Top News

Slovakia’s potential squad for the 2026 World Cup is set to face Kosovo, and should they succeed, they will meet either Turkey or Romania for a place in the tournament.

As they enter the March qualification play-offs, Slovakia are aiming to qualify for only their second World Cup as an independent nation.

In the 2026 World Cup play-offs, Slovakia will take on Kosovo in the semi-finals, with the winner advancing to play either Turkey or Romania for a coveted spot at this summer’s global showpiece.

Slovakia began their qualification campaign in stunning fashion with a 2-0 win over Germany but fell short of automatic qualification after suffering a heavy 6-0 loss in the return fixture — a game that could have sealed their passage.

The 2010 World Cup remains Slovakia’s only appearance since the breakup of Czechoslovakia, where they famously defeated then-defending champions Italy 3-2 in the group stage finale.

That victory propelled Slovakia into the round of 16, where they were eventually eliminated by the Netherlands.

In the years since, Slovakia have consistently qualified for the European Championships, reaching the round of 16 in both 2016 and 2024, though they exited at the group stage in Euro 2020.

If Slovakia successfully navigate the play-offs, they will join Group D at the 2026 World Cup, facing Australia, Paraguay, and co-hosts the United States.

Below is Slovakia’s provisional squad list for the upcoming qualification campaign.

Goalkeepers: Martin Dúbravka (Burnley), Marek Rodák (Al-Ettifaq), Dominik Takáč (Slovan Bratislava)

Defenders: Norbert Gyömbér (Al-Kholood), Dávid Hancko (Atlético Madrid), Ivan Mesík (Heracles Almelo), Adam Obert (Cagliari), Peter Pekarík (Hertha BSC), Ľubomír Šatka (Samsunspor), Milan Škriniar (Fenerbahçe), Martin Valjent (Mallorca), Denis Vavro (Wolfsburg)

Midfielders: László Bénes (Kayserispor), Matúš Bero (Bochum), Ondrej Duda (Al-Ettifaq), Patrik Hrošovský (Viktoria Plzeň), Stanislav Lobotka (Napoli), Tomáš Rigo (Stoke City), Mário Sauer (Toulouse), Tomáš Suslov (Hellas Verona)

Forwards: Dávid Ďuriš (Rosenborg), Lukáš Haraslín (Sparta Prague), Adrián Kaprálik (Holstein Kiel), Samuel Mráz (Servette), Leo Sauer (Feyenoord), David Strelec (Middlesbrough), Ľubomír Tupta (AE Larissa)

(*) Subject to qualification

March 26, 2026: World Cup qualification play-off – Slovakia vs Kosovo, Bratislava, Slovakia

March 31, 2026: World Cup qualification play-off or Friendly – Slovakia vs Turkey or Romania, Bratislava, Slovakia

September 26, 2026: Nations League – Slovakia vs Moldova, Bratislava, Slovakia

September 29, 2026: Nations League – Slovakia vs Kazakhstan, Bratislava, Slovakia

October 2, 2026: Nations League – Faroe Islands vs Slovakia, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands

October 6, 2026: Nations League – Moldova vs Slovakia, Chișinău, Moldova

November 13, 2026: Nations League – Slovakia vs Faroe Islands, Bratislava, Slovakia

November 16, 2026: Nations League – Kazakhstan vs Slovakia, Astana, Kazakhstan

September 4, 2025: Slovakia 2–0 Germany, Bratislava, Slovakia

September 7, 2025: Luxembourg 0–1 Slovakia, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

October 10, 2025: Northern Ireland 2–0 Slovakia, Belfast, Northern Ireland

October 13, 2025: Slovakia 2–0 Luxembourg, Trnava, Slovakia

November 14, 2025: Slovakia 1–0 Northern Ireland, Košice, Slovakia

November 17, 2025: Germany 6–0 Slovakia, Leipzig, Germany

Italian coach Francesco Calzona, a long-time assistant to Maurizio Sarri, embarked on his first managerial role when he was appointed Slovakia’s head coach in 2022.

During the latter half of the 2023/24 season, Calzona also served as Napoli’s interim manager while simultaneously leading Slovakia for a four-month stint.

Under Calzona, Slovakia have shown consistent improvement. They came agonisingly close to eliminating England at Euro 2024, only to concede a 95th-minute equaliser from Jude Bellingham before Harry Kane struck in extra time to seal England’s win.

Veteran defender Milan Škriniar, formerly of Inter Milan and PSG, has been the cornerstone of Slovakia’s defence since 2016.

Škriniar has accumulated 87 international caps and earned widespread praise for his dependable displays, including his standout performance against England two years ago. Now with Fenerbahçe, the 31-year-old has captained the national side since 2022, rarely missing a game as Slovakia continue to rely heavily on their defensive solidity.