World Cup Playoffs 2026: Slovakia-Kosovo, likely lineups
The Tehelné pole in Bratislava dresses up for a night worth a career. Slovakia hosts Kosovo at 8:45 p.m. in a dry match valid as the semifinal of the playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stakes are high: the winner of this clash will face one of Turkey or Romania next March 31, with the ultimate goal of snatching a pass to the final stage of the competition.
The hosts arrive at this fixture with the desire to redeem the heavy 6-0 loss they suffered against Germany in the last round of Group A, a result that condemned them to second place but did not extinguish their hopes of returning to the World Cup after 16 years (their last appearance was in South Africa 2010). On the other side, Kosovo is living the highest moment of its young football history: after an excellent run in Group B (3 wins, 2 draws and only one loss), the “Dardani” see for the first time the concrete possibility of a historic qualification as an independent nation.
CT Francesco Calzona, formerly of Napoli has to deal with a last-minute absence: Duriš is out due to a shoulder dislocation suffered in training. Defensive leader Škriniar also remains in strong doubt, who will be evaluated until minutes before the starting whistle; if he fails to make it, Obert is ready. In midfield, keys to the game entrusted to the immovable Lobotka along with Duda. Up front, Sauer and Haraslin will support the lone point Strelec.
Coach Franco Foda will have to give up two key pawns: defensive mainstay Napoli’s Rrahmani and Rossoneri midfielder Jashari. Muric will defend the posts, the defense will thus rest on Hadergjonaj and Aliti, while up front the spotlight is all on “Pirate” Muriqi, supported by Bundesliga talent Asllani, Edon Zhegrova ready from the bench.
Probable lineups
SLOVAKIA (4-3-3): Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Duda, Lobotka, Benes; Sauer, Strelec, Haraslin. All. Calzona.
KOSOVO (4-3-3): Muric; Vojvoda, Aliti, Hadergjonaj, Gallapeni; Berisha, Rexhbecaj, Hodza; Muslija, Muriqi, Asllani. All. Foda.
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