Scotland’s new head coach starts against an awkward opponent: Slovenia vs Scotland prediction
The UEFA Nations League 2026/27 opener between Slovenia and Scotland will take place on September 26 at Stozice Stadium in Ljubljana. The teams are in Group 1 of League B, while the visitors will be playing their first match under Sebastien Pocognoli following Steve Clarke’s departure.
Slovenia: just one win in ten matches
Slovenia retained its place in League B after beating Slovakia on aggregate in the playoff tie, but then endured a disastrous World Cup qualifying campaign. The team failed to win any of its six qualifiers, drawing four and losing two.
The situation barely changed in 2026: Slovenia recorded one win, one draw and two defeats in four friendlies. The loss of Benjamin Sesko has added to the problems, as he continues to recover from a calf injury, meaning the main attacking burden should fall on Andraz Sporar.
Scotland: a new cycle after the World Cup
Scotland were relegated from League A after losing to Greece in the playoffs, but then showed a marked improvement. The team won five of its next seven matches and qualified directly for the World Cup, finishing top of its qualifying group.
At the World Cup itself, Scotland failed to make it out of the group stage: they beat Haiti 1-0 but lost to Morocco and Brazil. After the tournament, Steve Clarke left his post and was replaced by Sebastien Pocognoli, who now begins his tenure with several significant absences — Scott McTominay, Che Adams and Lawrence Shankland are all unavailable.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Slovenia have won just one of their last ten matches.
- Scotland are unbeaten in their last five meetings with Slovenia: two wins and three draws.
- This match will be Sebastien Pocognoli’s first in charge of Scotland.
Even without McTominay, the visitors can take advantage of the hosts’ poor form: Slovenia vs Scotland prediction
Slovenia will have home advantage, but their current form raises far too many questions. Sesko’s absence further weakens their attacking potential, while creating chances has already been a problem for the team of late.
Scotland are also heading into the match without their strongest lineup, but the visitors still have enough quality in midfield and out wide. Their head-to-head record is clearly in their favor as well, so even in their first match under a new head coach, they are capable of taking all three points back from Ljubljana.
