Slovenia and Switzerland Clash in World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: What You Need to Know

As the excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Slovenia and Switzerland are set to face off in a crucial qualifying match. This encounter not only holds significance for the teams involved but also for fans eager to see how their nations stack up in the international football arena. Here’s a comprehensive look at the upcoming match, including viewing options, team form, and historical context.

Match Details

When and Where

The match is scheduled for Monday, October 13, 2025, kicking off at 2:45 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the action live on FOX Soccer Plus or stream it via FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App. This match is part of the ongoing qualification process for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Current Odds

Switzerland enters the match as the favorite, reflecting their strong performance in recent fixtures. Betting odds are a crucial aspect of sports, often indicating public sentiment and expert analysis regarding the likely outcome of the game. As the match approaches, these odds may fluctuate based on team news and player conditions.

Team Form: A Closer Look

Slovenia’s Recent Matches

Slovenia has had a mixed bag of results in their last five outings:

• October 10, 2025: Draw against Kosovo (0-0)
• September 8, 2025: Loss to Switzerland (0-3)
• September 5, 2025: Draw with Sweden (2-2)
• June 10, 2025: Win against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-1)
• June 6, 2025: Win against Luxembourg (1-0)

These results indicate a team struggling to find consistency, particularly after a heavy defeat to Switzerland in their last encounter. The draw against Kosovo may provide a morale boost, but they will need to step up their game to challenge a formidable Swiss side.

Switzerland’s Recent Matches

Switzerland, on the other hand, has been in impressive form:

• October 10, 2025: Win against Sweden (2-0)
• September 8, 2025: Win against Slovenia (3-0)
• September 5, 2025: Win against Kosovo (4-0)
• June 10, 2025: Win against the USA (4-0)
• June 7, 2025: Win against Mexico (4-2)

With four consecutive victories, Switzerland is riding a wave of confidence. Their ability to score multiple goals in recent matches showcases their attacking prowess, making them a daunting opponent for Slovenia.

Historical Context

The rivalry between Slovenia and Switzerland is relatively recent, given Slovenia’s independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. However, both nations have made significant strides in international football. Switzerland has a more established footballing history, having qualified for multiple World Cups and European Championships. In contrast, Slovenia has made its mark by qualifying for the World Cup in 2002 and 2010, showcasing their potential on the global stage.

The last encounter between these two teams ended in a decisive 3-0 victory for Switzerland, a result that Slovenia will be eager to overturn. Historically, matches between these two nations have been competitive, but Switzerland has often had the upper hand.

Key Players to Watch

Slovenia

For Slovenia, players like Benjamin Šeško and Andraž Šporar will be crucial. Šeško, a young forward, has shown flashes of brilliance and could be the key to unlocking the Swiss defense. Meanwhile, Šporar’s experience and goal-scoring ability will be vital in a match where Slovenia needs to capitalize on any chances they create.

Switzerland

Switzerland boasts a wealth of talent, with players like Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri leading the charge. Xhaka’s leadership in midfield and Shaqiri’s creativity and flair can make a significant difference in breaking down Slovenia’s defense. Additionally, goalkeeper Yann Sommer has been in excellent form, providing a solid last line of defense.

Conclusion

As Slovenia prepares to take on Switzerland in this pivotal World Cup qualifying match, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With both teams showcasing contrasting forms, the outcome will likely hinge on which side can impose its game plan effectively. Fans around the world will be tuning in to see if Slovenia can turn the tide against a strong Swiss team or if Switzerland will continue its winning streak. As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, every match counts, making this encounter one to watch closely.