Kosovo produced one of the most remarkable results of the FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs, stunning Slovakia in a dramatic 4-3 victory in Bratislava. In a match packed with twists, goals, and raw emotion, Franco Foda’s side defied expectations to book their place in the final.

The hosts made a perfect start, taking the lead as early as the sixth minute through Martin Valjent, sending the home crowd into early celebration. But Kosovo responded with composure, and Hodza brought them level in a fast-paced opening spell. Just before the break, Lukas Haraslin restored Slovakia’s advantage, leaving the visitors with it all to do in the second half.

What followed after the interval was nothing short of sensational. Within two minutes of the restart, Fisnik Asllani equalised, shifting the momentum firmly in Kosovo’s favour. Confidence surged through Foda’s side, and they began to exploit gaps in a suddenly vulnerable Slovak defence.

The turnaround was completed in style. Florent Muslija fired Kosovo into the lead before Kreshnik Hajrizi extended the advantage, capping off a devastating spell that left Slovakia reeling.

A late goal from David Strelec deep into stoppage time set up a nervy finish, but it proved too little, too late for the hosts. The final whistle confirmed a historic night for Kosovo, who now stand just one game away from reaching their first-ever major international tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

Slovakia - Kosovo 3:4 (2:1)
Goals: Valjent, 6 (1:0); Hodža, 21 (1:1); Haraslin, 45 (2:1); Asllani F., 47 (2:2); Muslija, 60 (2:3); Hajrizi, 72 (2:4); Strelec, 90 (3:4)

Slovakia: Dubravka; Vavro; Valjent; Obert; Hancko; Duda (Benes, 83); Haraslin (Tupta, 83); Bero (Mráz, 90); Lobotka; Sauer L. (Suslov T., 45); Strelec
Substitution: Suslov T. (from 45); Benes (from 83); Tupta (from 83); Mráz (from 90)
Bench: Rodak; Takáč; Pekarík; Gyomber; Krčík; Hrošovský; Rigo; Kaprálik
Yellow Cards: Vavro 89; Valjent 90

Kosovo: Muric A.; Dellova; Vojvoda; Gallapeni; Hajdari A.; Hodža (Emërllahu, 90); Rexhbecaj; Muslija (Hadergjonaj, 90); Hajrizi; Asllani F. (Zabergja, 73); Muriqi (Rrahmani Al., 90)
Substitution: Zabergja (from 73); Hadergjonaj (from 90); Emërllahu (from 90); Rrahmani Al. (from 90)
Bench: Bekaj; Saipi; Aliti; Krasniqi I.; Rashica; Berisha Val.; Zhegrova; Krasniqi Er.
Yellow Cards: Hajrizi 14; Dellova 25; Hodža 51