Albania national football team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Albania women's national football team.

Albania
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Kuqezinjtë (The Red and Blacks)
AssociationFederata Shqiptare e Futbollit (FSHF)
ConfederationUEFA
Head coachSylvinho
CaptainBerat Gjimshiti
Most capsLorik Cana (93)
Top scorerErjon Bogdani (18)
Home stadiumArena Kombëtare
FIFA codeALB
FIFA ranking
Current 65 File:Steady2.svg (28 November 2024)[1]
Highest22 (August 2015[2])
Lowest124 (August 1997[3])
First international
File:Flag of Albania (1946–1992).svg Albania 2–3 Yugoslavia File:Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg
(Tirana, Albania; 7 October 1946)
Biggest win
File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania 5–0 Vietnam File:Flag of Vietnam.svg
(Bastia Umbra, Italy; 12 February 2003)
File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania 6–1 Cyprus File:Flag of Cyprus.svg
(Tirana, Albania; 12 August 2009)
File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania 5–0 San Marino File:Flag of San Marino.svg
(Elbasan, Albania; 8 September 2021)
Biggest defeat
File:Flag of Hungary (1949-1956; 1-2 aspect ratio).svg Hungary 12–0 Albania File:Flag of Albania (1946–1992).svg
(Budapest, Hungary; 24 September 1950)
European Championship
Appearances2 (first in 2016)
Best resultGroup stage (2016, 2024)
Medal record
Men's football
Balkan Cup
File:Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1946 Albania Team
Malta International Tournament
File:Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2000 Albania Team

The Albania national football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja e futbollit të Shqipërisë) represents Albania in men's international football. It is governed by the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF), the governing body for football in Albania. It is a member of UEFA in Europe and FIFA in global competitions. The team's colours reference two national symbols: the double-headed eagle and the country's tricolor. Their supporters are colloquially referred to as the Tifozat Kuq e Zi (Red and Black Fans). Since its inception as a team, Albania first collected a major tournament trophy in 1946 with the Balkan Cup, followed by the Malta International Tournament (2000). At the FIFA World Cup, Albania has campaigned to qualify since their entry into FIFA in 1932. The team has reached the group stage of UEFA European Championship twice (2016, 2024). They have competed in the UEFA Nations League since 2018. Upon its admission into FIFA ranked 124th, Albania ascended to their peak World Ranking of 22nd in 2015. The country plays their home games in the Arena Kombëtare in their capital city, Tirana.

History

Main article: History of the Albania national football team

20th century

File:Loro Boriçi në finalen e Ballkaniadës.jpg
Loro Boriçi captained the national team in winning the 1946 Balkan Cup.

Although it never played any matches, the Albania national football team existed before the Albanian Football Association (Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit; FSHF) was created on 6 June 1930. Albania joined FIFA during a congress held between 12 and 16 June. Albania was invited to play in the 1934 World Cup, but did not take part due to logistical problems.[5] Albania played its first international match against Yugoslavia in 1946, which ended in a 3–2 home defeat at Qemal Stafa Stadium.[6] In 1946, Albania also participated for the first time in the Balkan Cup in which Albania won by beating Romania 1–0 in the final.[7] In 1954, Albania was one of the founding members of UEFA. Albania waited until 1962 to compete in a Euro Cup competition, and the reason being Albania got past the first leg against Greece, for political reasons forfeited the game.[8][9][10] At the end of the tournament Albania ranked 9th in Europe.[11][12][13] Albania participated at the 1964 Summer Olympics in the Men's qualification tournament, and closely lost both matches against Bulgaria in the preliminary round.[14] They would participate for the second and last time at the 1972 Summer Olympics in which they faced Romania at the European qualifiers in the playoffs. Albania would lose both matches narrowly, 2–1 in the first leg and at home in the second leg.[15][16]

File:Pullë e Kampionatit Europian të Futbollit (1984).png
Albanian stamp honouring Euro 1984.

Albania participated for the first time in a qualifying phase of a World Cup in 1966. The team was drawn in the Group 5, finishing in the last position with only one point from six matches. In the qualifiers of UEFA Euro 1968, Albania drew 0–0 against West Germany, denying the Germans a chance to participate in the finals.[17][18] Albania did not participate in World Cup 1970, UEFA Euro 1976, World Cup 1978 and UEFA Euro 1980 qualifying for unknown political reasons. After six years without playing any international matches, Albania entered the 1982 World Cup, managing to finish second-to-last in the qualifying stages. For qualifying for the World Cup four years later, Albania beat Belgium in Tirana 2–0 as well as drawing Poland in Mielec 2–2.

21st century

In the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, Albania only beat Greece. For the Euros two years later, Albania beat Russia 3–1 at Loro Boriçi Stadium.[19] This match was also the debut of the German coach Hans-Peter Briegel who led Albania to an undefeated run in home matches. Despite good results, Albania finished in the penultimate spot with only eight points. Albania defeated Greece 2–1 two months after they won Euro 2004.[20]

In Euro 2008 qualifying, Albania defeated Luxembourg twice, and also drew 2–2 with Belarus and 0–0 away with Bulgaria. Albania's Euro campaign ended with a 6–1 loss away to Romania which resulted in the resignation of coach Otto Barić and his assistant.[21] In December 2007, Arie Haan was named Albania's head coach by signing a two-year contract for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. Albania won only one match, with seven points from ten matches and Haan was replaced by Josip Kuže in May 2009 following the end of the campaign.[22] However, Kuže failed to lead Albania to better results as the team ended the Euro 2012 qualifying with nine points from ten matches. With Kuže in charge, Albania recorded its second biggest win in history by defeating Cyprus 6–1 at home.[23] Josip Kuže parted ways with Albania after three and a half years, and in December 2011, Italian coach Gianni de Biasi replaced him.[24] Albania was, at one point, second in the 2014 World Cup qualifying group, but then lost to Slovenia and Iceland, as well as at home against Switzerland, and drawing in Cyprus.[25]

File:AUT vs. ALB 2016-03-26 (004).jpg
Albania squad wearing the visitors' uniform, 2016.

Albania began UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying Group I with an emphatic 1–0 away win against Portugal,[26][27] followed by a 1–1 draw against Denmark at the newly renovated Elbasan Arena.[28] They then beat Serbia 3–0 in a match full of incidents. They finally qualified for a Euro, its first appearance at a major men's football tournament.[29] In the tournament itself, Albania lost 1–0 to Switzerland and 2–0 to hosts France. While they beat Romania 1–0 (their first win against Romania since 1947), the team finished last among the third-placed teams and were eliminated in the group stage.[30]

In 2018 World Cup qualification, Albania was drawn in a group with Spain, Italy, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, and Israel. Despite the difficult draw, they placed third in the group, their best result in history without qualifying for the final tournament. During this time, manager Gianni De Biasi resigned after disputes with the FSHF and was replaced by Christian Panucci.[31] Albania played poorly in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, winning only once against Israel and losing the return leg as well as both matches against Scotland.[32] Panucci would be sacked after a 2–0 defeat to Turkey in the opening match of UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.[33] Edoardo Reja replaced Panucci as Albania faced home and away series against both 2018 FIFA World Cup champions France and Iceland as well as the return leg against Turkey.[34] In the end, Albania placed fourth in the group, failing to qualify.[35] Albania qualified for UEFA Euro 2024, their second major tournament.[36] They were drawn into a "group of death" against Spain, Italy, and Croatia, all three opponents being Euros and World Cup medalists. With two losses to Spain and Italy and a draw against Croatia, the team finished at the bottom of their group and did not advance.[37] Albania is set to compete in the UEFA Nations League B in fall 2024, followed by qualification matches for the 2026 World Cup.

Team image

Nicknames

The team's nickname is commonly known as "Kuqezinjtë" ("The Red and Blacks") During the period before 2016, the national teams of Albania and Kosovo exchanged players with each other due to the complexities of descent brought on by Kosovo's independence, leading supporters to refer to each team as the other team's "reserve" side.[38]

Kits

File:Commons-logo.svg
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Albania national football team kits.

Albania's uniform colors are red and black, mirroring the nation's flag. The team typically wears red shirts, black shorts and red socks. Away kits are usually all-white, with red and black trimming. Over the years, the national team has sported kit wear from renowned sportswear brands such as Legea, Puma, Nike and Adidas, to name a few. The partnership with Puma began in 1996 and lasted nine years. Nike outfitted the team during the UEFA Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. A collaboration with Adidas followed, in a contract signing which allowed it to manufacture kits for the Euro 2012 qualifiers, as well as the 2014 World Cup and the Euro 2016 qualifiers.[citation needed] On 24 March 2016, the Albanian Football Federation unveiled a new jersey for the national team players, set to be worn during the forthcoming UEFA Euro 2016 tournament, hosted that year in France. Manufactured by Macron, the jersey redesign, labelled "Triumfi," was conceptualised by Tirana-based studio PIK Creative.[39][40]

Home stadium

Main articles: Arena Kombëtare, Elbasan Arena, and Loro Boriçi Stadium
See also: Qemal Stafa Stadium
File:Air Albania Stadium 2024.jpg
Arena Kombëtare is the home ground of the national team.

For most of Albania's history, the home stadium was Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana. Construction started in April 1939 during the Italy regime, lasted for three years but stopped briefly in August 1943 following the fall of fascist regime.[41] The stadium had an Olympic Stadium shape, as idealised by Gherardo Bosio, a young fascist architect from Florence.[42] The stadium's initial capacity was 15,000, due to the fact that Tirana at that time had only 60,000 inhabitants.[42] It was named after Qemal Stafa, a Hero of Albania in World War II.[43] The stadium was inaugurated officially on 7 October 1946 when Albania played its first competitive match against Yugoslavia.[44] Ever since then, a further 130 international matches took place in the stadium, with the last being a friendly against Georgia in November 2015.[45] In 2005, Cecilia de Marco and Elisabetta Lorusso, two young Italian students, called the stadium as "one of the strongest symbols of Italian impact in Albania".[41] In November 2013, Qemal Stafa Stadium was shut down by FIFA for not fulfilling international standards.[46] The stadium's demolition started in June 2016, and it was announced that it would be replaced by Arena Kombëtare.[47] Albania has played home matches at other venues; outside Tirana, the national team has played matches in Flamurtari Stadium in Vlorë,[48] Tomori Stadium in Berat,[49] Niko Dovana Stadium in Durrës,[50] Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër[51] and Elbasan Arena in Elbasan.[52] In February 2014, renovations for Elbasan Arena (at the time Ruzhdi Bizhuta Stadium) started.[53] The work lasted for seven months, and the stadium was inaugurated on 9 October when Albania played a friendly match against KF Elbasani's under-19 squad; Albania won the match 17–0.[54] The official inauguration occurred two days later in the Euro 2016 qualifying match against Denmark.[55] The first international match at Loro Boriçi Stadium was played on 29 March 2003 against Russia, with Albania winning 3–1.[19] In October 2014, Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, promised the reconstruction of the stadium.[56] The stadium's construction started in May 2015 and finished in August 2016.[57] In 2016–17, the stadium served temporary as the home of Kosovo national team, due to stadiums in Mitrovica and Pristina being renovated and not meeting UEFA standards.[58]

Rivalries

Kosovo

Main article: Brotherly derby

This derby is otherwise known as Brotherly derby (Albanian: Derbi vëllazëror), or the Brotherly (Albanian: Vëllazërorja). The documented beginnings of this derby date back to World War II, specifically on 29 November 1942, where they played a friendly match as part of the celebrations for the 30th anniversary of the independence of Albania. The match ended with a 2–0 win for Tirana.[lower-alpha 1][60][61]

Serbia

Main article: Albania–Serbia football rivalry

This football rivalry between Albania and Serbia is mainly due to historical tensions between the two countries. It has been described as "one of the fiercest rivalries in the world". During the Euro 2016 qualifying phase, the Serbian crowd were chanting "kill, kill Albanians"[62] and were throwing flares at Albania, after which there was a clash between the two teams.[63]

Supporters

Main article: Tifozat Kuq e Zi
A choreography of Tifozat Kuq e Zi in the national team's first match at Elbasan Arena against Denmark in October 2014

Tifozat Kuq e Zi (Red and Black Fans) is a non-profit football supporters' association for the Albania national football team and various national team sportive activities.[64][65] It was founded on 25 December 2003.[64] In cooperation with FSHF, it organises trips for football fans to visit games, and develops and sells merchandise to support itself and fund sporting related projects. Tifozat Kuq e Zi stands firm in the political view that Albanians should share only one national team and have continuous aspirations to join in one state (Një Komb, Një Kombëtare), i.e. unification of Albania, Kosovo, etc.[66][67] In this sense, TKZ is joined by different supporters' associations throughout Albanian-speaking regions mainly in Kosovo (Shqiponjat of Peja, Kuqezinjet e Jakoves of Gjakova, Plisat of Prishtina, Torcida of Mitrovica, etc.), North Macedonia (Ballistët of Tetovë, Ilirët of Kumanovë, Shvercerat of Shkupi, etc.) and in Albania itself (Ultras Guerrils of Partizani Tirana, Tirona Fanatics of KF Tirana, Vllaznit Ultras of Vllaznia Shkodër, Ujqërit e Deborës of Skënderbeu Korçë, Shqiponjat of KF Besa Pejë and many other different Albanian fans).[64]

File:Tifosi albanesi stadio Palermo.jpg
Albanian and Arbëreshë fans in Palermo, for the Italy-Albania 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier match on 24 March 2017

The ongoing dispute between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Football Federation of Albania has been seen as a political intrusion by FIFA and UEFA, which led to the banning of Albania from international sportive activities. FSHF president Armand Duka is highly unwanted by the TKZ who have numerously asked for his resignation believing he is responsible for internal corruption in the Albanian Football Federation.[68][69][70][71] The TKZ have been praised by many different football players and managers, whom were not just Albanian. One example is with Switzerland's former coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld, who was astonished by how many Albanian fans turned up and how enthusiastic they were in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Switzerland and Albania where the Swiss won 2–0 thanks to goals from Gökhan Inler and Kosovo-born Xherdan Shaqiri. He didn't believe that there was 12,000 Albanian fans in the stands which was more than how many Swiss fans turned up for the game. He stated that "Albanian fans are fantastic and the most passionate fans I have ever seen".[72] During that campaign, TKZ attended all games Albania played apart from a match against Cyprus in Nicosia and were also large in numbers in the away games to Slovenia in Maribor and Norway in Oslo.[73][74][75]

Media coverage

Results and fixtures

Main article: Albania national football team results (2020–present)

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.   Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2024

22 March Friendly Albania File:Flag of Albania.svg 0–3 File:Flag of Chile.svg Chile Parma, Italy
20:45 UTC+1 Report
Stadium: Stadio Ennio Tardini
Attendance: 15,000
Referee: Luca Pairetto (Italy)
25 March Friendly Sweden File:Flag of Sweden.svg 1–0 File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania Solna, Sweden
19:00 UTC+1 Nilsson File:Soccerball shade.svg 62' Report Stadium: Friends Arena
Referee: Marcel Bîrsan (Romania)
3 June Friendly Albania File:Flag of Albania.svg 3–0 File:Flag of Liechtenstein.svg Liechtenstein Szombathely, Hungary
20:00 Broja File:Soccerball shade.svg 31'
Asani File:Soccerball shade.svg 47'
Muçi File:Soccerball shade.svg 67'		 Report Stadium: Haladás Sportkomplexum
Attendance: 200
Referee: Bence Csonka (Hungary)
7 June Friendly Albania File:Flag of Albania.svg 3–1 File:Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Azerbaijan Szombathely, Hungary
19:00 Bajrami File:Soccerball shade.svg 11'
Manaj File:Soccerball shade.svg 81'
Laçi File:Soccerball shade.svg 87'		 Report Qurbanlı File:Soccerball shade.svg 90' Stadium: Haladás Sportkomplexum
Referee: Mihály Káprály (Hungary)
15 June Euro 2024 Italy File:Flag of Italy.svg 2–1 File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania Dortmund, Germany
21:00 CEST
Report
Stadium: Westfalenstadion
Attendance: 60,512
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
19 June Euro 2024 Croatia File:Flag of Croatia.svg 2–2 File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania Hamburg, Germany
15:00 CEST Kramarić File:Soccerball shade.svg 74'
Gjasula File:Soccerball shade.svg 76' (o.g.)		 Report Laçi File:Soccerball shade.svg 11'
Gjasula File:Soccerball shade.svg 90+5'		 Stadium: Volksparkstadion
Attendance: 46,784
Referee: François Letexier (France)
24 June Euro 2024 Albania File:Flag of Albania.svg 0–1 File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain Düsseldorf, Germany
21:00 CEST Report
Stadium: Merkur Spiel-Arena
Attendance: 46,586
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
7 September 2024–25 Nations League Ukraine File:Flag of Ukraine.svg 1–2 File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania Prague, Czech Republic[lower-alpha 2]
20:45
Report
Stadium: Stadion Letná
Attendance: 15,500
Referee: Luis Godinho (Portugal)
10 September 2024–25 Nations League Albania File:Flag of Albania.svg 0–1 File:Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia Tirana, Albania
20:45 Report
Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 20,400
Referee: Erik Lambrechts (Belgium)
11 October 2024–25 Nations League Czech Republic File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg 2–0 File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania Prague, Czech Republic
20:45
Report Stadium: Stadion Letná
Attendance: 17,823
Referee: Benoît Bastien (France)
14 October 2024–25 Nations League Georgia File:Flag of Georgia.svg 0–1 File:Flag of Albania.svg Albania Tbilisi, Georgia
18:00 (20:00 UTC+4) Report Asllani File:Soccerball shade.svg 48' Stadium: Mikheil Meskhi Stadium
Attendance: 19,981
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
16 November 2024–25 Nations League Albania File:Flag of Albania.svg 0–0 File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic Tirana, Albania
20:45 Report Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 20,800
Referee: Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
19 November 2024–25 Nations League Albania File:Flag of Albania.svg 1–2 File:Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine Tirana, Albania
20:45
Report
Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 20,547
Referee: João Pinheiro (Portugal)

Coaching staff

See also: List of Albania national football team managers

Current coaching staff

File:20180610 FIFA Friendly Match Austria vs. Brazil Sylvinho 850 0232.jpg
Albania's current manager Sylvinho
Role Name
Head coach File:Flag of Brazil.svg Sylvinho
Assistant coach(es) File:Flag of Argentina.svg Pablo Zabaleta
File:Flag of Brazil.svg Dorival Guidoni
File:Flag of Albania.svg Ervin Bulku
Athletic coach(es) File:Flag of Albania.svg Taulant Stërmasi
File:Flag of Albania.svg Elton Kodra
Goalkeeping coach File:Flag of Albania.svg Ilir Bozhiqi
Physiotherapist File:Flag of Albania.svg Altin Haxhia
Doctor File:Flag of Italy.svg Gianluca Stesina
Masseur File:Flag of Albania.svg Arzen Voçi
Material base(s) File:Flag of Albania.svg Eduard Salillari
File:Flag of Albania.svg Osman Bulku
Osteopath File:Flag of Albania.svg Arjan Llaperi
Team manager File:Flag of Albania.svg Dritan Babamusta
Video analyst File:Flag of Italy.svg Alarico Marco Rossi

Players

See also: List of Albania international footballers

Current squad

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Thomas Strakosha (4th captain) (1995-03-19) 19 March 1995 (age 29) 37 0 File:Flag of Greece.svg AEK Athens
12 1GK Elhan Kastrati (1997-02-02) 2 February 1997 (age 27) 2 0 File:Flag of Italy.svg Cittadella
23 1GK Alen Sherri (1997-12-15) 15 December 1997 (age 27) 1 0 File:Flag of Italy.svg Cagliari
2 2DF Iván Balliu (1992-01-01) 1 January 1992 (age 33) 17 0 File:Flag of Spain.svg Rayo Vallecano
3 2DF Mario Mitaj (2003-08-06) 6 August 2003 (age 21) 23 0 File:Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg Al-Ittihad
4 2DF Elseid Hysaj (captain) (1994-02-02) 2 February 1994 (age 30) 89 2 File:Flag of Italy.svg Lazio
5 2DF Arlind Ajeti (1993-09-25) 25 September 1993 (age 31) 32 1 File:Flag of Turkey.svg Bodrum
6 2DF Jon Mersinaj (1999-02-08) 8 February 1999 (age 25) 1 0 File:Flag of Croatia.svg Lokomotiva
13 2DF Enea Mihaj (1998-07-05) 5 July 1998 (age 26) 19 0 File:Flag of Portugal.svg Famalicão
18 2DF Ardian Ismajli (vice-captain) (1996-09-30) 30 September 1996 (age 28) 44 3 File:Flag of Italy.svg Empoli
8 3MF Kristjan Asllani (2002-03-09) 9 March 2002 (age 22) 29 3 File:Flag of Italy.svg Inter Milan
10 3MF Nedim Bajrami (1999-02-28) 28 February 1999 (age 25) 32 6 File:Flag of Scotland.svg Rangers
14 3MF Qazim Laçi (1996-01-19) 19 January 1996 (age 29) 36 4 File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Sparta Prague
17 3MF Ernest Muçi (2001-03-19) 19 March 2001 (age 23) 15 3 File:Flag of Turkey.svg Beşiktaş
20 3MF Ylber Ramadani (1996-04-12) 12 April 1996 (age 28) 44 1 File:Flag of Italy.svg Lecce
22 3MF Amir Abrashi (3rd captain) (1990-03-27) 27 March 1990 (age 34) 51 1 File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Grasshoppers
7 4FW Indrit Tuci (2000-09-14) 14 September 2000 (age 24) 4 0 File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Sparta Prague
9 4FW Jasir Asani (1995-05-19) 19 May 1995 (age 29) 22 5 File:Flag of South Korea.svg Gwangju
11 4FW Myrto Uzuni (1995-05-31) 31 May 1995 (age 29) 38 5 File:Flag of Spain.svg Granada
15 4FW Taulant Seferi (1996-11-15) 15 November 1996 (age 28) 26 3 File:Flag of Turkey.svg Bodrum
16 4FW Arbnor Muja (1998-11-29) 29 November 1998 (age 26) 5 0 File:Flag of Turkey.svg Samsunspor
19 4FW Mirlind Daku (1998-01-01) 1 January 1998 (age 27) 9 1 File:Flag of Russia.svg Rubin Kazan
21 4FW Arbër Hoxha (1998-10-06) 6 October 1998 (age 26) 11 0 File:Flag of Croatia.svg Dinamo Zagreb

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up for the team within the last twelve months and are still available for selection.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Simon Simoni (2004-07-14) 14 July 2004 (age 20) 0 0 File:Flag of Germany.svg FC Ingolstadt v. File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechia, 16 November 2024PRE
GK Etrit Berisha (1989-03-10) 10 March 1989 (age 35) 81 0 Unattached UEFA Euro 2024
DF Andi Hadroj (1999-02-22) 22 February 1999 (age 25) 3 0 File:Flag of Albania.svg Partizani v. File:Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine, 19 November 2024PRE
DF Adrian Bajrami (2002-04-05) 5 April 2002 (age 22) 3 0 File:Flag of Portugal.svg Benfica v. File:Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine, 19 November 2024PRE
DF Berat Gjimshiti (1993-02-19) 19 February 1993 (age 31) 61 1 File:Flag of Italy.svg Atalanta v. File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechia, 16 November 2024INJ
DF Marash Kumbulla (2000-02-08) 8 February 2000 (age 24) 22 0 File:Flag of Spain.svg Espanyol v. File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechia, 16 November 2024INJ
DF Naser Aliji (1993-12-27) 27 December 1993 (age 31) 14 0 File:Flag of Albania.svg Dinamo City UEFA Euro 2024
DF Frédéric Veseli (1992-11-20) 20 November 1992 (age 32) 45 0 File:Flag of Albania.svg Egnatia v. File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden, 25 March 2024
MF Keidi Bare (1997-08-28) 28 August 1997 (age 27) 29 2 File:Flag of Spain.svg Real Zaragoza v. File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechia, 16 November 2024INJ
MF Feta Fetai (2005-05-11) 11 May 2005 (age 19) 0 0 File:Flag of Croatia.svg Lokomotiva v. File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechia, 16 November 2024PRE
MF Adrion Pajaziti (2002-11-16) 16 November 2002 (age 22) 0 0 File:Flag of Croatia.svg Gorica v. File:Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia, 14 October 2024INJ
MF Medon Berisha (2003-10-21) 21 October 2003 (age 21) 3 0 File:Flag of Italy.svg Lecce v. File:Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia, 10 September 2024INJ
MF Sebastjan Spahiu (1999-10-30) 30 October 1999 (age 25) 1 0 File:Flag of Iran.svg Mes Rafsanjan v. File:Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia, 10 September 2024
FW Rey Manaj (1997-02-24) 24 February 1997 (age 27) 39 8 File:Flag of Turkey.svg Sivasspor v. File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechia, 16 November 2024INJ
FW Mirlind Daku (1998-01-01) 1 January 1998 (age 27) 8 1 File:Flag of Russia.svg Rubin Kazan v. File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechia, 16 November 2024SUS
FW Armando Broja (2001-09-10) 10 September 2001 (age 23) 23 5 File:Flag of England.svg Everton v. File:Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine, 7 September 2024INJ
FW Agim Zeka (1998-09-06) 6 September 1998 (age 26) 0 0 File:Flag of Albania.svg Partizani v. File:Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine, 7 September 2024PRE
FW Arbnor Muçolli (1999-09-15) 15 September 1999 (age 25) 6 0 File:Flag of Sweden.svg Göteborg v. File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden, 25 March 2024INJ
Notes
  • PRE = Preliminary squad/standby.
  • INJ = It is not part of the current squad due to injury.
  • SUS = It is not available in next match due to red card suspension.

Records

Main article: Albania national football team records and statistics
See also: List of Albania international footballers and List of Albania national football team captains
As of 11 October 2024.[80]
Players in bold are still active with Albania.

Most appearances

Lorik Cana is Albania's most capped player with 93 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Period
1 Lorik Cana 93 1 2003–2016
2 Elseid Hysaj 89 2 2013–present
3 Etrit Berisha 81 0 2012–present
4 Altin Lala 79 3 1998–2011
5 Klodian Duro 77 4 2001–2011
6 Erjon Bogdani 75 18 1996–2013
Ervin Skela 75 13 2000–2011
8 Ansi Agolli 73 3 2005–2017
Foto Strakosha 73 0 1990–2004
10 Odise Roshi 71 5 2011–2023

Top goalscorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Average Period
1 Erjon Bogdani 18 75 0.24 1996–2013
2 Alban Bushi 14 67 0.21 1995–2007
3 Sokol Cikalleshi 13 60 0.22 2014–2024
Ervin Skela 13 75 0.17 2000–2011
5 Armando Sadiku 12 39 0.31 2012–2023
6 Hamdi Salihi 11 50 0.22 2006–2015
Altin Rraklli 11 63 0.17 1992–2005
8 Sokol Kushta 10 31 0.32 1987–1996
Igli Tare 10 68 0.15 1997–2007
10 Bekim Balaj 9 48 0.19 2012–2022

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
File:Flag of Uruguay.svg 1930 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
File:Flag of Italy (1861–1946).svg 1934 to File:Flag of Chile.svg 1962 Did not participate Did not participate
File:Flag of England.svg 1966 Did not qualify 4th 6 0 1 5 2 12
File:Flag of Mexico.svg 1970 Entry not accepted[81] Entry not accepted
File:Flag of Germany.svg 1974 Did not qualify 4th 6 1 0 5 3 13
File:Flag of Argentina.svg 1978 Did not participate Did not participate
File:Flag of Spain.svg 1982 Did not qualify 4th 8 1 0 7 4 22
File:Flag of Mexico.svg 1986 3rd 6 1 2 3 6 9
File:Flag of Italy.svg 1990 4th 6 0 0 6 3 15
File:Flag of the United States.svg 1994 7th 12 1 2 9 6 26
File:Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 1998 6th 10 1 1 8 7 20
File:Flag of South Korea (1997–2011).svg File:Flag of Japan.svg 2002 5th 8 1 0 7 5 14
File:Flag of Germany.svg 2006 5th 12 4 1 7 11 20
File:Flag of South Africa.svg 2010 5th 10 1 4 5 6 13
File:Flag of Brazil.svg 2014 5th 10 3 2 5 9 11
File:Flag of Russia.svg 2018 3rd 10 4 1 5 10 13
File:Flag of Qatar.svg 2022 3rd 10 6 0 4 12 12
File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg File:Flag of Mexico.svg File:Flag of the United States.svg 2026 To be determined To be determined
File:Flag of Spain.svgFile:Flag of Portugal.svgFile:Flag of Morocco.svg 2030

File:Flag of Argentina.svgFile:Flag of Paraguay.svgFile:Flag of Uruguay.svg
(Anniversary match hosts)

To be determined To be determined
File:Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg 2034 To be determined To be determined
Total — 0/21 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 13/21 114 24 14 76 84 200

UEFA European Championship

Main article: Albania at the UEFA European Championship
UEFA European Championship record Qualifying record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
File:Flag of France (1794–1815, 1830–1958).svg 1960 Did not participate Did not participate
File:Flag of Spain (1945–1977).svg 1964 Did not qualify Round of 16 4 3 0 1 7 4
File:Flag of Italy.svg 1968 3rd 4 0 1 3 0 12
File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg 1972 4th 6 1 1 4 5 9
File:Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg 1976 Did not participate Did not participate
File:Flag of Italy.svg 1980
File:Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 1984 Did not qualify 5th 8 0 2 6 4 14
File:Flag of Germany.svg 1988 4th 6 0 0 6 2 17
File:Flag of Sweden.svg 1992 5th 7 1 0 6 2 21
File:Flag of England.svg 1996 6th 10 2 2 6 10 16
File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg 2000 5th 10 1 4 5 8 14
File:Flag of Portugal.svg 2004 4th 8 2 2 4 11 15
File:Flag of Austria.svg File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg 2008 5th 12 2 5 5 12 18
File:Flag of Poland.svg File:Flag of Ukraine.svg 2012 5th 10 2 3 5 7 14
File:Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 2016 Group stage 18th 3 1 0 2 1 3 Squad 2nd 8 4 2 2 10 5
File:Flag of Europe.svg 2020 Did not qualify 4th 10 4 1 5 16 14
File:Flag of Germany.svg 2024 Group stage 21st 3 0 1 2 3 5 Squad 1st 8 4 3 1 12 4
File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg File:Flag of Ireland.svg 2028 To be determined To be determined
File:Flag of Italy.svg File:Flag of Turkey.svg 2032
Total Group stage 2/17 6 1 1 4 4 8 — 14/17 111 26 26 59 100 177

UEFA Nations League

UEFA Nations League record
League phase** Finals
Season LG Grp Pos. Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK Year Pos. Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
2018–19 C 1 3rd 4 1 0 3 1 8 Same position 34th File:Flag of Portugal.svg 2019 Did not qualify
2020–21 C 4 1st 6 3 2 1 8 4 File:Green Arrow Up Darker.svg 35th File:Flag of Italy.svg 2021
2022–23 B 2 3rd 4 0 2 2 4 6 Same position 27th File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg 2023
2024–25 B 1 3rd 6 2 1 3 4 6 File:Decrease2.svg 29th File:Flag of none.svg 2025
2026–27 C 1 To be determined File:Flag of none.svg 2027
2028–29 C 1 To be determined File:Flag of none.svg 2029
Total 20 6 5 9 17 24 27th Total — — — — — — — —
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
**League stage played home and away. Flag shown represents host nation for the finals stage.

Summer Olympic Games

Olympic Games record Qualification record
Year Result Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1908 to File:Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg 1936 Team did not exist Team did not exist
File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 1948 to File:Flag of Italy.svg 1960 Did not participate Did not participate
File:Flag of Japan (1870-1999).svg 1964 Did not qualify PR 2 0 0 2 0 2
File:Flag of Mexico.svg 1968 Did not participate Did not participate
File:Flag of Germany.svg 1972 Did not qualify PO 2 0 0 2 2 4
File:Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg 1976 to File:Flag of South Korea.svg 1988 Did not participate Did not participate
Since File:Flag of Spain.svg 1992 See Albania national under-23 team See Albania national under-23 team
Total — 0/2 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 2/2 4 0 0 4 2 6

Other tournaments

Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Balkan Cup
File:Flag of Albania (1946–1992).svg 1946 Champions 1st 3 2 0 1 6 4 Squad
1947 Fifth place 5th 4 0 0 4 2 13
1948 Fifth place 5th 3 1 2 0 1 0
File:Flag of Malta.svg Malta International Tournament
1998 Third place 3rd 3 0 2 1 3 6
2000 Champions 1st 3 3 0 0 5 0
File:Flag of Bahrain.svg Bahrain Shoot Soccer Tournament
2002[82][83] Third place 3rd 3 0 2 1 1 4
Total Best: Champions 6/6 19 6 6 7 18 27 —

FIFA rankings

As of November 2024[84]   Best Ranking    Worst Ranking    Best Mover    Worst Mover  

Albania's FIFA world rankings
Rank Year Pld Best Worst
Rank Move Rank Move
65 2024 13 64 File:Increase2.svg 2 67 File:Decrease2.svg 2
62 2023 9 59 File:Increase2.svg 3 68 File:Decrease2.svg 3
66 2022 11 65 File:Increase2.svg 1 69 File:Decrease2.svg 1
66 2021 12 63 File:Increase2.svg 3 69 File:Decrease2.svg 3
66 2020 7 66 File:Increase2.svg 3 69 File:Decrease2.svg 3
66 2019 9 61 File:Increase2.svg 2 66 File:Decrease2.svg 4
60 2018 9 56 File:Increase2.svg 2 60 File:Decrease2.svg 3
62 2017 9 51 File:Increase2.svg 9 71 File:Decrease2.svg 12
49 2016 12 35 File:Increase2.svg 5 49 File:Decrease2.svg 10
  38 2015 7 22 File:Increase2.svg 15 63 File:Decrease2.svg 7
  58 2014 9 45 File:Increase2.svg 25 70 File:Decrease2.svg 16
57 2013 8 37 File:Increase2.svg 16 71 File:Decrease2.svg 13
63 2012 9 58 File:Increase2.svg 17 97 File:Decrease2.svg 10
74 2011 11 50 File:Increase2.svg 23 75 File:Decrease2.svg 14
65 2010 9 58 File:Increase2.svg 13 97 File:Decrease2.svg 7
96 2009 9 78 File:Increase2.svg 3 98 File:Decrease2.svg 11
  81 2008 7 73 File:Increase2.svg 19 102 File:Decrease2.svg 18
80 2007 11 66 File:Increase2.svg 11 88 File:Decrease2.svg 12
87 2006 6 62 File:Increase2.svg 20 88 File:Decrease2.svg 13
82 2005 10 82 File:Increase2.svg 7 93 File:Decrease2.svg 4
86 2004 8 86 File:Increase2.svg 5 94 File:Decrease2.svg 5
89 2003 11 86 File:Increase2.svg 13 101 File:Decrease2.svg 5
93 2002 9 92 File:Increase2.svg 4 97 File:Decrease2.svg 5
96 2001 7 74 File:Increase2.svg 1 96 File:Decrease2.svg 6
72 2000 8 72 File:Increase2.svg 13 94 File:Decrease2.svg 6
83 1999 8 83 File:Increase2.svg 15 95 File:Decrease2.svg 2
106 1998 8 97 File:Increase2.svg 14 109 File:Decrease2.svg 8
  116 1997 7 113 File:Increase2.svg 8 124 File:Decrease2.svg 4
  116 1996 5 90 File:Increase2.svg 6 116 File:Decrease2.svg 12
91 1995 8 87 File:Increase2.svg 13 106 File:Decrease2.svg 6
100 1994 5 93 File:Increase2.svg 9 113 File:Decrease2.svg 11
92 1993 7 91 File:Increase2.svg 1 93 File:Decrease2.svg 6
86 1992 86 86

Head-to-head record

As of 16 November 2024 after the match against Czech Republic.
Key
Positive balance (more Wins)
Neutral balance (Wins = Losses)
Negative balance (more Losses)
Opponent Pld W D L GF GA GD Win % Reference
File:Flag of Algeria.svg Algeria[upper-alpha 1] 2 1 1 0 4 1 +3 50% H2H results
File:Flag of Andorra.svg Andorra 7 5 1 1 11 4 +7 71% H2H results
File:Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina 1 0 0 1 0 4 −4 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Armenia.svg Armenia 6 4 1 1 10 5 +5 66% H2H results
File:Flag of Austria.svg Austria 7 0 0 7 2 19 −17 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Azerbaijan.svg Azerbaijan 6 4 1 1 8 4 +4 67% H2H results
File:Flag of Bahrain.svg Bahrain 1 0 0 1 0 3 −3 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Belarus.svg Belarus 7 3 2 2 10 10 0 42% H2H results
File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 50% H2H results
File:Flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina.svg Bosnia and Herzegovina 5 1 2 2 4 5 −1 20% H2H results
File:Flag of Bulgaria.svg Bulgaria 14 3 4 7 10 17 −7 21% H2H results
File:Flag of Cameroon.svg Cameroon 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Croatia.svg Croatia 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0% H2H results
File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 2 0 1 1 3 4 −1 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Chile.svg Chile 1 0 0 1 0 3 −3 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Cuba.svg Cuba 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Cyprus.svg Cyprus 6 2 2 2 12 7 +5 33% H2H results
File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic[upper-alpha 2] 10 3 2 5 11 16 −7 33.33% H2H results
File:Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark 10 1 3 6 4 19 −15 10% H2H results
File:Flag of East Germany.svg East Germany 3 0 1 2 2 7 −5 0% H2H results
File:Flag of England.svg England 6 0 0 6 1 19 −18 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Estonia.svg Estonia 4 1 3 0 3 1 +2 25% H2H results
File:Flag of the Faroe Islands.svg Faroe Islands 2 1 1 0 3 1 +2 50% H2H results
File:Flag of Finland.svg Finland 7 2 1 4 6 8 −2 28% H2H results
File:Flag of France.svg France 9 1 1 7 4 20 −16 11% H2H results
File:Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia 17 4 4 9 14 24 −10 27.78% H2H results
File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany[upper-alpha 3] 14 0 1 13 10 38 −28 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Greece.svg Greece[upper-alpha 4] 15 6 3 6 16 13 +3 50% H2H results
File:Flag of Hungary.svg Hungary 8 2 1 5 2 19 −17 25% H2H results
File:Flag of Iceland.svg Iceland 9 3 2 4 11 12 −1 33% H2H results
File:Flag of Iran.svg Iran 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100% H2H results
File:Flag of Israel.svg Israel 6 2 0 4 6 9 −3 33% H2H results
File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy 5 0 0 5 2 9 −7 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Jordan.svg Jordan 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Kazakhstan.svg Kazakhstan 4 3 1 0 6 2 +4 75% H2H results
File:Flag of Kosovo.svg Kosovo 7 5 1 1 13 9 +1 71% H2H results[61][86][87]
File:Flag of Latvia.svg Latvia 5 0 5 0 6 6 0 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Liechtenstein.svg Liechtenstein 5 5 0 0 12 0 +12 100% H2H results
File:Flag of Lithuania.svg Lithuania 6 2 1 3 7 7 0 33% H2H results
File:Flag of Luxembourg.svg Luxembourg 7 3 1 3 8 7 +1 42% H2H results
File:Flag of North Macedonia.svg North Macedonia 10 2 4 4 7 12 −5 20% H2H results
File:Flag of Malta.svg Malta 8 5 2 1 14 3 +11 62% H2H results
File:Flag of Mexico.svg Mexico 1 0 0 1 0 4 −4 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Moldova.svg Moldova 8 6 2 0 17 3 +14 75% H2H results
File:Flag of Montenegro.svg Montenegro 3 3 0 0 9 2 +7 100% H2H results
H2H results*
File:Flag of Morocco.svg Morocco 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0% H2H results
File:Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands 4 0 0 4 1 7 −6 0% H2H results
File:Ulster Banner.svg Northern Ireland 9 2 2 5 5 13 −8 22% H2H results
File:Flag of Norway.svg Norway 5 1 2 2 5 6 −1 20% H2H results
File:Flag of Poland.svg Poland 15 2 3 10 10 20 −10 7% H2H results
File:Flag of Portugal.svg Portugal 7 1 1 5 5 13 −8 14% H2H results
File:Flag of Qatar.svg Qatar 3 2 0 1 5 3 +2 66% H2H results
File:Flag of Ireland.svg Republic of Ireland 4 0 1 3 2 6 −4 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Romania.svg Romania[upper-alpha 5] 19 3 3 13 12 45 −33 15% H2H results
H2H results*
File:Flag of Russia.svg Russia 2 1 0 1 4 5 −1 50% H2H results
File:Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland 2 0 0 2 0 6 −6 0% H2H results
File:Flag of San Marino.svg San Marino 4 4 0 0 13 0 +13 100% H2H results
File:Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg Saudi Arabia 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Serbia.svg Serbia[upper-alpha 6] 7 1 1 5 7 15 −8 14% H2H results
File:Flag of Slovenia.svg Slovenia 7 1 2 4 2 6 −4 14% H2H results
File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain 9 0 0 9 3 32 −29 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden 6 1 1 4 5 11 −6 20% H2H results
File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland 7 0 1 6 4 12 −8 0% H2H results
File:Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey 12 4 2 6 14 13 +1 33% H2H results
File:Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine 7 1 1 5 6 14 −8 14% H2H results
File:Flag of Uzbekistan.svg Uzbekistan 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100% H2H results
File:Flag of Vietnam.svg Vietnam 1 1 0 0 5 0 +5 100% H2H results
File:Flag of Wales (1959–present).svg Wales 4 1 2 1 2 3 −1 25% H2H results
68 nations 395 110 82 203 384 592 −208 27.91% All H2H results
Notes
  1. ↑ Includes match against File:Flag of Algeria.svg Algeria Olympic.
  2. ↑ Includes matches against File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechoslovakia.
  3. ↑ Includes matches against File:Flag of Germany.svg West Germany.
  4. ↑ Includes awarded matches at the Euro 1964 qualifying.[85]
  5. ↑ Includes matches against File:Flag of Romania.svg Romania Olympic at 1971 Mediterranean Games qualifying.
  6. ↑ Includes matches against File:Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Yugoslavia.

Honours

2007 Postage stamp of Albania, commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Victory at the Balkan Cup

Regional

Friendly

See also

File:Commons-logo.svg
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Albania national football team kits.

Notes and references

Notes

  1. ↑ The alternative name of the Albania national team that was used during this match.[59]
  2. ↑ Due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ukraine are required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.[77]

References

  1. ↑ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 28 November 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
  2. ↑ "FIFA World Ranking August 2015". Archived from the original on 3 October 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  3. ↑ "FIFA World Ranking August 1997". Archived from the original on 12 July 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  4. ↑ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  5. ↑ "Official RSSSF Site Covering the History of Albanian Football from 1913 until the Present".
  6. ↑ "International football match Albania vs Yugoslavia report". EU-Football.info. Archived from the original on 17 November 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  7. ↑ "Ballkaniada 1946, kur Shqipëria u shpall kampione e Ballkanit" [Balkan Cup 1946, when Albania was named champion of Balkan]. Sot.com.al. 9 October 2016. Archived from the original on 14 February 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  8. ↑ ""Euro 1964" / Greqia refuzoi nga "ligji i luftës", u kualifikua Shqipëria" ["Euro 1964" / Greece refused due to "war law", Albania qualified] (in shqip). Ekskluzive.al. 30 October 2018. Archived from the original on 15 October 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  9. ↑ Besnik Dizdari (2007). "Ballkaniada 1946: Shqipëria – kampione e Ballkanit ne startin e "Luftës së ftohtë" në Evropë" (in shqip). Rozafat. pp. 2–10. ISBN 978-99943-979-0-7. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  10. ↑ "The official website for European football".
  11. ↑ "Shqipëria në fazën finale? Nuk është hera e parë!" [Albania in finale phase, its not the first time] (in shqip). Panorama Sport. 14 October 2015. Archived from the original on 15 October 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  12. ↑ UEFA. "Victories of Albania until Euro2016 qualifiers". Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  13. ↑ Besnik Dizdari (15 October 2015). "Dr. Armillotta ka të drejtë" (in shqip). Panorama-Sport. Archived from the original on 18 October 2015. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  14. ↑ "Games of the XVIII. Olympiad – Football Qualifying Tournament". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  15. ↑ "Besnik Dizdari: E vërteta e pjesëmarrjes së Shqipërisë në Lojërat Olimpike". Archived from the original on 5 February 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  16. ↑ "Games of the XX. Olympiad – Football Qualifying Tournament". Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
  17. ↑ "Euro 1968/ Kur Kombëtarja e Shqipërisë eliminonte Gjermaninë" [Euro 1968/ When Albania national team eliminated Germany] (in shqip). Opinion.al. 13 May 2016. Archived from the original on 15 October 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  18. ↑ "1967: Risitë e të vërtetave të Shqipëria-Gjermania 0–0…" [1967: The innovations of the truths of Albania-Germany 0–0…] (in shqip). Panorama Sport. 19 December 2017. Archived from the original on 15 October 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "Flying start for Briegel". UEFA.com. 30 March 2003. Archived from the original on 8 March 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  20. ↑ "Albania eclipse European champions". UEFA.com. 5 September 2004. Archived from the original on 6 November 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  21. ↑ "Baric: Po largohem" (in shqip). FSHF.org. Retrieved 5 April 2016.[dead link‍]
  22. ↑ "Televizioni Koha – JOSIP KUZHE TRAJNER I SHQIPËRISË – Sport" (in shqip). Televizioni Koha. Archived from the original on 19 June 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  23. ↑ "Më në fund, shpërthen Shqipëria, fiton 6 me 1 kunder Qipros" (in shqip). Yllpress.com. 13 October 2009. Archived from the original on 25 October 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  24. ↑ "Kush është trajneri i ri i Kombëtares shqiptare" (in shqip). Panorama.al. 14 December 2011. Archived from the original on 3 October 2016. Retrieved 6 April 2016.
  25. ↑ Besnik Dizdari (4 April 2015). ""Revolucioni" i Kombëtares, atdhetaria dhe "pseudoatdhetaria"" (in shqip). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  26. ↑ ""Bekim" kuqezi në Aveiro, Shqipëria shokon Portugalinë" (in shqip). Panorama Sport. 7 September 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  27. ↑ Amofa, Richard (19 June 2016). "Euro 2016: Albania 0–1 Romania – Armando Sadiku scores the only goal to seal his country's first ever win at a major competition". telegraph.co.uk. Archived from the original on 19 June 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  28. ↑ ""Flirtuam" me fitoren, por bashkëkryesojmë me Danimarkën" (in shqip). Albdreams.net. 11 October 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
  29. ↑ "Armenia 0–3 Albania – BBC Sport". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 May 2020.
  30. ↑ "Albania out of Euro 2016 after Portugal draw with Hungary". Fourfourtwo.com. 22 June 2016. Archived from the original on 9 October 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  31. ↑ "Panucci named Albania coach". AS. 17 July 2017. Archived from the original on 17 April 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  32. ↑ Andrew Southwick (17 November 2018). "Albania 0–4 Scotland". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 17 July 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  33. ↑ Carlos Volcano. "SACKED! Christian Panucci dumped by Albania". Tribal Football. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  34. ↑ "Albania hires Edoardo Reja to coach its national team". USA TODAY. Archived from the original on 4 July 2019. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  35. ↑ "Moldova's national team was also outclassed by Albania". ipn.md. 15 October 2019. Archived from the original on 28 January 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  36. ↑ Semini, Llazar (22 November 2023). "South American coaches lead Albania to Euro 2024 spot. Sylvinho gets a medal from prime minister". AP News. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  37. ↑ Anka, Carl; Corrigan, Dermot; more. "Croatia 2 Albania 2 - How did Croatia let it slip? How far can Albania go? Unluckiest own goal?". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 27 June 2024.
  38. ↑ Besnik Dizdari (18 November 2015). "Kosova A – "Kosova B" 2–2 ose Kosova – Shqipëria 30–6!" [Kosovo A – "Kosovo B" 2–2 or Kosovo – Albania 30–6!] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Archived from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  39. ↑ "Historia e fanellave të kombëtares, nga Puma tek Adidas/FOTO" [The history of the national team jerseys, from Puma to Adidas/PHOTO]. Syri.net (in Albanian). 29 January 2016. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  40. ↑ ""Macron", sponsor teknik i Kombëtares edhe për 6 vite, Duka: Një nga partnerët tanë më të rëndësishëm" ["Macron", technical sponsor of the national team for another 6 years, Duka: One of our most important partners] (in Albanian). Albanian Football Federation. 9 June 2022. Archived from the original on 21 August 2022. Retrieved 21 August 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 ""Qemal Stafa", historia 70-vjeçare e Stadiumit Kombëtar (Pjesa 1)" ["Qemal Stafa", the 70-year history of the national stadium (Part 1)] (in shqip). Gazeta Panorama. 10 May 2016. Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "Historia e ndërtimit të stadiumit "Qemal Stafa"" [History of Stadium "Qemal Stafa" construction] (in shqip). Standard.al. 26 September 2014. Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  43. ↑ "Kush ishte Qemal Stafa? 99-vjetori i lindjes" [Who was Qemal Stafa? 99th anniversary of birth] (in shqip). Gazeta Mapo. 20 March 2019. Archived from the original on 24 September 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  44. ↑ "Stadiumi Kombëtar Qemal Stafa, Tiranë". eu-football.info. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  45. ↑ "Kombëtarja luan ndeshjen e fundit në "Qemal Stafa"" [The national team plays the last match in "Qemal Stafa"] (in shqip). Panorama Sport. 16 November 2015. Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  46. ↑ "UEFA "djeg" edhe "Ruzhdi Bizhutën" e "Niko Dovanën"" (in shqip). Sport.albeu.com. 21 November 2013. Archived from the original on 26 May 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  47. ↑ "Nis prishja e stadiumit "Qemal Stafa"" [The demolition of "Qemal Stafa" Stadium starts] (in shqip). TV Klan. 9 June 2016. Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  48. ↑ "Stadiumi Flamurtari, Vlorë". eu-football.info. Archived from the original on 14 January 2018. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  49. ↑ "Stadiumi Tomori, Berat". eu-football.info. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  50. ↑ "Stadiumi Niko Dovana, Durrës". eu-football.info. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  51. ↑ "Loro Boriçi Stadium, Shkodër". eu-football.info. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  52. ↑ "Elbasan Arena, Elbasan". eu-football.info. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  53. ↑ "Nis rindërtimi i stadiumit "Ruzhdi Bizhuta" (FOTO LAJM)" [The reconstruction of "Ruzhdi Buzhuta" stadium starts (Photo News)] (in shqip). Sport.albeu.com. 17 February 2015. Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  54. ↑ "Goleadë e Kombëtares në inaugurimin e stadiumit" [Goal-fest of national team in the stadium's inauguration] (in shqip). Panorama Sport. 9 October 2014. Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  55. ↑ "Shqipëri- Danimarkë, ndeshja e parë në "Elbasan Arena". Ja çmimi i biletave" [Albania-Denmark, the first match in "Elbasan Arena". Here are the ticket's prizes] (in shqip). Gazeta Panorama. 22 September 2014. Archived from the original on 13 October 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  56. ↑ "Rama: Së shpejti nis ndërtimi i stadiumit 'Loro Borici'" [Rama: Construction of ‘Loro Borici’ Stadium Coming Soon] (in shqip). City News Albania. 1 April 2015. Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  57. ↑ "Stadiumi "Loro Boriçi" është gati për Kombëtaren, si t'i gjeni biletat" ["Loro Boriçi" stadium is ready for the national team, how to find the tickets] (in shqip). TV Klan. 30 August 2016. Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  58. ↑ Alfred Lleshi (11 August 2016). "E konfirmon kryeministri: Kosova do të luajë në "Loro Boriçi"" [The Prime Minister confirms: Kosovo will play in "Loro Boriçi"] (in shqip). Telesport.al. Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  59. ↑ Mendrit Shehu (18 November 2019). "Kosova, kalvari sportiv e miqësorja e harruar me Jugosllavinë" [Kosovo, the sports ordeal and the forgotten friendly with Yugoslavia]. Gazetasi (in shqip). Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  60. ↑ Besnik Dizdari (12 December 2007). "Besnik Dizdari: Kur në Tiranë lindte Përfaqësuesja e Kosovës...(II)" [Besnik Dizdari: When in Tirana the Kosovo national team was born...(II)]. Zemra Shqiptare (in shqip). Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 Besnik Dizdari (15 September 2019). ""Armiqtë" e vërtetë dhe "miqtë" e rremë të Kosovës" [The real "enemies" and false "friends" of Kosovo] (in shqip). Panorama Sport. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  62. ↑ Ibrulj, Sasa (15 October 2014). "Serbia vs Albania: The inside story of the violence". mirror. Archived from the original on 11 May 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  63. ↑ "The world's greatest international football rivalries – ranked and reviewed | Nick Miller and Nick Ames". The Guardian. 17 November 2014. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 64.2 ""Tifozat Kuq e Zi", ja si lindi grupimi i famshëm i Kombëtares" ["Red and Black Fans", here's how the famous national team group born] (in shqip). Panorama Sport. 27 October 2015. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  65. ↑ "16 vjet krenari dhe kontribut për kombëtaren tonë, ditë historike për "Tifozat Kuq e Zi"" [16 years pride and contribution for our national team, historical day for "Tifozat Kuq e Zi"] (in shqip). Panorama Sport. 23 December 2019. Archived from the original on 24 December 2019. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  66. ↑ Ermal Kuka (21 January 2014). "Tifozët, bojkot ndaj Kosovës: "Një komb, një kombëtare!"" [The fans, boycott towards Kosovo: "One nation, one national team!"] (in shqip). Gazeta Shqip. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  67. ↑ Alfred Lleshi (20 August 2016). ""Tifozat Kuqezi": Një komb, na duhet një kombëtare! Zotohemi të ndodhë sa më shpejt!" ["Red and Black fans": One nation, we need one national team! We pledge to happen as soon as possible!] (in shqip). Telesport.al. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  68. ↑ "Tifozët Kuq e Zi sërish kundër Dukës (Foto)" [Red and black fans again against Duka (Photo)] (in shqip). Botapress.info. 31 March 2016. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  69. ↑ "Tifozët 'Kuq e Zi' fyejnë rëndë Armand Dukën" [Red and black fans heavily insult Armand Duka] (in shqip). Javanews.al. 13 November 2016. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  70. ↑ "Ekskluzive / Armand Duka: Tifozat kuq e zi, "fushate" kunder meje" [Exclusive/ Armand Duka: Red&black fans, a "campaign" against me] (in shqip). Albania Soccer. 9 November 2011. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  71. ↑ "Tifozët krenarë për De Biasin…ovacione kundër Dukës (Video)" [The fans proud for De Biasi…ovations against Duka (Video)] (in shqip). Botasot.info. 12 October 2015. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  72. ↑ "Hitzfeld: Tifozët shqiptarë janë fantastikë" [Hitzfeld: Albanian fans are fantastic] (in shqip). Bota Sot. 12 September 2012. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  73. ↑ "Slloveni-Shqipëri, mbi 2000 tifozë shqiptarë në Lubjanë" [Slovenia-Albania, over 2,000 Albanian fans in Ljubljana] (in shqip). Sport.albeu.com. 28 August 2013. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  74. ↑ "Norvegji-Shqipëri, 3 mijë tifozë kuqezi në Oslo" [Norway-Albania, 3 thousand red&black fans in Oslo] (in shqip). Portalb.mk. 22 March 2013. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  75. ↑ Fation Shehu (24 March 2013). "Oslo kuqezi, De Biazi: Ja si i "mashtruam" norvegjezët…" [Oslo red&black, De Biasi: Here's how we "deceived" the Norwegians…] (in shqip). Oslo: Panorama Sport. Archived from the original on 19 October 2019. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
  76. ↑ "Kombëtarja e futbollit rikthehet në ekranin kampion, TV Klan blen të drejtat ekskluzive për 4 vjet" [The national football team returns to the champion screen, TV Klan buys exclusive rights for 4 years] (in Albanian). TV Klan. 9 June 2022. Archived from the original on 9 June 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
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  78. ↑ "Nations League/ Trajneri Silvinjo publikon listën e lojtarëve për dy ndeshjet e fundit ndaj Çekisë dhe Ukrainës" [Nations League/ Coach Silvinho publishes the list of players for the last two matches against Czechia and Ukraine] (in Albanian). Albanian Football Association. 8 November 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
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  80. ↑ "Albania". National Football Teams.
  81. ↑ "History of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition (by year)" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
  82. ↑ "Bahrain Shoot Soccer Tournament 2002 (Manama)".
  83. ↑ "Historia e Kombëtares së Shqipërisë, kur 19 vite më parë luhej në Bahrein për "Kupën e Kryeministrit" - Gazeta Sport Ekspres". 7 January 2021.
  84. ↑ "Albania Mens ranking". FIFA.
  85. ↑ "1964 European Nation's Cup Qualifying results". eu-football.info. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  86. ↑ "Encounters between Albania and Kosovo". National-Football-Teams.com. 11 November 2020.
  87. ↑ "Albania vs Kosovo | H2H Results". eu-football.info. 11 November 2020. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  88. ↑ "Rothmans Tournament 2000 match reports". Archived from the original on 13 May 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2015.

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