Kazakhstan will try to stop the group leaders: Kazakhstan vs Slovakia prediction
While Slovakia celebrate their early promotion to League B, Kazakhstan risk finishing the group stage in last place. The teams meet at Astana Arena on November 16, 2026, in the sixth round of the UEFA Nations League. Slovakia have already secured top spot in League C Group 3, while Kazakhstan need a win to keep their hopes of climbing to third alive. The hosts will also need the Faroe Islands to lose to Moldova in the simultaneous fixture.
Kazakhstan: seven games without a win leave them in a tough spot
Kazakhstan have gone seven matches without a win in all competitions. John van 't Schip's side have lost twice to Moldova (1-2), fallen to Slovakia (1-2) and drawn with the Faroe Islands (1-1 and 2-2). Their last victory came on March 31, when they beat the Comoros.
Defence remains the main problem: Kazakhstan have both scored and conceded in each of their last seven matches. Red cards for players in each of their two previous games have added to their difficulties. Sergey Maliy returns from suspension ahead of the final round and could strengthen the defence. Yan Vorogovsky is also expected to feature on the left flank.
Slovakia: group leaders secure promotion early
Slovakia have progressed through the group stage with confidence under Vladimir Weiss. They beat Moldova twice (2-0 and 4-0), defeated Kazakhstan (2-1) and drew with the Faroe Islands (1-1 and 2-2). Those results have earned the visitors 11 points and secured them top spot with a game to spare.
Slovakia's unbeaten run in all competitions has reached eight matches, with the team scoring at least twice in seven of them. However, they could rotate their squad in Astana, having already accomplished their main objective. Tobias Palishchuk could replace the suspended Martin Valjent, while Matus Bero and Robert Bozenik may get the chance to start.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Kazakhstan are winless in seven straight matches, with both teams scoring in each one
- Slovakia are unbeaten in eight matches in all competitions and have secured top spot in the group early
- Slovakia beat Kazakhstan 2-1 in their previous meeting
Hosts can take points off the favourites: Kazakhstan vs Slovakia prediction
Kazakhstan are in the midst of a prolonged slump, but home advantage and the need to fight for third place should give the team extra motivation. Their defensive problems, however, make a clean-sheet win for the hosts unlikely.
Slovakia have the stronger recent record, but could field a changed lineup after securing promotion early. Given the group standings and Kazakhstan's shaky defence, a draw with both teams scoring looks a likely outcome.
