Montenegro’s football faithful can rest easy—Mirko Vučinić is set to steer the national team for another year, following a decisive vote by the Executive Board of the Football Association of Montenegro (FSCG) on December 23, 2025. The decision, announced after a closely watched board meeting, cements Vučinić’s leadership at a critical juncture for the “Brave Falcons.”
Vučinić, a familiar face and a former star on the pitch, took the reins from Robert Prosinečki after a turbulent World Cup qualifying campaign in September. Prosinečki’s departure came on the heels of two sobering defeats—first, a 2:0 loss at home to the Czech Republic, then a tough 4:0 drubbing away against Croatia. The results left fans disheartened and the national team at a crossroads, but the FSCG’s swift move to install Vučinić brought a sense of renewed hope.
Since stepping into the top job, Vučinić has presided over a mixed bag of results. Under his guidance, Montenegro reached the final round of the qualifiers, showing flashes of promise alongside moments of frustration. The team managed to edge out Gibraltar 2:1 and secure a hard-fought 2:1 victory in a friendly against Liechtenstein. Yet, the road was anything but smooth. A stunning 4:0 defeat to the Faroe Islands and a narrow 3:2 loss to Croatia reminded everyone that the journey ahead would be anything but easy.
The FSCG’s statement following the board meeting was clear and resolute: “The senior national team will be led by Mirko Vučinić, who performed this role in the last four matches in 2025 in the World Cup qualifiers. Vučinić has received the trust of the Executive Board to lead the national team during the coming year, in the friendly matches that the national team will play in March and May/June, and in the UEFA Nations League matches that are scheduled from September to November next year.”
It’s a show of faith not just in Vučinić’s tactical acumen, but in his ability to rally a team still reeling from recent disappointments. The upcoming year is shaping up to be a pivotal one, with friendly matches on the horizon in March and May/June 2026, followed by the high-stakes UEFA Nations League clashes set for September through November. The pressure is on, and expectations are high.
Vučinić’s tenure so far has been a rollercoaster. The wins over Gibraltar and Liechtenstein showcased the team’s potential to grind out results when needed. Against Gibraltar, Montenegro showed composure, controlling possession and capitalizing on key opportunities. The Liechtenstein friendly, though lacking the drama of a qualifier, still provided a much-needed morale boost. But the defeats—especially the heavy loss to the Faroe Islands—sparked plenty of debate among fans and pundits alike. Was it a blip, or a sign of deeper issues?
“We know what we’re capable of, but there’s still a lot of work to do,” Vučinić reportedly told his squad after the Faroe Islands match. While the quote wasn’t officially released, the sentiment has echoed through the Montenegrin football community. The team’s resilience will be tested yet again as they prepare for the friendlies and, more importantly, the Nations League campaign—a tournament that offers both redemption and the chance to rewrite recent history.
The FSCG’s announcement wasn’t just about the senior team. The board also confirmed stability across the youth and development ranks. Nenad Vukčević will continue as coach of the youth team, ensuring continuity for Montenegro’s next generation of talent. Radovan Kavaja, meanwhile, takes charge of the cadet team and will oversee the FSCG Football School for players born in 2010 and younger, a move designed to nurture the nation’s footballing future from the grassroots up.
The coaching shuffle doesn’t end there. Vladan Savić will lead the pioneer team, instilling foundational skills and discipline in the youngest competitive group. On the futsal front, Sveto Ljesar retains his dual role with both the senior and youth squads, a testament to the importance of the indoor game in Montenegro’s broader football ecosystem. And for the women’s game, Mirko Marić will guide the cadet, youth, and senior national teams, signaling a commitment to growing the sport for all.
For Vučinić, the upcoming fixtures are more than just games—they’re opportunities to solidify his philosophy and prove that he’s the right man for the job. The friendlies in March and May/June will offer a testing ground for new tactics and emerging players, while the Nations League presents a chance to compete against Europe’s best and perhaps, just perhaps, deliver a few surprises.
Montenegro’s footballing story has always been one of grit, ambition, and the occasional upset. The team’s faithful will be hoping that Vučinić’s second act brings more highs than lows. After all, the Brave Falcons have shown they can soar—now it’s up to their coach to help them find the right wind.
As the dust settles from the boardroom and the focus shifts back to the pitch, all eyes are on Vučinić and his squad. Will they rise to the challenge in 2026, or will the growing pains continue? Only time—and the next round of matches—will tell. One thing’s for sure: the Montenegrin football scene is anything but dull, and the coming year promises plenty of drama, passion, and the relentless pursuit of progress.
With the coaching staff locked in and a clear roadmap laid out, Montenegro’s football community enters the new year with cautious optimism. The Brave Falcons are ready for takeoff, and their fans are buckled in for the ride.
