Matej Gashtarov to play for North Macedonia after Red Star call-up

Coach Goce Sedloski officially included Matej Gashtarov in North Macedonia's senior national-team squad on 16 September 2026, confirming the young midfielder will represent the country in the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Gashtarov's promotion at Red Star Belgrade and a recently issued Serbian passport had stirred speculation that Serbia might try to recruit him.

How the choice was settled

Gashtarov, who has appeared for North Macedonia at youth levels, became a first-team player at Crvena Zvezda this season and obtained a Serbian passport so he could be registered as an under-21 "joker" for the club. That administrative step prompted Serbian media and officials to suggest a switch of allegiance was possible.

Ranko Stojic, a senior figure in the Football Association of Serbia, publicly said in an interview days ago that they would attempt to persuade the player to change. Those efforts, however, came to an end when Sedloski spoke with Gashtarov personally and learned his intentions.

Sedloski's direct conversation made "it clear for whom Gashtarov plans to play." Serbian outlets this afternoon reported the development reluctantly, treating it as a setback to their pursuit. Gashtarov is now available to the North Macedonia squad for the Nations League matches announced on 16 September 2026.

Photo: press material from the event