The Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) today announced the departure of head coach Matjaž Kek after the team's unsuccessful campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. With his contract expiring on November 30, 2025, the NZS has decided not to renew the agreement and will immediately begin the search for a new head coach to guide the national team into the future.
The NZS expresses deep gratitude to Kek for his dedicated service over two tenures, spanning from 2007 to 2011 and 2018 to 2025. Under his leadership, Slovenia achieved significant milestones, including qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024.
At Euro 2024, the team advanced to the knockout stages for the first time in a major tournament after drawing all three group matches. Kek also led Slovenia to an undefeated streak of eight games in 2020 and promotion to League B in the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League.
However the recent World Cup qualification in UEFA Group B proved challenging, with Slovenia failing to secure a single win in six matches. This disappointing outcome prompted the NZS to seek fresh leadership to rebuild and strengthen the squad for upcoming competitions, including the UEFA Nations League.
"We thank Matjaž Kek for his passion, commitment, and the unforgettable moments he brought to Slovenian football," said NZS President Radenko Mijatović. "His contributions have elevated our national team on the international stage. As we move forward, we are committed to finding a coach who can harness the talent of our players, like Benjamin Šeško, and drive us toward new successes."
The search process will prioritize candidates with proven international experience, tactical innovation, and a vision for developing young talent. The NZS aims to appoint a new head coach in the coming months to ensure seamless preparation for future fixtures.