Football News Global

Match Overview

Slovenia and North Macedonia will face off in their second match of the 2026 UEFA Nations League at Stožice Stadium in Ljubljana on Friday, 25 September. Both teams are looking to bounce back after mixed results in their opening fixtures. Slovenia, under the guidance of their head coach, will aim to capitalize on home advantage, while North Macedonia, led by Blagoja Milevski, seeks to build momentum in a competitive group.

The stakes are high as both nations vie for promotion to a higher tier, making this encounter crucial for their Nations League aspirations. A win here could set the tone for the remainder of the campaign.

Team News & Expected Lineups

Slovenia is expected to deploy a 4-4-2 formation, with Jan Oblak anchoring the defense. Key absences include midfielder Jasmin Kurtić, who is sidelined due to injury. Up front, Benjamin Šeško and Andraž Šporar are likely to lead the attack.

North Macedonia may opt for a 3-5-2 setup, with Stole Dimitrievski in goal. The absence of veteran Goran Pandev (retired) leaves a leadership void, but Eljif Elmas and Enis Bardhi will be pivotal in midfield. Defender Gjoko Zajkov is doubtful with a minor knock.

Head-to-Head

Historically, Slovenia holds a slight edge over North Macedonia, with three wins in their last five meetings. The most recent clash, a friendly in 2022, ended in a 1-1 draw. Competitive encounters have been rare, adding intrigue to this Nations League fixture.

Key Players to Watch

Slovenia: Jan Oblak (GK) – The Atlético Madrid shot-stopper is crucial for Slovenia’s defensive solidity. Benjamin Šeško (FW) – The young striker’s pace and finishing ability make him a constant threat.

North Macedonia: Eljif Elmas (MF) – The Napoli midfielder’s creativity and work rate drive North Macedonia’s play. Enis Bardhi (MF) – His set-piece expertise and long-range shooting can unlock defenses.

Prediction & Analysis

Slovenia’s home advantage and defensive organization, marshaled by Oblak, give them a slight edge. North Macedonia’s midfield duo of Elmas and Bardhi could dictate tempo, but Slovenia’s attacking duo may prove decisive. Expect a tight contest with Slovenia edging a 2-1 victory.

Tactically, Slovenia’s compact defense may force North Macedonia to rely on counterattacks, where their midfield creativity will be tested. The battle in midfield could determine the outcome.