The result means Craig Bellamy’s Wales side now have their fate firmly in their own hands heading into Monday’s crucial qualifier against Belgium in Cardiff.
With three matches left to play, Wales can secure automatic qualification for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico if they win all of them — starting with the visit of the Red Devils.
North Macedonia’s defensive resilience stunned Belgium, who dominated possession but could not find a breakthrough despite relentless pressure.
The visitors lead Group J on 12 points from six matches, one ahead of Belgium and two ahead of Wales, who both have a game in hand.
Belgium remain favourites on paper to top the group, but the stalemate has opened the door for Wales, who now have a realistic route to automatic qualification and, at the very least, a strong chance of reaching the play-offs via their Nations League record if they finish second.
North Macedonia produced what could only be described as a defensive masterclass.
In a near 90-minute siege, they repelled everything Belgium could throw at them.
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Jeremy Doku tormented down the left flank and Kevin De Bruyne probed repeatedly from the edge of the area, but goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski stood firm with a string of crucial saves to secure a point that changes the complexion of the group.
“We did everything we could to score but it was frustrating. If we had got a first goal, I'm sure we would have got a lot more,” Belgian midfielder Hans Vanaken told VTM television afterwards.
Belgium still have a game in hand and remain well placed to progress, but the draw was a timely reminder of the volatility of this campaign — and for Wales, it will feel like the door to the World Cup has creaked open again.
For Bellamy’s squad, it could hardly be a better scenario.
They will welcome Belgium to a sold-out Cardiff City Stadium on Monday night with renewed optimism and motivation, and the backing of the Red Wall, knowing that victory could transform their campaign.
Wales sit third with ten points, but that game in hand — and the fact that their next fixture is against direct rivals Belgium — gives them the opportunity to seize control of Group J before heading into their final two matches.
The team finishing second in the group will advance to the play-offs in March, while a third-place finish could still be enough for Wales to make that stage, given their impressive Nations League record from last year.
Belgium, meanwhile, were left to rue missed opportunities in Ghent.
From the opening whistle, Domenico Tedesco’s side were on the front foot, with Doku and De Bruyne combining frequently in search of an early goal.
But their efforts were repeatedly repelled by North Macedonia’s compact back line. Even when the hosts did break through, Dimitrievski’s heroics in goal kept them at bay.
North Macedonia’s determination frustrated the home crowd and denied Belgium the chance to reclaim top spot in the group.
The visitors celebrated at full-time as though they had won, knowing their point could yet prove decisive.
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Elsewhere in Europe, World Cup qualifying continued to take shape. In Paris, Kylian Mbappé delivered yet again as France moved closer to booking their place at next year’s finals with a 3-0 home win over Azerbaijan in Group D.
The 26-year-old opened the scoring just before half-time, set up Adrien Rabiot for the second, and watched substitute Florian Thauvin add a late third.
Les Bleus were missing several regular starters — including Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola — but Didier Deschamps’ side still managed to secure a comfortable victory that puts them on nine points from three games.
They could wrap up qualification when they travel to Iceland on Monday.
In Group B, Switzerland strengthened their hopes of reaching the finals as captain Granit Xhaka converted a penalty in a 2-0 win over Sweden.
The defeat leaves the Swedes’ qualification hopes hanging by a thread after another lacklustre display.
But the story of the night belonged to Group J — and to Wales, who suddenly find themselves right back in the mix.
The equation is now simple: win on Monday, and the dream stays very much alive.
