The Kosovo national team hosts Slovenia in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Telegraph will keep you informed minute by minute about all developments before and after the match.
The Kosovo national team will play today (Friday) against Slovenia as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
The Dardanians host the Slovenians in the third match of Group B, which is expected to take place at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina starting at 20:45.
Franco Foda’s team comes into this match off a big victory over Sweden and aims for the next three points to continue their dream of qualification.
On the other hand, Matjaz Kek’s team is coming off a heavy loss to Switzerland and will attempt to recover with a positive result.
Kosovo is missing Amir Rrahmani and Lumbardh Dellova, while the other footballers are all ready to play.
Kosovo with a “new face” against Slovenia – how much has the national team changed since the last match against them
The Kosovo national team will face Slovenia at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
This opponent, already known to the “Dardans”, will land in Pristina for the second time.
Kosovo has faced Slovenia in two matches in the past within the Nations League, but unfortunately the balance of these matches is negative.
Kosovo closes final training for Slovenia with confidence towards victory
The Kosovo national team has completed its last training session today before the decisive match against Slovenia, as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The players focused on the tactical and technical aspects, working on the final details for the match that will take place tomorrow in Pristina.
The atmosphere in the Dardanian camp was extremely positive, with maximum commitment from all players. The team is entering this match with high confidence, aiming to get the three points and continue its journey towards qualifying for the World Cup.
Despite some absences due to injuries, Franco Foda has shown that the team is prepared and in good physical condition for tomorrow’s challenge. The preparations focused on coordination, defense and exploiting opportunities in attack to ensure a positive result.
Victory over Slovenia, the ‘key’ to Kosovo’s dream of the World Cup
Kosovo is ready for another historic challenge on the road to the 2026 World Cup, as it hosts Slovenia on Friday evening at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium, in a match that could determine the fate of qualifying group B.
After nine wins in their last 11 matches, including six consecutive triumphs at home, the “Dardans” led by Franco Foda are showing that the dream of the World Championship is no longer just a wish.
The recent 2-0 victory over Sweden has revived the belief that Kosovo could be among the biggest surprises of these qualifiers.
“We only go for victory, I expect a devilish atmosphere”, the Slovenian star seeks full points in Pristina
Slovenian national team defender Zan Karnicnik believes that his national team can defeat Kosovo at “Fadil Vokrri”.
Before the trip to Kosovo, he stated that he expects a devilish atmosphere at “Fadil Vokrri”, however, he believes that Slovenia will leave with full points.
“The boys and I know what awaits us in the next matches against Kosovo and Switzerland. The first match in Pristina will be very important, we have to go for victory and I think we are well prepared.”
Franco Foda confirmed Dellova’s absence against Slovenia, but who are the options to replace the CSKA Sofia star?
Kosovo coach Franco Foda confirmed that center back Lumbardh Dellova will not be available to play against Slovenia.
Dellova has an important role in Foda’s formation, being Amir Rrahmani’s ‘arm’ in the ‘heart of the defense’. However, due to the injury, he will not be able to defend the Dardanelles jersey at least on Friday in Pristina.
With Dellova absent, what are Foda’s options for the match against Slovenia, knowing that Hoffenheim star and recent arrival Albian Hajdari will be the starter? Fortunately, the German coach has several options as he has invited four other center-backs.
Foda recalls the confrontations with Slovenia: A team with a strong defense, but we have the advantage
The Kosovo national team will face Slovenia tomorrow (Friday) at the ‘Fadil Vokrri’ stadium as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Before this meeting, Franco Foda, during the press conference, analyzed Slovenia, an opponent he said he knows very well.
“Yes, I’ve faced Slovenia twice as Austria’s coach. We won 0-1 once, it was a tough match.”
Franco Foda confirms a major absence in defense for the match against Slovenia
The Kosovo national team will face Slovenia tomorrow (Friday) at the ‘Fadil Vokrri’ stadium as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Before this meeting, Dardanian coach Franco Foda spoke at a press conference, confirming a major lack in the defensive phase.
Lumbardh Dellova is injured and he will not be available for the ‘Dardans’ for this match.
Muric before the match with Slovenia: We have greater quality, I hope we can show this tomorrow
The Kosovo national team will face Slovenia tomorrow (Friday) at the ‘Fadil Vokrri’ stadium as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Before this match, goalkeeper Arijanet Muric spoke at a press conference, saying that the team will do its utmost to win.
“I’m very happy with my performance. Tomorrow I expect victory, we will do everything to win the match. If we go back in time, then we have developed a lot over these years.”
“It will be a challenge full of duels and aggression”, Slovenia’s coach only wants a victory over Kosovo
Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek says he expects a tough and aggressive challenge in Pristina against Kosovo.
Kosovo will host Slovenia in World Cup qualifiers, with the “Dardans” needing to earn full points to remain in contention for further advancement.
Before the trip to Kosovo, Kek warned the national team that if they do not show the proper level, they will be punished.
Ismet Munishi speaks before the Kosovo – Slovenia match and remembers the time when he played with the Slovenian coach: Strong national team
Kosovo coach Ismet Munishi, currently in charge of Dukagjini, spoke ahead of Kosovo’s decisive match against Slovenia, which will be played on Friday at Fadil Vokrri starting at 20:45 PM.
The Kosovo national team has 3 points after two matches, while Slovenia has 1 point, making the match important for qualification.
Munishi has a special history with Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek, with whom he played at Maribor, and was a teammate of Robert Englaro (Slovenia assistant coach) at Olimpija Ljubjana, an experience that gives him a special perspective for the upcoming challenge.
Captain’s curse strikes Sweden again ahead of matches with Switzerland and Kosovo
Ahead of their matches against Switzerland and Kosovo on October 13, the Swedish national team is facing an unusual situation – a “captain’s curse” that seems to have been going on for months. Every player who has worn the captain’s armband for Sweden recently has been injured or has had physical problems immediately after matches.
The latest victim is Isak Hien, the Atalanta defender who led the team in September and put in a solid performance in Serie A last weekend. However, in recent training with the Swedish national team, he has been completely absent.
Anton Saletros, another regular starter, is also in the same situation and has also not been seen in training sessions this week. It is still unknown whether the pair will be available for the match against Kosovo.
Kosovo continues preparations before the duel against Slovenia
The Kosovo national team held its next training session today (Wednesday) before the decisive match against Slovenia, which will take place on Friday at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium as part of the World Cup qualifiers.
Under the guidance of coach Franco Foda, the players have worked with high dedication and intensity, focusing on tactical aspects and the schemes that are expected to be applied in this important match.
The atmosphere in the Dardanian camp is positive, with players showing determination and motivation to give their best on the field.
“The atmosphere at the Pristina stadium will be electrifying, but only victory matters” – says Slovenian defender Janza
The Slovenian national team will arrive in Pristina on Thursday afternoon, to face Kosovo on Friday (20:45) in the third qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup.
For Slovenian team defender Erik Janza, who plays in Poland for Gornik Zaberze, this match is crucial on Slovenia’s path to the World Cup.
“We know that only victory matters against Kosovo. We need to look at ourselves more to improve, and if we do that, the result will be better.”
Italian referees in charge of the Kosovo – Slovenia match at “Fadil Vokrri”
The match between Kosovo and Slovenia, which will take place on Friday at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium in Pristina, will be refereed by an entirely Italian panel.
According to the official UEFA announcement, the main referee of the match will be Marco Guida from Italy. He will be assisted by compatriots Giorgio Peretti and Giuseppe Perrotti, while Daniele Chiffi has been appointed as the fourth official.
There will also be Italians in the VAR room: Marco Di Bello will be (VAR), while Valerio Marini will assist him in the role of (AVAR).
The Slovenian media asks and then analyzes: Is Slovenia a favorite against Kosovo?
Slovenian media reports that the Slovenian National Team is facing a decisive challenge on the road to the 2026 World Cup, as it faces Kosovo on Friday at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium in Pristina.
Coach Matjaz Kek and his players are aware that the confrontation with the Dardanelles will be an “hour and a half of truth”, writes the media outlet.Sport Klub“.
According to the Slovenian media, although on paper Kosovo could be considered the most modest opponent in the qualifying group, the reality is quite different. Franco Foda’s team has shown itself to be organized and combative, especially in home matches, where the atmosphere at “Fadil Vokrri” turns into a great advantage for the Dardanelles.
“Let’s go in with the same mentality as against Sweden”, Kreshnik Hajrizi talks about the challenge against Slovenia
Kreshnik Hajrizi is one of the players invited for the two October matches that Kosovo will play against Slovenia and Sweden.
Before the first match of this group, against Slovenia, which will take place on Friday at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium, Hajrizi shared his emotions about this invitation and the preparations with the team.
“Every time I come to the National Team it’s a good feeling, I feel proud. The atmosphere is very good and the training is going very well to prepare for the match with Slovenia. I hope we achieve a good result.”
Leard Sadriu: An invitation from the national team is the best feeling a footballer can experience
Defender Leard Sadriu is part of the Kosovo National Team’s squad for two matches in October against Slovenia and Sweden.
Before the first match against Slovenia, which will take place on Friday at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium, Sadriu gave a statement to the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK), where he shared his emotions and assessments of the atmosphere in the team.
“When you receive an invitation from the National Team, it is a very good feeling, the best feeling a footballer can experience. I am very happy to be part of the team,” Sadriu initially stated.
The stars are back, the atmosphere in the team is good: The Dardanians continue preparations for the match against Slovenia
The Kosovo national team held its second preparatory training session today for the October matches against Slovenia and Sweden, which will take place on October 10 and 13.
In today’s session, coach Franco Foda had the entire group of players available, while Lumbardh Dellova was involved in lighter exercises to avoid physical strain.
The technical staff focused mainly on the tactical aspect, with particular emphasis on the quick transition from defense to attack.
“The pressure is great, but we have to win against Kosovo” – the Slovenian midfielder talks about the decisive match
The Slovenian national football team will be in Pristina for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where the Slovenians, like the Dardanians, will face two crucial matches. Kosovo and Slovenia meet on Friday at 20:45.
Slovenian midfielder Max Elsnik, who plays for Crvena Zvezda, said during a meeting with the media on Tuesday that for Slovenia, victory in Pristina is the only goal.
“The pressure is great and sometimes it’s not bad if there is more pressure. This provokes a reaction and I hope it will be positive. We need to win this match to join the fight for the top two places.”
Slovenia coach Kek wants him in the team at all costs – team star refuses to return to the national team
Slovenia coach Matjaz Kek has confirmed that Miha Zajc will not be returning to the national team just yet, as the player himself has made it clear that he wants to focus fully on his career with Dinamo Zagreb.
The 30-year-old midfielder announced his retirement from the Slovenian national team last summer, shortly before the Euro 2024 European Championship, after not being included in Kek’s final list.
Since then, Zajc has focused entirely on club football, transferring from Fenerbahçe to Dinamo Zagreb, where he has shown solid performances.
Florian Haxha does not train with the national team due to health conditions
The Football Federation of Kosovo has announced that Florian Haxha will not be called up for the October matches.
The right midfielder of the Polish team, Motor Lublin, Florian Haxha will not be part of the Kosovo National Team’s squad for this month’s two matches against Slovenia and Sweden due to his health condition.
Meanwhile, the National Team will continue preparations today with the second training session, which will take place at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium at 16:30 PM.
How Slovenian media comment on Foda’s list, shortcomings and results
Slovenian media have carefully covered the latest Kosovo National Team squad, highlighting the players selected by coach Franco Foda, important absences and the results achieved so far.
Foda, who has previously managed Sturm Graz, Kaiserslautern, Zurich and the Austrian national team, has included 27 players in his list for the qualifying matches, writes Slovenian media outlet Siol.net.
Captain Amir Rrahmani is absent due to injury, but Kosovo will feature experienced players such as Vedat Muriqi, Milot Rashica, Valon Berisha, Fidan Aliti and Mërgim Vojvoda.
Kosovo held its first training session this afternoon at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium in Pristina, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Slovenia, which will be played on Friday.
Some of the main players were absent due to late commitments with their clubs, but also travel, as they only landed in Pristina today.
Edon Zhegrova did not attend the session, having not played against Milan in Serie A or Villarreal in the Champions League. The Juventus striker joined the team on Monday at the hotel.
Slovenia coach Kek says he doesn’t rule out getting info from Gliha about Kosovo
The Slovenian national team has begun preparations for the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Kosovo, which takes place on Friday in Pristina.
Coach Matjaz Kek has included 27 players on the list and emphasizes that the team must be maximally focused to avoid mistakes, as every point is important for qualification.
Kek has great respect for Kosovo and recalls our team’s 2-0 victory over Sweden last month, considering it a sign of the skills of the Kosovar players.