia have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup. Their most famous World Cup qualifying moment was eliminating Italy 1-0 in the 2022 playoff semifinal, one of the biggest shocks in qualifying history, before losing to Portugal in the final round. An appearance at the 2026 World Cup would be a historic first for Macedonian football.
Fun Fact
Aleksandar Trajkovski's stoppage-time winner against Italy in the 2022 World Cup playoff stunned the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo and eliminated the reigning European champions, one of the greatest upsets in World Cup qualifying history.
Predict North Macedonia's Path to the Final
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