Serbia National Football Team – 2025 Squad, Schedule & News

The Serbia national football team enters 2025 with a clear objective: securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under the guidance of head coach Dragan Stojković, the squad blends experienced veterans with emerging talent, playing their home matches at the iconic Stadion Rajko Mitić in Belgrade. With a strong defensive spine, a deep goalkeeping pool, and a prolific captain in Aleksandar Mitrović, Serbia remains one of Europe’s most intriguing teams.

Serbia’s recent competitive results have been mixed, including a heavy defeat to England in World Cup qualifying, but the team has shown resilience with wins against Andorra and Latvia. The shift to Capelli Sport as kit sponsor in January 2025 marks a new chapter for the national side. Understanding the current squad, upcoming fixtures, and leadership structure is essential for anyone following their journey.

Who Are the Key Players in the Serbia National Football Team?

• Serbia’s FIFA ranking has fluctuated, reflecting inconsistent tournament performances despite strong individual talent.
• The team relies heavily on Aleksandar Mitrović for goals and leadership; his partnership with Luka Jović offers tactical variety.
• Historically, Serbia has an excellent home record in World Cup qualifying, a pattern continued in the current campaign.
• Despite reaching the World Cup group stage in 2018 and 2022, the senior side has not won a major trophy since the Yugoslav era.

Goalkeepers

Serbia’s goalkeeping department is one of its strongest areas. Predrag Rajković (veteran option) and Đorđe Petrović (first‑choice contender) are the primary options, backed by Aleksandar Jovanović and Dragan Rosić. The depth provides tactical flexibility for Stojković.

Left‑back and left‑sided defensive options

The clearest natural left‑back in the current squad is Aleksa Terzić, who also operates as a left wing‑back. Strahinja Pavlović, primarily a center‑back, can occasionally cover wider defensive roles. Nemanja Stojić, Jan‑Carlo Simić and Ognjen Mimović are more comfortable centrally or on the right. Terzić stands out as the most dedicated left‑sided defender in the available sources.

Who Is the Current Coach and What Is the Team’s Home Stadium?

Dragan Stojković remains at the helm, supported by assistants Bratislav Živković and Goran Đorović, as listed by Tribuna. Stojković’s experience as a former national team captain and his tactical approach have shaped Serbia’s qualifying campaigns.

Serbia’s primary home venue is Stadion Rajko Mitić (the Red Star Stadium) with a capacity of around 51,862. It regularly hosts major internationals and World Cup qualifiers, providing a familiar and often intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.

What Matches Are Coming Up for Serbia and What Is the Latest News?

World Cup 2026 qualifying results

Based on the matches documented by Wikipedia, Serbia’s qualifying campaign so far includes:

• 10 June 2025: Serbia 3–0 Andorra
• 6 September 2025: Latvia 0–1 Serbia
• 9 September 2025: Serbia 0–5 England
• 11 October 2025: Serbia 0–1 Albania
• 16 November 2025: Serbia 2–1 Latvia

March 2026 friendlies

The squad has been called up for friendlies against Spain (27 March 2026) and Saudi Arabia (31 March 2026), indicating a focus on testing depth and preparing for the remainder of the qualification cycle.

What Jersey Does Serbia Wear and How Does It Tie to Their Identity?

In January 2025, the Football Association of Serbia announced a new kit sponsorship deal with Capelli Sport, replacing Puma. This marks a fresh visual identity for the national team. The traditional red, blue and white colours remain central, reflecting the national flag and the “Orlovi” (Eagles) nickname.

Key Milestones in Serbia National Football Team History

1. 2006 – Independence; FIFA recognises Serbia as the successor of Serbia and Montenegro.
2. 2010 – First World Cup as an independent nation (South Africa).
3. 2015 – U20 World Cup champions – a youth achievement.
4. 2018 – World Cup group stage exit.
5. 2022 – World Cup group stage exit.
6. 2024 – Euro 2024 qualification and performance.
7. 2025 – Current World Cup 2026 qualification campaign underway.

Which Squad Details Are Confirmed and Which Remain Uncertain?

What Background Explains Serbia’s Current Position in International Football?

Serbia’s current squad depth is competitive within Europe, particularly in central defence and goalkeeping. Under Stojković, the team tends to play a compact defensive shape with quick transitions through wide players like Andrija Živković and Aleksa Terzić. Historically, talented generations have often underperformed in major tournaments – a pattern Serbia seeks to break in their 2026 qualification campaign.

The legacy of Yugoslav football continues to influence expectations. Serbia inherited a rich history and a passionate fan base, but the transition to an independent national team has required rebuilding identity and consistency.

What Do Official Sources and Key Figures Say?

The Football Association of Serbia confirmed the Capelli Sport partnership in January 2025. No direct quotes from the coach or players were available in the research materials, but official data from FIFA’s Serbia team page and UEFA’s Serbia profile offer reliable statistics. Squad details on Transfermarkt and Wikipedia provide further context. The official Football Association of Serbia website is the primary source for statements and announcements.

What Is the Overall State of the Serbia National Football Team in 2025?

As 2025 progresses, Serbia stands as a team with clear strengths in defence and goalkeeping, a proven goalscorer in Mitrović, and a deep squad of talented midfielders and attackers. The mixed qualifying results show room for improvement, but the upcoming friendlies offer a chance to refine the system. The shift to Capelli Sport and the continued leadership of Dragan Stojković provide stability. For a deeper dive, see the Serbia national football team 2025 article.

Frequently Asked Questions