Orlići hone form for Elite Round: NFS platform members on coach Matić's list

The Serbian U19 national team (class of 2009 and younger) is entering the final phase of its preparations ahead of the start of the second round of qualifiers for the European Championship, which will be held in Estonia in June 2026. Igor Matić's squad will have a dress rehearsal on February 26 in Stara Pazova, where they will face the Slovenian national team.

The strengths of the NFS platform in a national jersey

We are particularly proud that two distinguished members were also included on the list of 22 selected players. Next Football Stars platforms. Jovan Mitrović (Mladost Lučani) and Ognjen Matanović (Crvena Zvezda) They have earned the coach's trust and will represent our talent pool in the „Orlić“ jersey. Mitrović will strengthen the defensive line, while Matanović will be a key figure in Serbia's midfield.

The Path to Estonia and Qatar

This match against Slovenia serves as a warm-up for the most important events to come in March. Serbia is hosting a qualifying tournament at the Železničar Stadium in Pančevo, where they will be seeking qualification not only for the European Championship, but also for the World Cup taking place in Qatar in November.

Serbia's schedule in the Elite Round:

  • 25.03. Serbia vs. Cyprus
  • 28.03. Belgium vs. Serbia
  • 31.03. Switzerland vs. Serbia

Coach's Choice for Slovenia

Goalkeepers

  • Savo Radanović (Red Star)

  • Veljko Popović (Partizan)

Defense

  • Jovan Mitrovic (Youth Lucani)

  • Andrej Neziri (Vojvodina)

  • Vukašin Davidov (Vojvodina)

  • Matej Strika (Red Star)

  • Paul Raković (Partizan)

  • Vojin Marinković (Partizan)

  • Strahinja Baucal (Red Star)

  • Mihajlo Popović (Red Star)

Midfield

  • Ognjen Matanovic (Red Star)

  • Uroš Dragišić (IMT)

  • Dragan Anokic (Red Star)

  • Mateja Milošević (Youth Lucani)

  • Veljko Pejović (Vojvodina)

  • Vanja Antić (Chukarički)

  • William Milwood (Partizan)

  • David Djokovic (Youth Lucani)

  • Balsa Tadić (Partizan)

  • Nebojsa Grujic (Chukarički)

Attack

  • Tadija Samardžić (Herta Berlin)

  • Paul Ilić (Vojvodina)

 

We wish the entire Serbian national team, the coaching staff, and all the players good luck and success in the upcoming challenges ahead on their way to the major competitions.

We believe in the unity and quality of the entire team under the leadership of coach Igor Matić, with the desire to make the most of the match against Slovenia and be ready to face the decisive March battles in Pančevo. May fighting spirit and team unity, which adorn the national crest, accompany you on your journey to Estonia and Qatar!

Gallery photo