Slovenia vs North Macedonia – News and Probable Lineups

Slovenia aims to secure their first victory of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League season when they host North Macedonia at Stozice Stadium on Tuesday evening, following a weekend draw against Scotland.

The visitors arrive in the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, looking for their initial points after experiencing a 3-0 loss to Switzerland in their opening League B, Group 1 match.

Match overview

Slovenia kicked off their Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against Scotland on Saturday, with Bostjan Cesar in charge for his first official match as head coach.

The hosts were not very threatening in that fixture, managing only one shot on target while maintaining a solid defence against Scotland for extended periods.

However, Slovenia’s defensive efforts were a positive note, as they achieved their first clean sheet since October 2025.

Cesar’s team has secured just one win from five outings in 2026, and their inconsistent form in the Nations League persisted as they recorded two wins, two draws, and two losses in the 2024-25 season.

Consequently, they will aim to leverage their home advantage on Tuesday to achieve their first win of the competition and potentially climb to the top of the group.

North Macedonia travels to Ljubljana in disappointing form after their 3-0 loss to Switzerland in the first Nations League match.

This defeat extended their winless streak to eight matches, with the visitors failing to score in their last five encounters, the last being a significant 7-1 defeat to Wales.

Goce Sedloski’s squad performed admirably in the 2024-25 Nations League, gaining promotion from League C after an unbeaten run, but they have struggled to replicate that form recently.

The Risovi have let in 16 goals over their last four losses, conceding at least three in each of those matches. However, they did manage to hold the Republic of Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina to successive goalless draws earlier this year.

To take anything from their Tuesday trip to Slovenia, they will require considerable improvement in both attack and defence but can take some confidence from their recent encounters against Slovenia, having remained unbeaten in their last three meetings with the Central European side.

Team News

Cesar will need to make at least one adjustment on Tuesday due to Vanja Drkusic’s injury sustained during the goalless draw against Scotland, with David Zec likely to step in for him.

Goalkeeper Jan Oblak made several crucial saves in that stalemate and is set to earn his 86th cap for Slovenia, while Andraz Sporar may be absent, meaning Swansea City striker Zan Vipotnik could be an option to lead the attack.

Slovenia probable starting XI:

Cloud; Karnicnik, Brekalo, Bijol, Drkusic, Janza; Matko, Cerin, Elsnik, Sturm; Disputer

North Macedonia probable starting XI:

Dimitriex; Iliexi, Zajkov, Musliu, Herrera; Kostadinov, Gastarov, Bardhi, Elmas; Mioxi, Rastoder

Slovenia had difficulties creating clear chances against Scotland, but it is anticipated that Cesar’s team will get back to winning ways on Tuesday.

North Macedonia has not won in their last eight matches and heads into the fixture as the underdogs, hence we predict the home side will achieve a 2-0 win.