Wessel Speel and Shelbourne look for pride in Slovenia

The Match

NK Celje vs. Shelbourne FC

  • Competition: UEFA Conference League (League Phase – Matchday 6)
  • Date: Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025
  • Kickoff: 2p.m. CST
  • Venue: Stadion Z’dežele (Celje, Slovenia)

How to watch in Minnesota

This match will be streamed live on Paramount+.

Since this is a 2 p.m. kickoff on a Thursday, the Paramount+ mobile app is a great way to keep an eye on the match if you are on the go.

The significance

While Aziel Jackson is fighting for a spot in the Top 8, Wessel Speel and Shelbourne are playing for pride and a historic milestone.

  • The goal: Shelbourne has had a difficult League Phase debut, failing to find the back of the net in their first five matches. Their primary mission today is to score their first-ever goal in the Conference League proper before their European journey concludes.
  • The opponent: NK Celje is a formidable host. They currently sit 12th in the table and are on a 10-match unbeaten run at home. A win today could see them leapfrog into the automatic qualification spots for the Round of 16, so expect them to be aggressive from the opening whistle.

The Loon in focus: Wessel Speel

  • MNUFC Tenure: 2025 (On loan from Minnesota United)
  • Club: Shelbourne FC (Ireland)
  • Role: Goalkeeper

Standing at a massive 6’7″, Wessel Speel has been one of the most intriguing developmental stories for Minnesota United this year. After a standout collegiate career at Hofstra and Duke, he signed with the Loons in early 2025 before being sent on loan to the Irish champions, Shelbourne, in July to gain high-level European experience.

Speel has been a busy man in this Conference League campaign. Despite Shelbourne’s struggles to score, Speel has kept them in several matches with his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the air. This match represents a final chance for him to put a “clean sheet” exclamation point on his loan spell before he returns to Minnesota to compete for a spot in the 2026 senior squad.

Prediction

Celje’s attacking pressure will likely be relentless, meaning Speel will need to be at his absolute best. While the Irish side will fight hard to finally get on the scoresheet, the Slovenian hosts have too much momentum at home.

  • NK Celje wins 2-0, with Speel making at least five saves to keep the scoreline respectable.