Scotland held by Slovenia in Pocognoli's first game

Pocognoli's Scotland started with a stalemate.

Scotland drew 0-0 with Slovenia in Ljubljana on Saturday, 26 September 2026. It was Sebastien Pocognoli's first match in charge of the national side, according to BBC Sport.

The game was played at Stadion Stozice, Slovenia's national stadium in the capital. It opened Scotland's account in Group B1 of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, the competition that replaces many friendlies with proper group football, with promotion, relegation and play-off places at stake. The league phase of this edition runs from September to November 2026, according to UEFA.

Scotland stayed unbeaten in this fixture. The two nations had met five times before September 2026, with Scotland winning two and drawing three, according to the Scottish FA. No goals in Ljubljana kept that run going. A clean sheet away from home is a solid starting point for any new manager.

On the other touchline was Bostjan Cesar, Slovenia's manager. He knew this opposition well. Cesar was sent off in a previous 2-2 draw between the sides, and he went into the September meeting with two defeats and one draw from his time in charge, according to BBC Sport.

The match kicked off on Saturday afternoon UK time and was shown live on BBC One, with coverage from 1:45pm. For supporters back home, it was a chance to get a first look at Pocognoli's Scotland.

For fans, this means patience rather than fireworks. A point on the road opens the group without damage. The real read on the new era will come with the games that follow.