Neither team has ever played at a European Championships before though Slovakia, as part of Czechoslovakia, won the tournament back in 1976.
The teams each have a major star spearheading their challenge, Napoli's Marek Hamsik for the Slovaks, and Real Madrid's Gareth Bale for Wales.
Slovakia qualified as runners-up in Group C behind Spain, having beaten the reigning champions in qualifying, while Wales were second to Belgium in Group B, losing just one of ten matches.
Teams
Slovakia's main strength is their defence, and they will be reliant on Marek Hamsik for much of their attacking threat.
The absence of striker Robert Vittek through injury leaves Adam Nemec and Michal Duris as the only options up front for coach Jan Kozak.
Wales come into the tournament with a number of injury concerns, but they appear to be turning the corner at just the right time.
Midfielders Joe Allen and Joe Ledley had both been question marks, missing the final warm-up game against Sweden.
They have recovered from injury however, and along with Gareth Bale and Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey, provide plenty of top flight experience in midfield and attack.
Ones to Watch
Slovakia: Marek Hamsik
If Slovakia's defence will be the key to them getting out of Group B, they are still very reliant on Napoli superstar Marek Hamsik when it comes to creating chances.
The 28-year-old has not always produced his best form in national colours, but did still lead the way in qualifying with five goals for the Slovaks.
And coach Jan Kozak expects him to step up, particularly with the right balance of players alongside him.
"Marek really is a professional," said Kozak.
"He gives everything in every training session. He likes playing for the national team, but football is a collective sport and it was necessary to find quality players who suited him.
"We managed to do it, as both the boys in the middle, Juraj Kucka and Viktor Pecovsky, are different types of players, but they are perfectly balanced together.
"He has also other players next to him such as Vlado Weiss or Robo Mak. He cooperates well with Adam Nemec, too.
"As the performances of all the players got better, Marek also had a better environment in which to create."
Wales: Gareth Bale
The world's most expensive player when he left Tottenham for Real Madrid, Bale has since gone on to win two Champions League titles and led Wales to their first European Championships.
To say he is the key figure in the team is an understatement. Bale scored seven of Wales' 11 goals in qualifying, with a further two assists.
And having helped Wales reach the finals in France, he has every intention of making the most of it.
"It's a massive achievement for us as a country. It was a historic event for us, and something that I really regard as one of the best achievements I've ever had in football," he said.
"All the teams that have qualified are very good teams, but we're not going there just to make up the numbers.
"No matter who we play, we feel confident in our abilities. Our aim is to win every game, and if we do that, we win the tournament. We're going to go there and give our best, that's all we can do."
Head to head record
Wales and Slovakia have played just twice before playing out two high-scoring encounters.
In the first meeting it was Slovakia who came out on top, winning 5-1 in Cardiff in 2006, with Gareth Bale scoring his first international goal.
Wales got their revenge in the return fixture the following year in that qualifying campaign, winning 5-2 in Bratislava.
Did you know?
Wales' Joe Ledley broke his leg on May 7 but has recovered in time to be fit for the start of the tournament and the opener against Slovakia.
Venue: Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux
Date: Saturday June 11
Kick-off: 18:00 local (17:00 BST)
Sportsbeat 2016
Source: Sportsbeat
