Slovenia hosts Sweden in Ljubljana on Friday, 5 September 2025, to open Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers, with kick-off scheduled around 20:45 local time at Stadion Stožice and listings showing the fixture on the opening UEFA slate. Slovenia vs Sweden, both sides enter in form from recent friendlies, setting up a tight, tactical opener with direct qualification stakes.
Group B opens with Slovenia at home against a Sweden side projected as a top-two challenger alongside Switzerland; the group winner qualifies directly, with second place to the playoffs.
Slovenia’s recent results under Matjaž Kek include multiple wins and Nations League promotion momentum.
Sweden, led by Jon Dahl Tomasson, brings pace and power up front and arrives on a three-match winning run across friendlies, scoring freely since March. The visitors will see this away opener as a tone-setter before hosting Switzerland next.
Slovenia vs Sweden 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Table of Contents
For the FIFA World Cup 2026, 13 teams have already secured their spots, while the rest are still awaiting the qualification process.
Competition details
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers (UEFA Group B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, Kosovo).
- Date & kick-off: Friday, 5 September 2025 — 20:45 local (Ljubljana) / 18:45 GMT.
- Venue: Stadion Stožice, Ljubljana.
- Broadcast: Per-country rights holders (e.g., Viaplay in Sweden); check local listings.
Tactics & key players
- Slovenia (tactics): Compact 4-2-3-1 with Jan Oblak organising from the back; width via Petar Stojanović and Erik Janža, and progression through Sandi Lovrić in the half-spaces; Benjamin Šeško provides vertical outlet and penalty-box presence.
- Key Slovenia players: Jan Oblak (shot-stopping, command), Jaka Bijol/David Brekalo (duels, aerials), Sandi Lovrić (chance creation), Benjamin Šeško (finishing and runs).
- Sweden (tactics): Flexible 3-5-2 or 4-3-3 with aggressive wing involvement (Elanga/Sema), central ball-winners (Larsson/Ayari), and a powerful front led by Viktor Gyökeres with support options depending on fitness.
- Key Sweden players: Viktor Gyökeres (form, hold-up, finishing), Alexander Isak status-watching for minutes, Anthony Elanga (transition threat), Isak Hien (back-line anchor).
Match info
- Fixture — Slovenia vs Sweden — UEFA Group B World Cup Qualifier.
- Date — Friday, 5 September 2025.
- Kick-off — 20:45 local (Ljubljana) / 18:45 GMT.
- Venue — Stadion Stožice, Ljubljana.
- Referee — Listed on matchday via UEFA match centre.
- TV / Live stream — Per regional broadcasters (e.g., Viaplay Sports in Sweden).
Form
- Slovenia: D-D-W-W-W
- Sweden: W-L-W-W-W
Slovenia vs Sweden Predicted starting XI
Slovenia is likely to adopt a compact 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive stability, set-piece opportunities, and swift transitions from wide areas to the center. The attacking midfielder will aim to connect the midfield with the lone striker, making dynamic runs into the box.
Sweden will likely adopt a 3-5-2 or 4-3-3 formation, focusing on wing progression, applying second-ball pressure in midfield, and making direct entries into the final third. Look for early crosses and quick combination plays to open up shooting opportunities.
Slovenia predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Oblak (GK); Karnicnik, Brekalo, Bijol, Janza; Petrovic, Cerin; Stojanovic, Lovric, Svetlin; Sesko
Sweden predicted lineup (3-5-2)
- Johansson (GK); Ekdal, Hien, Svensson; Bernhardsson, Hugo Larsson, Ayari, Saletros, Bergvall; Isak, Gyokeres
Final prediction
A balanced opener with Slovenia’s structure and home edge offset by Sweden’s forward punch; a draw feels likely with limited margins in Group B openers. (Preview opinion; form/context-based)
- Prediction: Slovenia 1–1 Sweden
