2026 World Cup Qualifying Match: Switzerland – Slovenia

The Nati will play for its qualification for the 2026 World Cup

Complete schedule of the Swiss team's qualifying phase

Match report

An irresistible Swiss team in Basel

Switzerland continues its flawless run in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. After sweeping Kosovo 4-0 on Friday, Murat Yakin's team confirmed their great form by dominating Slovenia 3-0 at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, in front of 11,757 spectators.

In two matches, the record is perfect: six points, seven goals scored, none conceded. An ideal run of form, reinforced by Sweden's surprise defeat in Kosovo (0-2), which puts the Swiss national team in a strong position before the October fixtures.

The recipe for set pieces

As against Kosovo, Switzerland struck early and decisively. After a corner from Ruben Vargas, Nico Elvedi opened the scoring with a well-placed deflection (18th minute).

Fifteen minutes later, from another corner taken by Fabian Rieder, Breel Embolo headed in the second goal. The Monaco striker thus scored his sixth goal in five matches, a feat no Swiss international had achieved since Alex Frei twenty years ago.

Ndoye confirms his progress

Full of confidence, the Swiss national team continued their momentum. In the 38th minute, Granit Xhaka initiated a beautiful attack, which Dan Ndoye finished with composure. The Swiss player, who also scored in June against Mexico and the United States, is continuing his impressive run of form.

With this 3-0 lead secured by halftime, Switzerland was able to comfortably manage the second half, giving Gregor Kobel a third consecutive clean sheet.

Heading towards October

Thanks to this fifth consecutive victory with at least three goals scored – a first in its history – the Swiss team confirms its confidence and efficiency. The upcoming away matches, in Stockholm against Sweden and in Ljubljana against Slovenia, will be more challenging. But if the Nati maintains this level of control, qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico already seems within reach.

---

Before the match

Switzerland faces Slovenia in a match that is already crucial for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The encounter will pit two ambitious teams against each other, ready to do anything to secure their place at the top of the group.

History of confrontations

Matches between Switzerland and Slovenia have often been hard-fought. In their last five official encounters, Switzerland has won three times, compared to one victory for Slovenia and one draw. The most memorable match remains Switzerland's 1-0 win in Basel during Euro 2016 qualifying, with a decisive goal from Fabian Schär. But Slovenia, renowned for its compact defensive unit, has always posed a challenge to the Swiss.

Key players and form

• Switzerland: Granit Xhaka, in excellent form with Bayer Leverkusen, remains the midfield metronome. Ruben Vargas and Noah Okafor should provide pace on the wings, while Yann Sommer, always reliable, will be the last line of defense.
• Slovenia: Everything revolves around star goalkeeper Jan Oblak, a veritable wall for Atlético Madrid. Up front, Benjamin Šeško (signed by Manchester City for 89 million francs) embodies the new generation and represents the main attacking threat thanks to his power and eye for goal.

The Swiss national team is on a positive run, with few losses in their last ten matches, but some points dropped against opponents considered weaker have raised some doubts. Slovenia, meanwhile, is gaining momentum and remains formidable in quick transitions.

Prediction from suisse-blog.ch

In what promises to be a balanced and tense match, the Swiss team's technical skill and experience should make the difference. The editors at suisse-blog.ch are predicting a 2-1 victory for the Nati. Such a win would allow Murat Yakin's team to consolidate their position at the top of the group and move a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Switzerland faces Slovenia in a crucial match as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, in a high-stakes duel where the Nati starts with a psychological advantage.

Additional information

1. History of the confrontations

• 9 duels in total: 6 Swiss victories, 1 draw, 2 defeats.
• In World Cup qualifiers: 2 Swiss wins, 1 draw, 1 loss (difference +2).
• In Europe: a balanced record.
• In friendlies: clear Swiss domination.
• Last notable duel: Switzerland 3-2 Slovenia, on September 5, 2015.

2. State of fitness

• Switzerland: a resounding start to the qualifiers with a 4-0 victory against Kosovo, Breel Embolo scoring twice. Switzerland leads its group.
• Slovenia: 2-2 draw against Sweden, a timid start. Šeško struggled, but Vipotnik remains a threat.

3. Key Players

• Switzerland: Embolo on fire, under the effective leadership of Murat Yakin.
• Slovenia: Oblak still solid, Šeško doubtful, Vipotnik dynamic.

4. Complete prognosis

• suisse-blog.ch: 2-1 victory for the Nati.
• Experts (Futbol24 / Livetipsportal): Swiss victory, based on their form and history.
• AI simulation: 2-0 in favor of Switzerland, possible match without conceding a goal.
• Key point: Switzerland combines confidence, cohesion and technical quality to win, despite Slovenia being capable of surprising in transitions.