Slovakia vs Kosovo: prediction & betting odds 26 March 2026

Form of the Slovakia National Football Team

The team battled to the very end for top spot in their qualifying group and an automatic World Cup berth, but ultimately finished second after a painful defeat in the decisive match against Germany (0:6). Prior to that, Slovakia had lost only one of their previous eight games in World Cup qualifying. It is worth noting that they conceded three times as many against Germany as they had in the previous six matches in this tournament combined. Meanwhile, the team have failed to score only for the second time in their last nine World Cup qualifiers. Slovakia have not taken part in the play-offs for a place at the World Cup since 2005, when they lost to Spain over two legs (aggregate score – 2:6).

• At least one team failed to score in seven previous Slovakia games in World Cup qualifying.
• Slovakia’s decisive run in this tournament has lasted seven matches (5 wins, 2 losses).
• Slovakia are unbeaten across five home matches in World Cup qualifying (4 wins, 1 loss).

Potential Slovakia Lineup (4-3-3)

Martin Dubravka – Norbert Gyomber, Martin Valjent, Denis Vavro, David Hancko – Matus Bero, Stanislav Lobotka, Ondrej Duda – David Duris, Lukas Haraslin, David Strelec.

Due to injuries, defender Lubomir Satka and forwards Ivan Schranz and Robert Bozenik will miss out.

Form of the Kosovo National Football Team

In the group stage, the team surprisingly finished second in a quartet featuring Switzerland, Slovenia and Sweden. Kosovo suffered just one defeat, and that came back in the opening round, meaning their unbeaten run in World Cup qualifying has reached five matches (3 wins, 2 draws). Prior to the final match against Switzerland, the national team had not conceded in four consecutive games in this tournament. The team’s scoring streak stands at three matches. It is also worth noting that Kosovo will now play the first World Cup play-off match in their history.

• At least one team failed to score in five of the previous six Kosovo matches in World Cup qualifying.
• The national team have won with a (+1.5) handicap in seven of their last eight games in this tournament.
• Kosovo have not scored more than one goal in 11 of their previous 12 away matches in World Cup qualifying.

Potential Kosovo Lineup (4-3-3)

Arijanet Muric – Mergim Vojvoda, Fidan Aliti, Florent Hadergjonaj, Dion Gallapeni – Valon Berisha, Veldin Hodza, Elvis Rexhbecaj – Florent Muslija, Fisnik Asllani, Vedat Muriqi.

Defenders Amir Rrahmani and Leart Paqarada, along with midfielders Muharrem Jashari and Leon Avdullahu, are unavailable due to injury.

Who Will Referee the Match

Espen Eskas (Norway)

Matches – 21 (International fixtures, 2025-2026);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 78;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.7;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 38%.