Pocognoli takes Scotland to Hampden after Slovenia stalemate

Sebastien Pocognoli leads Scotland at Hampden for the first time on Tuesday, with Switzerland visiting in the Nations League.

The tie is scheduled for 29 September 2026 in Glasgow, three days after Scotland opened the campaign away to Slovenia. It will be broadcast live on the BBC, according to BBC Sport.

Pocognoli started his time as Scotland head coach with a 0-0 draw in Ljubljana on Saturday 26 September. Slovenia hosted that game. Scotland then travelled back to Glasgow for the Switzerland match.

The Belgian has gone with a refreshed squad for this Nations League campaign. He named eight uncapped players — players yet to make their senior international debut — in his first Scotland squad.

Two of those fresh faces started in Slovenia. Striker Robbie Ure and defender Stephen Welsh both came straight into the starting eleven in Ljubljana.

Scotland set up with three centre-backs. Scott McKenna played in the middle, with Jack Hendry and Welsh either side of him.

Andy Robertson and Aaron Hickey played as wing-backs, full-backs asked to push high up the wide areas to provide width. Billy Gilmour and Lewis Ferguson sat behind them in a double pivot, two central midfielders shielding the defence.

Further forward, John McGinn started as a number 10, an attacking midfielder playing just behind the strikers. Oli McBurnie and Ure led the line as a front two.

Pocognoli kept changes to a minimum. Ben Gannon-Doak and Kieron Bowie were the only substitutes used.

What makes this stand out is how quickly the new boss has trusted new names. Two debut starters away from home, two more off the bench. That is a clear signal.

For fans, this means a first proper look at home. The early reaction to the Slovenia debut was mainly positive, and Hampden now gets its turn. A packed national stadium on a Tuesday night can be loud. A new head coach, new faces and a first home game is a simple, powerful combination.