Match Preview: Kosovo vs Slovenia

The seventh-round qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will see Kosovo host Slovenia on October 10 at the “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium in Pristina. This detailed preview covers the match prediction, betting insights, odds, and key statistics.

Kosovo Team Analysis

Kosovo’s Recent Form and Breakthrough

In the previous round, Kosovo secured a significant 2:0 home victory against Sweden. This marked their first win in seven World Cup qualification matches, a run that included two draws and four defeats. Notably, it was also the first time in their history that the team scored more than one goal in a World Cup qualifier. This win also halted a six-match streak of conceding goals in the competition. With a total of three points, Franco Foda’s squad currently holds the second position in Group B.

Key Statistics for Kosovo

• Kosovo conceded the opening goal in 6 of their last 7 World Cup qualification encounters.
• Playing on home soil, Kosovo has suffered defeat in 8 of their last 10 World Cup qualification matches, managing just one victory and one draw.
• The team has scored more than once in only 1 of their last 10 home games in this tournament.

Expected Kosovo Starting XI (4-4-2)

Arijanet Muric – Mërgim Vojvoda, Ilir Krasniqi, Dion Gallapeni, Fidan Aliti – Valon Berisha, Florent Muslija, Elvis Rexhbecaj, Milot Rashica – Vedat Muriqi, Edon Zhegrova.

Team News: Kosovo Absentees

Midfielder Lirim Emerllahu is suspended. Defender Amir Rrahmani has been excluded from the squad due to injury.

Slovenia Team Analysis

Slovenia’s Recent Performance and Defensive Woes

Slovenia suffered a 0:3 away defeat to Switzerland in their last fixture, ending a five-match scoring run in World Cup qualifiers. The national team has managed only one win in their last five qualification games (two draws, two losses), with at least two goals finding the back of Slovenia’s net in four of those matches. Matjaž Kek’s side currently anchors Group B, having conceded the most goals in the group with a total of five.

Key Statistics for Slovenia

• A minimum of three goals have been scored in 7 of Slovenia’s last World Cup qualification matches.
• When playing away, Slovenia has been defeated in 7 of their last 9 World Cup qualifiers, securing just one win and one draw.
• In 8 of their last 10 away tournament fixtures, the national team failed to score more than one goal.

Expected Slovenia Starting XI (4-4-2)

Jan Oblak – Žan Karničnik, Jaka Bijol, David Brekalo, Erik Janža – Jon Gorenc Stanković, Timi Elšnik, Adam Gnezda Čerin, Sandi Lovrič – Benjamin Šeško, Žan Vipotnik.

Referee Analysis

Marco Guida (Italy)

Referee Statistics (International fixtures, 2025/26):

• Matches officiated – 5;
• Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 16;
• Average yellow cards per match – 3.2;
• Red cards shown – 0;
• Average fouls per match – 23;
• Penalties awarded – 20%.

Kosovo vs Slovenia Match Prediction

Kosovo’s Attacking Drive

For Kosovo to realistically contend for a World Cup berth, they must capitalize on their remaining home fixtures, securing maximum points. Home advantage, backed by their supporters, is crucial. This necessitates Franco Foda’s side finding the net consistently. In their last four World Cup qualifiers, Kosovo failed to score only against Switzerland, a team renowned for its tight defense. Furthermore, the previous round saw a historic achievement: for the first time in their World Cup qualification history, Kosovo scored more than one goal. It’s plausible that the hosts could replicate this offensive performance against their upcoming opponent.

Slovenia’s Defensive Vulnerabilities

Slovenia continues to exhibit defensive fragilities, having conceded goals in five consecutive World Cup qualification matches. Their last clean sheet was against the relatively modest Maltese side. In the current qualifying campaign, Matjaž Kek’s squad has already shipped five goals. Furthermore, in away fixtures within this tournament, Slovenia has kept a clean sheet in only one of their last nine matches. With their current league position demanding an offensive approach, Slovenia’s defense could become even more exposed.

Final Prediction

My prediction: “Kosovo Individual Total Over 1”