Both Kosovo and Slovenia will battle it out on Friday night in what could end up being a crucial clash in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying group. Indeed, they are in Group B with Switzerland and Sweden, both of whom are higher-ranked in the official world rankings.
However, Kosovo have upset the apple cart, as they sit in second place after two matches. Slovenia are bottom of the group as it stands, but a win here would certainly propel themselves back into contention.
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Kosovo vs Slovenia prediction: Hosts to keep marching on?
Key stats
- Kosovo have won each of their last six home games in total in all competitions.
- Slovenia have failed to win a qualifying match so far.
- Both previous H2Hs were decided by a one-goal margin.
Correct score prediction: Kosovo 2-1 Slovenia
Given Kosovo's brilliant home form of late, we are backing them to pick up another three points here. Slovenia will not make it easy for them though, as they are ranked 41 places above them in total in the world rankings.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Kosovo clear favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
- DRAW: 9/4 (3.25) – 30.8%
- AWAY: 11/5 (3.20) – 31.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Kosovo are fancied by the bookmakers to claim all three points on home soil, despite being lower-ranked than Slovenia. Interestingly, a draw and a Slovenia victory are separated by just 0.5%.
Also, feel free to check out our Football Betting Tips Today page to engage with more of our predictions for the other World Cup qualifiers taking place.
Most recent H2Hs: Slovenia on top
In the two previous meetings between the two clubs, which was in the UEFA Nations League (UNL) back in 2020. Both of those H2Hs were decided by a single-goal margin though, so all hope is not lost for Kosovo.
UEFA Nations League 15/11/20
Slovenia
Kosovo
UEFA Nations League 11/10/20
Kosovo
Slovenia
Kosovo preview: Haxha pulled out
Florian Haxha has unfortunately had to pull out of the squad due to a health problem. Kosovo have reported no other fresh injury concerns in their squad.
Predicted lineup: Muric (GK); Gallapeni, Aliti, Dellova, Krasniqi, Vojvoda; Muslija, Rexhbecaj, Avdullahu; Rrahmani & Muriqi
Last five results:
- Kosovo 2-0 Sweden
- Switzerland 4-0 Kosovo
- Kosovo 4-2 Comoros
- Kosovo 5-2 Armenia
- Iceland 1-3 Kosovo
Miha Zajc has still made himself unavailable for Slovenia, despite rumours that he could return to the national team. The visitors have reported no injury worries ahead of the fixture.
Predicted lineup: Oblak (GK); Janza, Bijol, Drkusic, Karnicnik; Lovric, Elsnik, Cerin, Stojanovic; Vipotnik & Sesko
Last five results:
- Switzerland 3-0 Slovenia
- Slovenia 2-2 Sweden
- Slovenia 2-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Luxembourg 0-1 Slovenia
- Slovenia 1-0 Slovakia
Player to watch: Vedat Muriqi
Vedat Muriqi got himself on the scoresheet when Kosovo earned a brilliant 2-0 win at home to Sweden in World Cup qualifying last time out. The striker is his country's all-time leading scorer, with a total of 32 senior goals to his name from 62 appearances, and will no doubt back himself to find the back of the net again when Slovenia come to town on Friday.