In the UEFA World Cup qualification playoff semi-final on March 26, 2026, the national teams of Slovakia and Kosovo will face each other. The visitors will try to surprise once again.
Slovakia has only played at the World Cup once. However, they often qualify for the Euros, including reaching the playoffs again in 2024. They did not succeed in the Nations League—last year, they lost to Slovenia in the fight for a spot in Division B. However, in qualification, after beating the Germans, they were contenders for first place until the end. That said, in the final round, they lost to Germany, suffering a 0-6 defeat!
Kosovo is one of the youngest national teams in terms of official recognition. They are currently performing quite well. First, they finished second in the Nations League, behind Romania, and secured two playoff wins over Iceland last spring. Then, they collected eleven points in qualification, falling short to Switzerland but overtaking both Sweden and Slovenia, despite being considered clear underdogs in the group.
Calzona’s side plays rather modestly: averaging only 0.8 goals scored and 1.3 conceded per match—the Germans spoiled their stats at the very end. For Muriqi and his teammates, things look much better: scoring twice per match on average and conceding just 1.1.
Head-to-Head: Slovakia vs Kosovo
The teams will play each other for the first time.
The hosts are expected to win. However, the match is unlikely to be entertaining—expect “total under 2.5 goals” (odds – 1.60).
Slovakia vs Kosovo: Key Stats and Trends
Slovakia has won four of their last six matches
10% of Slovakia’s matches end with goals from both teams and have an average total of 2.1 goals per match
Kosovo has won eleven of their last fifteen matches
50% of Kosovo’s matches end with goals from both teams and have an average total of 3.1 goals per match
Slovakia vs Kosovo: Probable Starting Lineups
Slovakia is expected to play a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Dubravka – Hancko, Obert, Skriniar, D’omber – Duda, Lobotka, Bero – Sauer, Strelec, Duris. Bozenik and Schranz are not called up.
Kosovo is expected to play a 1-5-3-2 formation (probable lineup): Muric – Gallapeni, Aliti, Hadërgjonaj, Delova, Vojvoda – Muslija, Rexhbecaj, Hodza – Muriqi, Asllani. Rrahmani and Jashiri are injured, Celina is not called up.
