
World Cup – European classification
7:45 p.mMarch 26, 2026
semi-finals
Tehelne Pole Stadium
Referee: Espen Eskas, Norway


Slovakia


Kosovo
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
372 (85%)
Accurate passes
237 (74%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
Substitutes
20
F
Adrian Kapralik
19
m
Tomás Rigo
13
m
Patrik Hrosovský
14
d
David Krčík
6
d
Norbert Gyombér
2
d
Pere Pekarík
23
G
Dominik Takáč
12
G
Marek Rodak
F
Samuel Mraz
F
Lubomir Tupta
m
Well done László
m
Thomas Suslov
Substitutes
10
F
Edon Zhegrova
17
F
Ermal Krasniqi
14
m
Valon Berisha
7
m
Milot Rashica
4
d
Ilir Krasniqi
3
d
Fidan Aliti
16
G
Amir Saipi
12
G
Visar Bekaj
F
Albion Rrahmani
d
Florent Hadergjonaj
m
Emërllahu is born
F
Zaberg de Baton

World Cup – Classification Europe – Group A
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – World Cup
- Promotion – World Cup (Promotion: )
Kosovo stunned Slovakia with a sensational 4-3 comeback win, scoring three second-half goals at the Tehelne Pole Stadion to upend World Cup qualification.
This crucial group stage encounter on March 26, 2026 carried significant weight for both nations. Slovakia entered second in their group, while Kosovo, also fighting for qualification, looked to close the gap.
The home team started strongly and found an opening goal in just six minutes. Martin Valjent headed home after a spot-on cross from Lukáš Haraslín. Tehelne Pole erupted.
Kosovo quickly responded to the first setback. In the 21st minute, Veldin Hodža tied the score with a composed finish. Mërgim Vojvoda provided the assist, showing his offensive prowess.
The battle continued as Slovakia regained the lead just before the break. Lukáš Haraslín scored a crucial goal in the 45th minute, sending the hosts into the break with a 2-1 lead. Kosovo also picked up two yellow cards in that period.
With a narrow lead at the break, Slovakia looked to consolidate their position. However, Kosovo showed resilience, and the second half promised more attacking football. The visitors needed a tactical change to impact the game.
Kosovo wasted no time after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Fisnik Asllani equalized. Vojvoda again provided the assist, setting the stage for a dramatic turn.
The visitors then took control of the game. Florent Muslija scored a goal in the 60th minute, putting Kosovo ahead for the first time. The momentum had clearly shifted.
Kreshnik Hajrizi further extended Kosovo’s lead in the 72nd minute. His goal made it 4-2, completing an impressive three-goal comeback. Slovakia struggled to contain Kosovo’s relentless onslaught.
Slovakia spurred a belated renaissance. In stoppage time, David Strelec scored in the 94th minute, assisted by Dávid Hancko. This proved to be a single consolation goal for the home side.
Despite Slovakia’s 57% possession and 20 shots in total, Kosovo proved more clinical. The visitors scored four goals on just nine shots in total, with five on target. The Kosovo goalkeeper also made five crucial saves.
This thrilling 4-3 victory represents a monumental result for Kosovo in their World Cup qualifying campaign. It raises their hopes significantly, while Slovakia now face an uphill battle to bounce back from this damaging home defeat.

