Slovakia vs Montenegro Preview, Prediction & Lineups Pre-World Cup Friendly
Slovakia host Montenegro in a pre-World Cup international friendly tonight, Friday June 5, 2026, with kickoff set for 18:30 CEST (12:30 ET / 16:30 UTC / 17:30 BST / 21:30 PKT) at Košická futbalová aréna in Košice. The Falcons are working under Vladimir Weiss after missing the FIFA World Cup 2026 field, and they come in after beating Malta 2 – 1 earlier this week.
Montenegro travel under Robert Prosinečki after a 1 – 0 win over Bulgaria, but injuries have already shaped their squad picture. Here is the full Slovakia vs Montenegro preview, prediction, team news, H2H record, and projected lineups.
Slovakia vs Montenegro Match Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Slovakia vs Montenegro |
| Competition | Pre-World Cup Friendly |
| Date | Friday June 5, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 18:30 CEST / 16:30 UTC / 12:30 ET / 17:30 BST / 21:30 PKT |
| Venue | Košická futbalová aréna, Košice, Slovakia |
| Capacity | 12,555 |
| Slovakia FIFA Ranking | 45th |
| Montenegro FIFA Ranking | 81st |
| Slovakia WC Status | Not WC 2026 qualified |
| Montenegro WC Status | Not WC 2026 qualified |
| Slovakia Manager | Vladimir Weiss |
| Montenegro Manager | Robert Prosinečki |
| Referee | yet to be confirmed |
Slovakia vs Montenegro Team News
Montenegro News
Montenegro’s squad picture changed before kickoff because Nikola Krstović and Stefan Savić were reported as withdrawals from the initial group due to fitness issues. That removes a key forward and a senior centre-back from Prosinečki’s first-choice spine.
The visitors still have Adam Marušić, Stevan Jovetić, Marko Janković and Milutin Osmajić available as important reference points. Montenegro can stay competitive if the midfield screens the defence and avoids giving Slovakia easy central entries.
Slovakia Team News
Slovakia are in a new coaching phase with Vladimir Weiss back around the national team setup after Francesco Calzona’s spell ended. The Malta win gave Weiss a useful starting point, but the bigger test is whether Slovakia can produce more control against stronger pressure.
Milan Škriniar, Stanislav Lobotka, Dávid Hancko, Lukáš Haraslín and Dávid Strelec give the home side a stronger core than the rankings gap suggests. Official starting XIs remain yet to be confirmed, so the lineup card should stay projected until team sheets are released.
Slovakia vs Montenegro Match Prediction
Slovakia should have more possession and a cleaner route into midfield because Lobotka can help them play through pressure. Montenegro’s best path is a compact middle block, quick wide releases and set pieces around Osmajić.
The home side have the stronger ranking and the better verified H2H record, but Montenegro’s win over Bulgaria keeps this from being a simple pick. FWC Times expects Slovakia to edge a tight match if they score first.
| Prediction | Value |
|---|---|
| FWC Times pick | Slovakia 2 – 1 Montenegro |
| Win probability | Slovakia 48% | Draw 27% | Montenegro 25% |
| Most likely pattern | Slovakia control, Montenegro counters |
| Key player | Stanislav Lobotka |
Slovakia vs Montenegro H2H Record
Slovakia and Montenegro have two verified senior meetings in the public record. Slovakia won 2 – 0 in 2014, while the teams drew 2 – 2 in Montenegro in November 2022.
Slovakia
Montenegro
Slovakia vs Montenegro Predicted Lineups
Slovakia are projected in a 4-2-3-1 with Lobotka and Duda protecting the middle while Rigo links midfield to attack. Haraslín and Schranz can stretch the pitch, which should create room for Strelec between centre-backs.
Montenegro can also start in a 4-2-3-1, especially with key absences reducing their attacking options. Jovetić gives them craft between the lines, while Osmajić can press and attack crosses.
Slovakia
4-2-3-1Montenegro
4-2-3-1Slovakia vs Montenegro Tactical Formation
Slovakia's tactical edge sits in midfield. If Lobotka receives cleanly from the centre-backs, Weiss's team can move Montenegro's block and isolate the wide defenders.
Montenegro need Marušić and Janković to keep the match compact. If the visitors lose second balls, Slovakia's wide players can turn the match into a long defensive shift.
Slovakia vs Montenegro Recent Form
| Team | Recent Form |
|---|---|
| Slovakia | Win vs Malta, mixed spring results, new manager phase |
| Montenegro | Win vs Bulgaria, recent fitness withdrawals, compact away setup |
Slovakia's Malta result matters because it gave Weiss a first win before a stronger opponent. The home side still need sharper chance creation because Montenegro will not leave as much space.
Montenegro's Bulgaria win showed defensive resilience, but the attacking absences reduce their margin. A low-scoring match remains likely if Slovakia do not find an early breakthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is expected to win Slovakia vs Montenegro?
FWC Times predicts Slovakia 2 - 1 Montenegro because the home side have the stronger ranking, better midfield control and an unbeaten verified H2H record.
What time does Slovakia vs Montenegro kick off?
Slovakia vs Montenegro kicks off at 18:30 CEST, 16:30 UTC, 12:30 ET, 17:30 BST and 21:30 PKT on Friday June 5, 2026.
Where is Slovakia vs Montenegro being played?
The match is being played at Košická futbalová aréna in Košice, Slovakia.
Are Slovakia vs Montenegro lineups confirmed?
Official starting XIs are yet to be confirmed. The lineup card remains projected until team sheets are available.
Read Also: Slovakia vs Montenegro Preview | Slovakia vs Montenegro Live Stream | Slovakia vs Montenegro Live Score
