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Montenegro’s Road to World Cup Qualification
Montenegro’s head coach, Robert Prosinecki, believes his team has the potential to make history by qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup. As a former star midfielder who played for elite clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona, Prosinecki brings a wealth of experience to his coaching role. He remains optimistic about Montenegro’s chances, emphasizing the team’s resilience and determination.
Prosinecki’s Passion for Football and Coaching
Since taking charge of the Montenegro national team in February 2024, Prosinecki has been driven by a deep love for the sport. When asked about his motivation, the 54-year-old responded:
“Football has given me so much, and I want to give something back. The joy of teaching players, seeing them believe in your vision, and watching them grow is incredibly rewarding. Of course, nothing beats the feeling of victory.”
This passion was evident in Montenegro’s recent 3-1 triumph over Turkey in the UEFA Nations League. The win ended a seven-game drought and provided a crucial morale boost ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Montenegro’s Strategy for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
Montenegro begins their qualification journey with home matches against Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands in March. Their group includes Czechia and the loser of the UEFA Nations League quarter-final between Croatia and France—two football powerhouses widely regarded as favourites.
Despite the challenging competition, Prosinecki remains confident:
“I have always been an optimist. Montenegrins are brave and never give up. The dream of reaching a major tournament has been alive for years, and I believe we can make it happen.”
With a population of just over 600,000, Montenegro faces an uphill battle, but Prosinecki draws inspiration from Iceland’s historic World Cup qualification, proving that smaller nations can achieve greatness.
Reflecting on a Stellar Playing Career
Prosinecki’s extensive playing experience is a valuable asset in his coaching career. As a key Croatia squad member at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, he played a pivotal role in their third-place finish. Scoring in their historic debut match—a 3-1 win over Jamaica—and again in the third-place play-off against the Netherlands, he helped cement Croatia’s place in football history.
“The key element was the strong team culture we established. We had an immense desire to represent our newly independent country, and that motivation drove us to success. With legends like Zvonimir Boban, Davor Suker, and Robert Jarni, we built a team that still strongly connects with the national squad today.”
Croatia has since continued its footballing success, finishing as runners-up at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and securing third place at the 2022 tournament. Prosinecki compares their achievements to winning the World Cup with Brazil, given the nation’s small size of 3.5 million people.
Building a Legacy with Montenegro
Now, Prosinecki aims to create a legacy similar to Montenegro’s. He acknowledges that leading the nation to its first World Cup would be one of the greatest accomplishments of his coaching career.
“Taking Montenegro to the World Cup would be the pinnacle of my coaching journey. While finishing third at the World Cup as a player and winning the European Cup with Red Star Belgrade were unforgettable moments, qualifying with Montenegro would hold a special place in my heart.”
With a strong belief in his players and a commitment to tactical excellence, Prosinecki is determined to guide Montenegro toward an unprecedented achievement. As the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers approach, the nation’s football fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness history in the making.
By focusing on Montenegro’s determination, Prosinecki’s vast experience, and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, the team’s journey toward footballing glory continues. Will Montenegro defy the odds and secure their place on the world’s biggest stage? Only time will tell.
