North Macedonia drew 1-1 with Kazakhstan in a World Cup qualifier, with the hosts dominating territorially but failing to convert their advantage into victory. Deployed in a 5-3-2 formation, North Macedonia controlled the match with 20 shots and an expected goals tally of 2.7, though only six efforts found the target. Kazakhstan's 4-3-3 setup proved compact and efficient; despite registering just 15 shots and 1.57 xG, they matched their opponents' goal tally through clinical finishing. North Macedonia's goalkeeper made 83.33 per cent of saves but conceded 1.0 post-shot expected goals, suggesting the away side's limited chances carried genuine quality. The stalemate leaves both sides seeking a decisive advantage in future qualifying fixtures, with North Macedonia's profligacy in front of goal the defining factor in dropping points at home.