Slovak National Football Team Faces Uncertainty Amid Middle East Crisis During World Cup Qualifiers

Slovakia's national football team is preparing for crucial World Cup qualifying matches while dealing with complications from the ongoing Middle East crisis. The team faces two playoff matches that could secure their spot in the 2025 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for June 11-July 19. Slovakia will first play Kosovo on March 26 in Bratislava, and if successful, will face either Turkey or Romania on March 31, also in Bratislava. The team's preparation has been affected by the regional crisis, with reports that some players considered leaving and coach Francesco Calzona reportedly took shelter during security incidents. The qualifying campaign represents Slovakia's attempt to reach their first World Cup since 2010, when they famously reached the Round of 16.