Pocognoli debuts as Scotland face Slovenia in Nations League

Scotland begins a new era under head coach Sebastien Pocognoli in a UEFA Nations League Group B1 match against Slovenia on 26 September 2026 at Stadion Stožice in Ljubljana. The Belgian coach, who replaced Steve Clarke following Scotland's group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup, has selected eight uncapped players for his first match, with 14 of the 23-player squad absent from the recent World Cup campaign.

Scotland's squad features recalled Oli McBurnie, who makes his first appearance for the national team since March 2021, alongside Sevilla striker Robbie Ure in his debut. Other new additions include Stephen Welsh (Swansea City), Luis Binks (Brondby), and several other uncapped players. Notable absences include Scott McTominay (injury), Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean (who withdrew), and Craig Gordon (retired). However, experienced players John McGinn and captain Andy Robertson remain in the squad. Robertson told BBC Sport that while Scotland "want to learn on the job" under Pocognoli's "new ideas," the team "still demand results and expect results."

Slovenije, who have never defeated Scotland in five previous meetings, are rebuilding after missing qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The squad will be led by goalkeeper Jan Oblak, earning his 85th cap, though star striker Benjamin Šeško withdrew due to a shin injury. Manchester United's Šeško posted on Instagram expressing regret at missing the matches and committing to recovery. Slovan Bratislava's Andraž Šporar is expected to lead Slovenia's attack in Šeško's absence. Defenders Kenan Bajrić and Marcel Ratnik are also unavailable through injury.

Slovenia arrive in poor form with only one win in their last ten matches and consecutive defeats over the summer. Scotland, conversely, are missing key midfielders Scott McTominay, Ché Adams, and Lawrence Shankland due to injury. Pocognoli has signalled a tactical shift toward a more attacking approach compared to his predecessor's pragmatic style, hoping to build momentum toward Euro 2028.

The match kicks off at 15:00 CEST (14:00 BST / 09:00 ET) and will be broadcast on BBC One in the UK, FOX Sports 2 in the USA, and via Sport Klub 1 in Slovenia. The fixture is the first of four games both nations will play in 11 days, with Scotland hosting Switzerland on 29 September before facing North Macedonia on 3 October.