Image Credits: Imago Images
It’s been a tense few weeks of international football, with several Manchester United players involved in vital qualifiers ahead of next year’s World Cup.
The race to secure a place in the tournament is heating up, with nations across Europe fighting for their spot in what’s shaping up to be a fiercely competitive group stage.
For United supporters, all eyes have been on their players abroad, some thriving under pressure, others enduring difficult nights for their countries.
While England, Portugal and France continue to dominate their groups, a few surprise results have left certain stars in danger of missing out altogether.
One such United player is now facing the prospect of sitting out the biggest tournament in world football after a disappointing run of results with his national team.
Benjamin Sesko hopes of representing Slovenia at the 2026 World Cup have taken a major hit following a frustrating international break.
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Slovenia were held to back-to-back goalless draws against Kosovo and Switzerland, leaving them third in Group B with just three points.
Switzerland currently top the group with 10 points, while Kosovo sit second on seven.
Slovenia still have to face Kosovo at home and Sweden away during the November international break, matches that will decide whether they qualify for the play-offs or not.
Benjamin Sesko played 90 minutes in both of Slovenia’s matches this month but couldn’t add to his recent scoring form, having netted twice for Manchester United in the games leading up to the break.
Slovenia manager Matjaz Kek voiced his frustration after the Switzerland stalemate, saying: “A realistic result in a difficult and very dynamic, competitive match with quite a few mistakes on both sides.”
Slovenia have only appeared at the World Cup twice before, in 2002 and 2010, failing to progress beyond the group stage on both occasions.
Switzerland and Sweden remain the favourites to progress, leaving Sesko’s side needing a perfect finish to keep their dreams alive.
For Manchester United, it’s another reminder of the fine balance between club and international form, and a test of whether their young striker can carry his domestic resurgence onto the world stage.