The Kosovo national football team has secured a historic victory in a hard-fought match in Ljubljana against Slovenia — opening the door to a potential first-ever participation in the World Cup play-offs.
Under the leadership of coach Franco Foda, Kosovo claimed its third win in Group B, now standing at ten points — enough to guarantee a play-off spot in second place.
Kosovo could have scored even more goals in tonight’s performance, but the match was decisively influenced by:
- A stunning finish from Fisnik Asllani in the 6th minute
- And an own-goal by Zan Karnicnik in the 64th minute
With this result, Kosovo secures second place, heading into their final group match against table leaders Switzerland — who have already qualified for World Cup 2026.
Road to the Play-offs
The play-off draw will be held on November 20, where Kosovo will learn its first opponent — starting the journey away from home. If victorious in the opening match on March 26, Kosovo will play the final of the mini-tournament on March 31, with the location once again decided by draw.
Interestingly, Albania has also secured a play-off spot in Group K and faces England next in Tirana. If both teams move past their respective play-offs, it would mark the first time in history that two Albanian nations compete at a FIFA World Cup.
Kosovo’s next fixture will be at home against Switzerland on November 18.
