Slovenia v Scotland: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch

UEFA Nations League, League B – 1

Slovenia SLO

26/09/2026 14:00

Scotland SCO

Horatiu Fesnic

Preview for Slovenia v Scotland

Sebastien Pocognoli will look to get his career as Scotland boss off to a winning start when they visit Slovenia in UEFA Nations League B.

Pocognoli was appointed as the successor to Steve Clarke, who resigned following their group stage exit at the World Cup.

Scotland claimed their first World Cup win since 1990 with a 1-0 victory over Haiti in their opening game, but that was ultimately not enough to reach the round of 32 after defeats to Morocco and Brazil.

The Nations League is an avenue for Scotland through which to boost their already very strong chances of qualifying for Euro 2028, which will be held in England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

With spots in the finals reserved for the two best-ranked home nations that fail to qualify as group winners or as one of the eight best-ranked runners-up, it is difficult to foresee Scotland not competing at a home Euros.

But, with the Nations League factoring into the qualification process, Scotland will have designs on winning Group B1, in which they have also been drawn alongside Switzerland and North Macedonia.

And Pocognoli is relishing the task ahead of him.

“If we talk about nerves, yes, but it’s a positive nervousness,” he told BBC Sport Scotland. “We have a job with responsibility. It’s excitement and I’m just passionate about being on the touchline.

“I will try to be as successful as the previous staff because we want to play in a big tournament. We want to create this moment for the country.”

Against Slovenia, Scotland will face a side that did not qualify for the World Cup, but one that won promotion to League B in the previous Nations League campaign.

Slovenia have draws with Sweden and Switzerland on their recent resume and reached the last 16 of Euro 2024, losing on penalties to Portugal after holding Denmark, Serbia and England to stalemates.

As such, they represent tricky opposition for Scotland even without the services of star striker Benjamin Sesko.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak will captain Slovenia, who will likely lean on Swansea City talisman Zan Vipotnik to provide the firepower against a Scotland side not renowned for their defensive stability.

Team News for Slovenia v Scotland

Sesko is out due to a lingering injury that kept him out of Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Fulham last time out.

Scott McTominay is not available for Scotland having recently had heart surgery.

Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams also miss out through fitness issues.

Expected line-ups for Slovenia v Scotland

Slovenia: Oblak; Karnicnik, Drkusic, Bijol, Brekalo; Lovric, Cerin, Elsnik; Horvat, Vipotnik; Sporar

Scotland: Gunn; Welsh, Binks, McKenna; Hickey, Ferguson, Gilmour, Robertson; McGinn; Ure, McBurnie

Recent Form & Stats for Slovenia v Scotland

• Scotland are unbeaten in five meetings with Slovenia (W2, D3).
• There hasn’t been a goalless draw in this fixture since the first meeting between the sides in World Cup qualifying in 2004.
• Since their exit in the last 16 of Euro 2024, Slovenia have lost just two home games, a 4-1 defeat to Norway in the previous Nations League and a 2-0 loss to Kosovo in World Cup qualifying.
• Scotland have kept just one clean sheet in their last 11 games. They haven’t kept a clean sheet in a competitive game since a 2-0 victory over Belarus in September last year.
• Captain Andy Robertson is three caps away from 100 for Scotland.
• If selected in this international window, Scotland’s Oli McBurnie will make his first appearance for his country since 2021, having failed to score in his previous 16 caps.

Where to Watch Slovenia v Scotland: TV and online streams

Slovenia v Scotland kicks off at 2:00pm UK time on Saturday.

It will be broadcast on BBC One and will also be available to watch on the iPlayer.

Prediction for Slovenia v Scotland

With both teams missing star players, it would be no surprise to see them cancel each other out.

Match Prediction

Slovenia

1 – 1

Scotland

Responsible Gambling

Gambling should always be approached as entertainment, not as a way to generate income. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, there are several organisations you can contact for free, confidential support.

• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week)
• GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GambleAware: gambleaware.org
• GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (free self-exclusion service)

Tools available through bet365 include deposit limits, session time reminders, loss limits, self-exclusion and Reality Checks. These can be accessed via the Safer Gambling section of your account at any time. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly.