Slovenia could have been drawn against Kosovo, Bulgaria or Armenia but have instead been chosen to play the highest-ranked team in League B.

The manager of the national team, Matjaž Kek, said that Slovakia were at a similar level to Slovenia but had showed where they belong during this year Euro 2024 championships.

He added that the Slovenian team would do everything it could to be ready for the matches in March and that the absence of the away goal rule meant that there was no advantage in playing the return leg at home.

Slovenia and Slovakia have played each other six times in World Cup qualifiers, with Slovenia winning the first three meetings, and Slovakia winning the fourth one.

The last two matches between the countries have ended in a draw.