Kosovo vs Slovenia: Live Stream, Kickoff Time, Line-ups & How to Watch the Crucial Qualifier

KOSOVO V SLOVENIA: WORLD CUP 2026 QUALIFIER PREVIEW Date & Kick-off • Friday, 10 October 2025 • 18:45 UTC / 20:45 CEST • Stadiumi “Fadil Vokrri”, Pristina Match context Group B in UEFA qualifying is delicately poised after four rounds. Slovenia sit second on eight points, one behind surprise leaders Croatia, while Kosovo are fourth on five points and still dreaming of a first-ever World Cup appearance. Victory for either side would dramatically alter the section before the October international window closes. Team news and probable line-ups Kosovo (4-2-3-1): Muric; Balliu, Aliti, Rrahmani, Paqarada; Voca, Kryeziu; Rashica, Zeneli, Muslija; Muriqi. Key absences: Bersant Celina (knee), Lirim Kastrati (suspended). Slovenia (4-4-2): Oblak; Karnicnik, Bijol, Drkusic, Janza; Stojanovic, Kurtic, Cerin, Verbic; Sesko, Sporar. Key absences: Josip Ilicic (fatigue management), Jaka Bijol returns from suspension. Players to watch • Vedat Muriqi – the Mallorca striker has scored in three consecutive qualifiers and remains Kosovo’s focal point. • Benjamin Sesko – Leipzig’s 22-year-old prodigy is already on four goals this campaign and offers Slovenia pace in behind. • Jan Oblak – captain and last line of defence; his shot-stopping kept Slovenia level in March’s 1-1 draw with Croatia. Tactical snapshot • Kosovo press high, often shifting into a 4-4-2 out of possession. Rashica and Zeneli look to cut inside to overload the half-spaces. • Slovenia are more pragmatic under Matjaž Kek, building patiently through Bijol and Drkusic before releasing their wingers early. • Set pieces could be decisive: Slovenia have scored 38 % of their group goals from corners, while Kosovo have conceded twice from free-kick situations. Head-to-head The nations have met twice competitively, both in the UEFA Nations League 2020/21. Slovenia won 1-0 in Ljubljana and 2-1 in Pristina, overturning deficits on each occasion. Form guide (last five matches) Kosovo: L D W L D Slovenia: W D W W L What a win means • Kosovo – would leapfrog Slovenia into the top two, moving level on points with Croatia before traveling to Poland next month. • Slovenia – three points in Pristina would preserve an unbeaten record and keep pressure on Croatia ahead of November’s double-header. How to watch live • TV: RTV21 (Kosovo), Šport TV (Slovenia), UEFA.tv in select territories. • Streaming: ESPN+ in the United States, DAZN in Canada, plus each federation’s official app. • Radio: Live commentary on BBC World Service and local stations. Betting odds (subject to change) Kosovo 2.80 – Draw 3.10 – Slovenia 2.55 (average of leading bookmakers). Expert prediction A hostile atmosphere and Albania-inspired tifos are expected in Pristina, but Slovenia’s balance and Oblak’s presence give them a slight edge. Forecast: Kosovo 1-1 Slovenia, with Sesko and Muriqi trading second-half goals. Travel & fan info Ticket allocation for visiting supporters is sold out. Fans should arrive early due to enhanced security measures. Public transport from central Pristina runs every 15 minutes to the stadium; parking is extremely limited. Key hashtags for matchday social media: #KOSSVN #WCQ2026 #ForcaDardanët #SrceBeloZelene. Quick FAQs Q: Will VAR be used? A: Yes, all UEFA first-round qualifiers feature full VAR implementation. Q: Who officiates? A: Spanish referee José María Sánchez Martínez leads a five-person Iberian crew. Q: Next fixtures? A: Kosovo visit Poland on 13 October; Slovenia host Liechtenstein the same night. With both nations chasing a historic ticket to North America 2026, Friday’s showdown in Pristina promises intensity, narrative and knockout-stage stakes months ahead of schedule.