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Revision as of 16:30, 4 December 2022

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)Kuq e Zinjtë (The Red and Blacks)
Shqiponjat (The Eagles)
AssociationFederata Shqiptare e Futbollit (FSHF)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachVacant
CaptainEtrit Berisha
Most capsLorik Cana (93)
Top scorerErjon Bogdani (18)
Home stadiumArena Kombëtare
FIFA codeALB
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 66 Steady (20 June 2024)[1]
Highest22 (August 2015[2])
Lowest124 (August 1997[3])
First international
 Albania 2–3 Yugoslavia 
(Tirana, Albania; 7 October 1946)
Biggest win
 Albania 5–0 Vietnam 
(Bastia Umbra, Italy; 12 February 2003)
 Albania 6–1 Cyprus 
(Tirana, Albania; 12 August 2009)
 Albania 5–0 San Marino 
(Elbasan, Albania; 8 September 2021)
Biggest defeat
 Hungary 12–0 Albania 
(Budapest, Hungary; 24 September 1950)
European Championship
Appearances1 (first in 2016)
Best resultGroup stage (2016)
Medal record
Men's football
Balkan Cup
Gold medal – first place 1946 Albania Team
Malta International
Gold medal – first place 2000 Albania Team

The Albania national football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja e futbollit të Shqipërisë) represents Albania in men's international football, and is governed by the Albanian Football Association, the governing body for football in Albania.

Albania competes in the three major international football tournaments; the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship and UEFA Nations League. Albania was the winner of the 1946 Balkan Cup and the 2000 Malta Rothmans International Tournament. At Euro 2016, Albania made its second appearance at a major men's football tournament after 50 years.

Since its completion in 2019, Arena Kombëtare (English: National Arena), known as Air Albania Stadium for sponsorship reasons, has been the team's home ground. Albania's highest FIFA World Ranking was 22nd in August 2015.

The colours of the team are red, white and black, and the double headed eagle its symbol. Its supporters are collectively known as the Tifozët Kuq e Zi and display as well as the country's national flag colours, red and black.

In 2020, Albania won for the first time a group by finishing first in group 4 of UEFA Nations League C and has been promoted in UEFA Nations League B.

History

See also: History of the Albania national football team

20th century

Commemorative stamp (2003) of the ninety years of the first unofficial match of the football nation of Albania.
Loro Boriçi captained the team in winning the 1946 Balkan Cup.
Manifest of the Fifth Albanian Football Spartakiad (1984).

Although it never played any matches, the Albanian 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 June and 16 June. Albania played its first international match against Yugoslavia in 1946, which ended in a 3–2 home defeat at Qemal Stafa Stadium.[5] 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.[6] In 1954, Albania was one of the founding members of UEFA. Albania waited until 1962 to compete in a Euro Cup competition and the only time Albania was between the best 16 teams of the Continent, the reason being Albania got past the first leg as Greece, for political reasons forfeited the game.[7][8] At the end of the tournament Albania ranked 9th in Europe.[9][10][11] Albania participated at the 1964 Summer Olympics in the Men's qualification tournament, and closely lost both matches against Bulgaria in the Preliminary round.[12] They would participate for the second and last time at the 1972 Summer Olympics in which they faced Romania at the Men's European Qualifiers in the Playoffs. Albania would lose both matches close with 2–1 in the first leg and 1–2 at home in the second leg.[13][14]

Albania participated for the first time in a qualifying phrase of a World Cup in the qualifiers of the 1966 edition in England. The team was drawn in the Group 5 which finished in the last position with only one point from six matches. In the qualifiers, of the UEFA Euro 1968 Albania had a draw 0–0 against West Germany that denied the Germans the participation to the UEFA Euro 1968 finals.[15][16] In later years, Albania did not participate in the qualifiers of the World Cup 1970, UEFA Euro 1976, World Cup 1978 and UEFA Euro 1980 for unknown political reasons. After six years without playing any international matches, Albania entered in the qualifiers of the World Cup 1982, managing to finish in a place other than last for the first time in a qualifying match, with Finland getting last place instead. In the following qualification for the World Cup 1986 Albania were able to beat famously Belgium at home in Tirana with 2-0 as well as drawing away in Mielec against Poland with 2-2 despite leading until the end of this match. Their last point were won against Greece at home. Missing out close for their first ever FIFA World Cup as they finished third in the standings. The qualifiers of the World Cup 1990 were probably the worst qualifier in Albania's history as there were 6 losses in as many games with no memorable matches.

21st century

In the qualifiers of the World Cup 2002, Albania recorded a 2–0 win over Greece which was the only team that they beat during the qualifiers. Albania was able to make some impact in the qualifying of the UEFA Euro 2004 by beating 3–1 Russia at Loro Boriçi Stadium.[17] This match was also the debut of the German coach Hans-Peter Briegel who led Albania to an undefeated run at home matches. Despite the good results, Albania finished the group in the penultimate spot with only eight points. In the qualifiers of the World Cup 2006 Albania recorded some historical results. Two months after Greece beat Portugal to win the European Championship, Albania defeated Greece 2–1.[18]

In the qualifiers of the UEFA Euro 2008 Albania won twice in both matches against Luxembourg. Albania 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 the coach Otto Barić and his assistant.[19] In December 2007, Arie Haan was named Albania's head coach by signing a two-year contract for the qualifiers of the World Cup 2010, where Albania made a very negative performance by winning only one match. Albania won only seven points from ten matches and Haan was replaced by Josip Kuže in May 2009 following the end of the campaign.[20] However, Kuže couldn't lead Albania to the better results as the team ended the qualifiers of the UEFA Euro 2012 with only nine points from ten matches. With Kuže in charge, Albania recorded its second biggest win the history by defeating Cyprus 6–1 at home, equal with Albania's 5–0 victory over Vietnam in 2003.[21]

The team of Albania took the field with the second shirt against Austria on 26 March 2016.

Josip Kuže parted ways with Albania three and a half years after he started the job, and in December 2011, Italian coach Gianni de Biasi replaced him.[22] Albania started the qualifiers and was, at one point, 2nd in group with six matches played and four to spare, but failed to be successful in the last four, losing away in Slovenia and Iceland, as well as at home against Switzerland, and drawing in Cyprus.[23] Albania started the qualifiers of the UEFA Euro 2016 with an emphatic 1–0 away win against Portugal,[24] which was followed by a 1–1 draw against Denmark at the newly renovated stadium Elbasan Arena.[25] After beating Armenia 3–0 in the last qualifying match, Albania made history by qualifying for the UEFA Euro 2016, its first appearance at a major men's football tournament after 50 years.[26] In the tournament itself, Albania lost 0–1 to Switzerland and 0–2 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 didn't progress beyond the group stage.[27]

Following the almost successful UEFA European Championship's, Albania suffered massive setback. In 2018 World Cup qualification, Albania failed to qualify and finished in 3rd, which was, however, their best result in history. During this era, their successful manager, Gianni De Biasi, resigned and Christian Panucci, another Italian, replaced him as coach of Albania.[28] However, things were little improved. Albania played poorly in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, winning only to Israel 1–0 and lost the remaining three, especially the devastating 0–4 defeat to Scotland at home.[29] Panucci would be sacked after a 0–2 defeat to Turkey in the opening campaign for the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.[30] Another Italian, Edoardo Reja, was appointed to help Albania to improve in a tough group,[31] but improvement is still very little. Albania failed to qualify to UEFA Euro 2020, archiving just a disappointing 4th place.[32]

Team image

Nicknames

The Albania national football team has been known or nicknamed as the "Kuq e Zinjtë" ("The Red and Blacks") and "Shqiponjat" ("The Eagles"). In addition to the official nickname, the Albania national team had another nickname as:

  • "Kosova B" ("Kosovo B") — During the period before 2016, the national teams of Albania and Kosovo have exchanged players with each other, which influenced these two teams to be nicknamed reserve (B) teams of each other, the Albanian national team which was nicknamed Kosovo B due to of the large number of players of Kosovo Albanian descent in its composition, but the same thing happened with the Kosovo national team was nicknamed Albania B due to many players came to play for Kosovo as they had no space to play for Albania.[33]

Kits

File:Albania Jersey.jpg
Albania home kit at 2016–17 season.

Albania' colours 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 trim. In the 2000s, Albania signed with German sportswear company Puma and was the first kit supplier of Albania in the 21st century. On 29 January 2016, Albania signed Italian sportswear company Macron, which continues to be Albania's kit.[34]

Kit sponsorship

Kit supplier Period Contract
Announcement Duration
Puma 2000–2005
Nike, Inc. 2005–2010
Adidas 2010–2016
Macron 2016–present 26 January 2016[34] 2016–2022[34]
9 June 2022[35] 2022–2027[35]

Home stadium

Main articles: Arena Kombëtare, Elbasan Arena, and Loro Boriçi Stadium
See also: Qemal Stafa Stadium
Construction of Arena Kombëtare in the city center, 2019

Albania's main stadium for most part of the history was Qemal Stafa Stadium located in Tirana. The work started in April 1939 during the Italy regime. The construction lasted for three years but it stopped briefly in August 1943 following the fall of fascist regime.[36] The stadium had an Olympic Stadium shape, as idealized by Gherardo Bosio, a young fascist architect from Florence, Italy.[37] The stadium's initial capacity was 15,000, this due to the fact that Tirana at that time had only 60,000 inhabitants.[37] It was named after Qemal Stafa, a Hero of Albania in World War II.[38] The stadium was inaugurated officially on 7 October 1946 when Albania played its first competitive match against Yugoslavia.[39] Ever since then, further 130 international matches took place in the stadium, with the last being a friendly against Georgia in November 2015.[40] 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".[36] In November 2013, Qemal Stafa Stadium was shut down by FIFA for not fulfilling international standards.[41] The stadium's demolition started in June 2016, and it was announced that is going to be replaced by Arena Kombëtare.[42]

Albania sometimes has played home matches at other venues. Outside Tirana, the national team has played matches in Flamurtari Stadium in Vlorë,[43] Tomori Stadium in Berat,[44] Niko Dovana Stadium in Durrës,[45] Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër[46] and Elbasan Arena in Elbasan.[47] In February 2014, due to Albania not having a stadium that fulfills international standards set by FIFA, the work for renovation of Elbasan Arena (at the time Ruzhdi Bizhuta Stadium) started.[48] The work lasted for 7 months, and the stadium was inaugurated on 9 October when Albania played a friendly match against KF Elbasani under-19 squad; Albania won the match 17–0.[49] The official inauguration occurred two days later in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Denmark.[50]

The first international match at Loro Boriçi Stadium was played on 29 March 2003 against Russia, with Albania winning 3–1.[17] In October 2014, Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, promised the reconstruction of the stadium.[51] The stadium's construction started in May 2015 and finished in August 2016.[52] In 2016–17, the stadium served temporary as the home of Kosovo national team, due to stadiums in Mitrovica and Pristina were under renovation and did not meet UEFA standards.[53]

Albania national football team home stadiums
Nr. of
matches 		Image Stadium Capacity Location First match Last match Ref
131 Ex Qemal Stafa Stadium 25,000 Tirana, Albania v.  Yugoslavia, 7 October 1946 v.  Georgia, 16 November 2015 [39]
18 Elbasan Arena 13,800 Elbasan, Albania v.  Denmark, 11 October 2014 v.  San Marino, 8 September 2021 [47]
14 Arena Kombëtare 22,500 Tirana, Albania v.  France, 17 November 2019 v.  Armenia, 19 November 2022 [54]
9 Loro Boriçi Stadium 20,200 Shkodër, Albania v.  Russia, 29 March 2003 v.  Turkey, 22 March 2019 [46]
6 Niko Dovana Stadium 12,040 Durrës, Albania v.  Uzbekistan, 11 August 2010 v.  Malta, 5 March 2014 [45]
2 Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes 19,336 Granada, Spain v.  Ukraine, 29 March 1997 v.  Germany, 2 April 1997 [44]
1 Skënderbeu Stadium 12,343 Korçë, Albania v.  North Macedonia, 17 November 2010 [43]
1 Tomori Stadium 17,890 Berat, Albania v.  Cuba, 6 August 1988 [44]
1 Flamurtari Stadium 10,500 Vlorë, Albania v.  Romania, 28 October 1987 [43]

Rivalries

Kosovo

Main article: Brotherly derby

This derby is otherwise known as Brotherly derby (Albanian: Derbi vëllazëror), also known as the Brotherly (Albanian: Vëllazërorja). The documented beginnings of this derby date back to the time during the World War II, respectively on 29 November 1942, where they played a friendly match as part of the celebrations for 30th Anniversary of the Independence of Albania and the match ended with a 2–0 win for Tirana,[a][56][57] this derby is back 50 years after the first match, when the Football Federation of Kosovo signed a cooperation protocol with the Albanian Football Association and in the framework of this protocol it was decided to play on 14 February a friendly match between these two national teams,[58] and this match ended with a 3–1 win for Albania.[59]

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 "one of the fiercest rivalries in the world". During the Euro 2016 qualifying phase, the Serbian crowd were chanting "Kill, kill Albanians"[60] and were throwing flares at the Albanian team, after which there was a clash between the Serbian and Albanian teams.[61]

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 (English: Red and Black Fans, also known as the Albania National Football Team Supporters Club) is a non-profit football supporters' association for the Albania national football team and various national team sportive activities.[62][63] It was founded on 25 December 2003.[62] 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.[64][65] 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).[62]

There are sports twinnings with some amateur football teams of the historic Albanian communities of Italy (Arbëreshë): in 2017, on the occasion of the Italy - Albania match played in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) for the World Cup qualifiers, the local team and the Municipality of Piana degli Albanesi welcomed the ambassador of the Republic of Albania, the official delegation of the Albanian football federation and numerous Albanian fans who also came from the Balkans, in a fraternal and sporting twinning Arbëreshë-Shqiptarë.

Albanian and Arbëreshë fans in Palermo (Sicily), for the Italy-Albania match of 24 March 2017, valid for the qualifiers for the Football World Cup.

The ongoing dispute between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Football Association 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 Association.[66][67][68][69]

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".[70] 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.[71][72][73]

Media coverage

Results and fixtures

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

  Win   Draw   Loss

2022

26 March Friendly Spain  2–1  Albania Cornellà de Llobregat, Spain
19:45 F. Torres 75'
Olmo 90'		 Report Uzuni 85' Stadium: RCDE Stadium
Attendance: 35,444
Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann (Malta)
29 March Friendly Albania  0–0  Georgia Tirana, Albania
18:00 Report Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Referee: Nikola Dabanović (Montenegro)
6 June 2022–23 Nations League Iceland  1–1  Albania Reykjavík, Iceland
20:45 (18:45; UTC±0) Þorsteinsson 49' Report Seferi 30' Stadium: Laugardalsvöllur
Attendance: 4,033
Referee: Craig Pawson (England)
10 June 2022–23 Nations League Albania  1–2  Israel Tirana, Albania
20:45 (21:45; UTC+3) Broja 45+2' (pen.) Report Solomon 57', 73' Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 18,100
Referee: Tiago Martins (Portugal)
13 June Friendly Albania  0–0  Estonia Tirana, Albania
18:00 Report Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Referee: Philip Farrugia (Malta)
24 September 2022–23 Nations League Israel  2–1  Albania Tel Aviv, Israel
20:45 (21:45; UTC+3)
Report
Stadium: Bloomfield Stadium
Attendance: 29,200
Referee: Donatas Rumšas (Lithuania)
27 September 2022–23 Nations League Albania  1–1  Iceland Tirana, Albania
20:45 Lenjani 35' Report Anderson 90+7' Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 8,800
Referee: Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea (Spain)
26 October Friendly Saudi Arabia  1–1  Albania Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
16:30 Al-Shehri 43' (pen.) Report Balaj 47' Stadium: Al Nahyan Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Adel Al Naqbi (United Arab Emirates)
9 November Friendly Qatar  1–0  Albania Marbella, Spain
18:30 Ali 37' (pen.) Report Stadium: Estadio Municipal de Marbella
Attendance: 0
Referee: Jason Barcelo (Gibraltar)
16 November Friendly Albania  1–3  Italy Tirana, Albania
20:45 Ismajli 16' Report Di Lorenzo 20'
Grifo 25', 64'		 Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 22,000
Referee: Genc Nuza (Kosovo)
19 November Friendly Albania  2–0  Armenia Tirana, Albania
17:30 Skuka 28'
Asllani 64' (pen.)		 Report Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (North Macedonia)

2023

27 March UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Poland  v  Albania Poland
20:45 Report 3-0
17 June UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Albania  v  Moldova Tirana ,Albania
20:45 Report
20 June UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Faroe Islands  v  Albania Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
20:45 (19:45 UTC+1) Report Stadium: Tórsvøllur
7 September UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Czech Republic  v  Albania Czech Republic
20:45 Report
10 September UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Albania  v  Poland Tirana ,Albania
20:45 Report
12 October UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Albania  v  Czech Republic Tirana ,Albania
20:45 Report
17 November UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Moldova  v  Albania Chişinău, Moldova
20:45 (21:45 UTC+2) Report Stadium: Zimbru Stadium
20 November UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Albania  v  Faroe Islands Tirana , Albania
20:45 Report

Coaching staff

See also: List of Albania national football team managers

Current coaching staff

Name Role
Head coach Vacant
Assistant coach(es) Italy Sergio Porrini
Albania Ervin Bulku
Albania Hamdi Salihi
Athletic coach(es) Italy Luca Laurenti
Italy Luigi Febbrari
Goalkeeping coach Albania Ilir Bozhiqi
Physiotherapist Albania Altin Haxhia
Doctor Italy Gianluca Stesina
Masseur Albania Arzen Voci
Material base(s) Albania Fatos Kademi
Albania Osman Bulku
Osteopath Albania Arjan Llaperi
Team manager Albania Dritan Babamusta
Video analyst Italy Alarico Marco Rossi

Players

See also: Albania international footballers

Current squad

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Etrit Berisha (captain) (1989-03-10) 10 March 1989 (age 35) 75 0 Italy Torino
12 1GK Gentian Selmani (1998-03-09) 9 March 1998 (age 26) 4 0 Turkey Boluspor
23 1GK Elhan Kastrati (1997-02-02) 2 February 1997 (age 27) 2 0 Italy Cittadella
4 2DF Elseid Hysaj (vice-captain) (1994-02-20) 20 February 1994 (age 30) 74 2 Italy Lazio
3 2DF Ermir Lenjani (1989-08-05) 5 August 1989 (age 34) 45 5 Turkey Ümraniyespor
18 2DF Ardian Ismajli (1996-09-30) 30 September 1996 (age 27) 30 2 Italy Empoli
15 2DF Marash Kumbulla (2000-02-08) 8 February 2000 (age 24) 17 0 Italy Roma
13 2DF Enea Mihaj (1998-07-05) 5 July 1998 (age 26) 13 0 Portugal Famalicão
6 2DF Eneo Bitri (1996-08-26) 26 August 1996 (age 27) 3 0 Albania Partizani
25 2DF Andi Hadroj (1999-02-22) 22 February 1999 (age 25) 3 0 Albania Partizani
2 2DF Erdenis Gurishta (1995-04-24) 24 April 1995 (age 29) 2 0 Albania Vllaznia
5 2DF Adrian Bajrami (2002-04-05) 5 April 2002 (age 22) 3 0 Portugal Benfica B
22 3MF Amir Abrashi (3rd captain) (1990-03-27) 27 March 1990 (age 34) 50 1 Switzerland Grasshoppers
16 3MF Ylber Ramadani (1996-04-12) 12 April 1996 (age 28) 24 1 Scotland Aberdeen
7 3MF Keidi Bare (1997-08-28) 28 August 1997 (age 26) 23 2 Spain Espanyol
14 3MF Qazim Laçi (1996-01-19) 19 January 1996 (age 28) 20 1 France Ajaccio
10 3MF Nedim Bajrami (1999-02-28) 28 February 1999 (age 25) 10 0 Italy Empoli
8 3MF Kristjan Asllani (2002-03-09) 9 March 2002 (age 22) 7 1 Italy Inter Milan
20 3MF Enis Çokaj (1999-02-23) 23 February 1999 (age 25) 5 0 Greece Panathinaikos
17 3MF Arbnor Muçolli (1999-09-15) 15 September 1999 (age 24) 3 0 Denmark Vejle
26 4FW Xhuliano Skuka (1998-08-02) 2 August 1998 (age 25) 4 1 Albania Partizani
24 4FW Tedi Cara (2000-04-15) 15 April 2000 (age 24) 2 0 Albania Partizani
19 4FW Ernest Muçi (2001-03-19) 19 March 2001 (age 23) 2 0 Poland Legia Warsaw

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up for the team within the last 12 months and are still available for selection.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Alen Sherri (1997-12-15) 15 December 1997 (age 26) 1 0 Albania Egnatia v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
GK Mario Dajsinani (1998-12-23) 23 December 1998 (age 25) 1 0 Albania Laçi v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
GK Arlis Shala (2000-07-26) 26 July 2000 (age 23) 0 0 Kosovo Drenica v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
GK Endri Dema (2004-04-17) 17 April 2004 (age 20) 0 0 Albania Teuta v.  Saudi Arabia, 26 October 2022PRE / U21
GK Thomas Strakosha (1995-03-19) 19 March 1995 (age 29) 21 0 England Brentford v.  Iceland, 27 September 2022
GK Simon Simoni (2004-07-14) 14 July 2004 (age 19) 0 0 Albania Dinamo Tirana v.  Estonia, 13 June 2022
GK Angelo Tafa (2000-07-05) 5 July 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Albania Kukësi v.  Iceland, 6 June 2022PRE / U21
DF Berat Gjimshiti (1993-02-19) 19 February 1993 (age 31) 48 1 Italy Atalanta v.  Italy, 16 November 2022CLUB
DF Iván Balliu (1992-01-01) 1 January 1992 (age 32) 8 0 Spain Rayo Vallecano v.  Italy, 16 November 2022CLUB
DF Rudolf Turkaj (1995-02-03) 3 February 1995 (age 29) 2 0 Albania Laçi v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
DF Esin Hakaj (1996-12-06) 6 December 1996 (age 27) 2 0 Albania Vllaznia v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
DF Stivian Janku (1997-06-23) 23 June 1997 (age 27) 2 0 Albania Bylis v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
DF Marsel Ismailgeci (2000-03-14) 14 March 2000 (age 24) 2 0 Albania Tirana v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
DF Albion Marku (2000-11-14) 14 November 2000 (age 23) 1 0 Albania Teuta v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
DF Artan Jazxhi (2001-07-06) 6 July 2001 (age 23) 0 0 Albania Teuta v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
DF Mario Mitaj (2003-08-06) 6 August 2003 (age 20) 2 0 Russia Lokomotiv Moscow v.  Saudi Arabia, 26 October 2022U21
DF Frédéric Veseli (1992-11-20) 20 November 1992 (age 31) 44 0 Italy Benevento v.  Iceland, 27 September 2022
DF Arlind Ajeti (1993-09-25) 25 September 1993 (age 30) 22 1 Italy Pordenone v.  Iceland, 27 September 2022
DF Albi Doka (1997-06-26) 26 June 1997 (age 27) 7 0 Hungary Budapest Honvéd v.  Iceland, 27 September 2022
DF Erion Hoxhallari (1995-10-15) 15 October 1995 (age 28) 4 0 Romania UTA Arad v.  Estonia, 13 June 2022
DF Jon Mersinaj (1999-02-08) 8 February 1999 (age 25) 1 0 Croatia Lokomotiva v.  Estonia, 13 June 2022
DF Kevin Haveri (2001-09-18) 18 September 2001 (age 22) 0 0 Italy Rimini v.  Estonia, 13 June 2022
DF Kastriot Dermaku (1992-01-15) 15 January 1992 (age 32) 13 1 Italy Lecce v.  Israel, 10 June 2022
DF Lorenc Trashi (1992-05-19) 19 May 1992 (age 32) 15 1 Kuwait Qadsia v.  Iceland, 6 June 2022PRE
DF Sergio Kalaj (2000-01-28) 28 January 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Italy Frosinone v.  Iceland, 6 June 2022PRE / U21
DF Herdi Prenga (1994-08-31) 31 August 1994 (age 29) 2 0 Hungary Budapest Honvéd v.  Georgia, 29 March 2022
MF Odise Roshi (1991-05-21) 21 May 1991 (age 33) 71 5 Turkey Sakaryaspor v.  Armenia, 16 November 2022CLUB
MF Kristal Abazaj (1996-07-06) 6 July 1996 (age 28) 2 0 Turkey İstanbulspor v.  Italy, 16 November 2022INJ
MF Sherif Kallaku (1998-03-01) 1 March 1998 (age 26) 7 0 Albania Tirana v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
MF Arinaldo Rrapaj (2001-08-09) 9 August 2001 (age 22) 2 0 Albania Partizani v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
MF Herald Marku (1996-05-18) 18 May 1996 (age 28) 1 0 Albania Vllaznia v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
MF Ardit Deliu (1997-10-26) 26 October 1997 (age 26) 1 0 Albania Tirana v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
MF Serxho Ujka (1998-08-27) 27 August 1998 (age 25) 1 0 Albania Laçi v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
MF Arbin Zejnullai (1999-02-15) 15 February 1999 (age 25) 0 0 Albania Egnatia v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
MF Ardit Toli (1997-07-12) 12 July 1997 (age 27) 1 0 Ukraine Vorskla Poltava v.  Saudi Arabia, 26 October 2022
MF Esat Mala (1998-10-18) 18 October 1998 (age 25) 1 0 Albania Vllaznia v.  Saudi Arabia, 26 October 2022
MF Klaus Gjasula (1989-12-14) 14 December 1989 (age 34) 21 0 Germany SV Darmstadt 98 v.  Iceland, 27 September 2022
MF Endri Çekiçi (1996-11-23) 23 November 1996 (age 27) 11 1 Turkey Konyaspor v.  Israel, 24 September 2022INJ
MF Lindon Selahi (1999-02-26) 26 February 1999 (age 25) 4 0 Croatia Rijeka v.  Iceland, 6 June 2022PRE
MF Erdis Kraja (2000-07-07) 7 July 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Italy Pescara v.  Iceland, 6 June 2022PRE / U21
MF Armando Dobra (2001-04-14) 14 April 2001 (age 23) 0 0 England Chesterfield v.  Iceland, 6 June 2022PRE / U21
FW Myrto Uzuni (1995-05-31) 31 May 1995 (age 29) 28 5 Spain Granada v.  Armenia, 16 November 2022CLUB
FW Armando Broja (2001-09-10) 10 September 2001 (age 22) 17 4 England Chelsea v.  Armenia, 16 November 2022INJ
FW Redon Xhixha (1998-09-14) 14 September 1998 (age 25) 2 0 Albania Tirana v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
FW Lorenco Vila (1998-12-14) 14 December 1998 (age 25) 1 0 Albania Teuta v.  Qatar, 9 November 2022
FW Sokol Cikalleshi (1990-07-27) 27 July 1990 (age 33) 51 12 Saudi Arabia Khaleej v.  Saudi Arabia, 26 October 2022
FW Bekim Balaj (1991-01-11) 11 January 1991 (age 33) 48 9 Turkey Ankara Keçiörengücü v.  Saudi Arabia, 26 October 2022
FW Taulant Seferi (1996-11-15) 15 November 1996 (age 27) 10 1 Ukraine Vorskla Poltava v.  Iceland, 27 September 2022
FW Eljon Toçi (2003-01-09) 9 January 2003 (age 21) 0 0 Italy Fiorentina v.  Israel, 24 September 2022PRE
FW Giacomo Vrioni (1998-10-15) 15 October 1998 (age 25) 6 0 United States New England Revolution v.  Estonia, 13 June 2022
FW Rey Manaj (1997-02-24) 24 February 1997 (age 27) 31 7 England Watford v.  Georgia, 29 March 2022INJ
Notes
  • PRE = Preliminary squad/standby.
  • U21 = Was called up from national U21 squad.
  • CLUB = It is not part of the current squad after the club has not allowed him to join.
  • INJ = It is not part of the current squad due to injury.

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 26 October 2022.[77]
Players in bold are still active with Albania.

Most appearances

Panajot Pano, awarded "The Player of the Century" by UEFA and rated by the Albanian Football Federation as the most outstanding national player of the last 50 years.
Lorik Cana is the most capped player in the history of Albania with 93 caps.
Rank Player Caps Goals Period
1 Lorik Cana 93 1 2003–2016
2 Altin Lala 79 3 1998–2011
3 Klodian Duro 77 4 2001–2011
4 Etrit Berisha 75 0 2012–present
Ervin Skela 75 13 2000–2011
Erjon Bogdani 75 19 1996–2013
7 Elseid Hysaj 74 2 2013–present
8 Ansi Agolli 73 3 2005–2017
Foto Strakosha 73 0 1990–2004
9 Odise Roshi 71 5 2011–present
10 Andi Lila 70 0 2007–2018

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 Ervin Skela 13 75 0.17 2000–2011
4 Armando Sadiku 12 37 0.32 2012–present
Sokol Cikalleshi 12 51 0.24 2014–present
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–present

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Pos Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Italy 1934 Did not enter Did not enter
France 1938
Brazil 1950
Switzerland 1954
Sweden 1958
Chile 1962
England 1966 Did not qualify 4th 6 0 1 5 2 12
Mexico 1970 Did not enter Did not enter
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify 4th 6 1 0 5 3 13
Argentina 1978 Did not enter Did not enter
Spain 1982 Did not qualify 4th 8 1 0 7 4 22
Mexico 1986 3rd 6 1 2 3 6 9
Italy 1990 4th 6 0 0 6 3 15
United States 1994 7th 12 1 2 9 6 26
France 1998 6th 10 1 1 8 7 20
South Korea Japan 2002 5th 8 1 0 7 5 14
Germany 2006 5th 12 4 1 7 11 20
South Africa 2010 5th 10 1 4 5 6 13
Brazil 2014 5th 10 3 2 5 9 11
Russia 2018 3rd 10 4 1 5 10 13
Qatar 2022 3rd 10 6 0 4 12 12
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined To be determined
Total - 0/22 - - - - - - — 114 24 14 76 84 200

UEFA European Championship

Main article: Albania at the UEFA European Championship
UEFA European Championship record Qualifying record
Year Result Position Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos Pld W D L GF GA
France 1960 Did Not Enter Did Not Enter
Spain 1964 Did Not Qualify R16 4 3 0 1 7 4
Italy 1968 3rd 4 0 1 3 0 12
Belgium 1972 4th 6 1 1 4 5 9
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia 1976 Did Not Enter Did Not Enter
Italy 1980
France 1984 Did Not Qualify 5th 8 0 2 6 4 14
West Germany 1988 4th 6 0 0 6 2 17
Sweden 1992 5th 7 1 0 6 2 21
England 1996 5th 10 2 2 6 10 16
Belgium Netherlands 2000 5th 10 1 4 5 8 14
Portugal 2004 4th 8 2 2 4 11 15
Austria Switzerland 2008 5th 12 2 5 5 12 18
Poland Ukraine 2012 5th 10 2 3 5 7 14
France 2016 Group Stage 18th 3 1 0 2 1 3 Squad 2nd 8 4 2 2 10 5
Europe 2021 Did Not Qualify 4th 10 4 1 5 16 14
Germany 2024 To Be Determined To Be Determined
Total Group stage 1/16 3 1 0 2 1 3 — — 103 22 23 58 88 173

UEFA Nations League

UEFA Nations League record
Season LG GP Pos Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK
2018–19 C 1 3rd 4 1 0 3 1 8 Same position 34th
2020–21 C 4 1st 6 3 2 1 8 4 Rise 35th
2022–23 B 2 3rd 4 0 2 2 4 6 Same position 27th
2024–25 B To be determined
Total 14 4 4 5 13 18 27th

Other tournaments

Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Balkan Cup
Albania 1946 Winner 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
Malta Malta International Tournament
1998 Third place 3rd 3 0 2 1 3 6
2000 Winner 1st 3 3 0 0 5 0
Total Best: Winner 5/5 16 6 4 6 17 23 —

FIFA Rankings

As of 26 July 2020 Source:[78]

  Best Ranking    Worst Ranking    Best Mover    Worst Mover  

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

Honours

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

Head-to-head record

As of 1 December 2022

Notes and references

Notes

  1. ^ The alternative name of the Albania national team that was used during this match.[55]
  2. ^ Includes matches against  Czechoslovakia.
  3. ^ Includes matches against  West Germany.
  4. ^ Includes matches against  Yugoslavia.

See also

References

  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 20 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  2. ^ FIFA World Ranking August 2015
  3. ^ FIFA World Ranking August 1997
  4. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 10 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  5. ^ "International football match Albania vs Yugoslavia report". EU-Football.info. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  6. ^ "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. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  7. ^ ""Euro 1964" / Greqia refuzoi nga "ligji i luftës", u kualifikua Shqipëria" [“Euro 1964” / Greece refused due to “war law”, Albania qualified] (in Albanian). Ekskluzive.al. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  8. ^ Besnik Dizdari (2007). "Ballkaniada 1946: Shqipëria – kampione e Ballkanit ne startin e "Luftës së ftohtë" në Evropë" (in Albanian). Rozafat. pp. 2–10. ISBN 978-99943-979-0-7. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  9. ^ "Shqipëria në fazën finale? Nuk është hera e parë!" [Albania in finale phase, its not the first time] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 14 October 2015. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  10. ^ UEFA. "Victories of Albania until Euro2016 qualifiers". Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  11. ^ Besnik Dizdari (15 October 2015). "Dr. Armillotta ka të drejtë" (in Albanian). Panorama-Sport. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  12. ^ "Games of the XVIII. Olympiad - Football Qualifying Tournament".
  13. ^ "Besnik Dizdari: E vërteta e pjesëmarrjes së Shqipërisë në Lojërat Olimpike".
  14. ^ "Games of the XX. Olympiad - Football Qualifying Tournament".
  15. ^ "Euro 1968/ Kur Kombëtarja e Shqipërisë eliminonte Gjermaninë" [Euro 1968/ When Albania national team eliminated Germany] (in Albanian). Opinion.al. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  16. ^ "1967: Risitë e të vërtetave të Shqipëria-Gjermania 0-0…" [1967: The innovations of the truths of Albania-Germany 0-0…] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 19 December 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  17. ^ a b "Flying start for Briegel". UEFA.com. 30 March 2003. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  18. ^ "Albania eclipse European champions". UEFA.com. 5 September 2004. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  19. ^ "Baric: Po largohem" (in Albanian). FSHF.org. Retrieved 5 April 2016.[dead link]
  20. ^ "Televizioni Koha – JOSIP KUZHE TRAJNER I SHQIPËRISË – Sport" (in Albanian). Televizioni Koha. Archived from the original on 19 June 2015. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  21. ^ "Më në fund, shpërthen Shqipëria, fiton 6 me 1 kunder Qipros" (in Albanian). Yllpress.com. 13 October 2009. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
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  23. ^ Besnik Dizdari (4 April 2015). ""Revolucioni" i Kombëtares, atdhetaria dhe "pseudoatdhetaria"" (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Retrieved 4 April 2016.
  24. ^ ""Bekim" kuqezi në Aveiro, Shqipëria shokon Portugalinë" (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 7 September 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
  25. ^ ""Flirtuam" me fitoren, por bashkëkryesojmë me Danimarkën" (in Albanian). Albdreams.net. 11 October 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
  26. ^ "Armenia 0-3 Albania - BBC Sport". BBC Sport.
  27. ^ "Albania out of Euro 2016 after Portugal draw with Hungary". Fourfourtwo.com. 22 June 2016. Retrieved 9 October 2016.
  28. ^ "Panucci named Albania coach". AS. 17 July 2017. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  29. ^ Andrew Southwick (17 November 2018). "Albania 0–4 Scotland". BBC Sport. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  30. ^ Carlos Volcano. "SACKED! Christian Panucci dumped by Albania". Tribal Football. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  31. ^ "Albania hires Edoardo Reja to coach its national team". USA TODAY.
  32. ^ "Moldova's national team was also outclassed by Albania". ipn.md. 15 October 2019. Retrieved 15 July 2020.
  33. ^ 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.
  34. ^ a b c "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.
  35. ^ a b ""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 Association. 9 June 2022.
  36. ^ a b ""Qemal Stafa", historia 70-vjeçare e Stadiumit Kombëtar (Pjesa 1)" [“Qemal Stafa”, the 70-year history of the national stadium (Part 1)] (in Albanian). Gazeta Panorama. 10 May 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  37. ^ a b "Historia e ndërtimit të stadiumit "Qemal Stafa"" [History of Stadium “Qemal Stafa” construction] (in Albanian). Standard.al. 26 September 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  38. ^ "Kush ishte Qemal Stafa? 99-vjetori i lindjes" [Who was Qemal Stafa? 99th anniversary of birth] (in Albanian). Gazeta Mapo. 20 March 2019. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  39. ^ a b "Stadiumi Kombëtar Qemal Stafa, Tiranë". eu-football.info.
  40. ^ "Kombëtarja luan ndeshjen e fundit në "Qemal Stafa"" [The national team plays the last match in “Qemal Stafa”] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 16 November 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  41. ^ "UEFA "djeg" edhe "Ruzhdi Bizhutën" e "Niko Dovanën"" (in Albanian). Sport.albeu.com. 21 November 2013. Archived from the original on 26 May 2014. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
  42. ^ "Nis prishja e stadiumit "Qemal Stafa"" [The demolition of “Qemal Stafa” Stadium starts] (in Albanian). TV Klan. 9 June 2016. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  43. ^ a b c "Stadiumi Flamurtari, Vlorë". eu-football.info.
  44. ^ a b c "Stadiumi Tomori, Berat". eu-football.info.
  45. ^ a b "Stadiumi Niko Dovana, Durrës". eu-football.info.
  46. ^ a b "Loro Boriçi Stadium, Shkodër". eu-football.info.
  47. ^ a b "Elbasan Arena, Elbasan". eu-football.info.
  48. ^ "Nis rindërtimi i stadiumit "Ruzhdi Bizhuta" (FOTO LAJM)" [The recontruction of "Ruzhdi Buzhuta" stadium starts (Photo News)] (in Albanian). Sport.albeu.com. 17 February 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
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  50. ^ "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 Albanian). Gazeta Panorama. 22 September 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
  51. ^ "Rama: Së shpejti nis ndërtimi i stadiumit 'Loro Borici'" [Rama: Construction of ‘Loro Borici’ Stadium Coming Soon] (in Albanian). City News Albania. 1 April 2015. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
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  53. ^ 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 Albanian). Telesport.al. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
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  63. ^ "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 Albanian). Panorama Sport. 23 December 2019. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
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External links

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