Albania national football team
Nickname(s) | Kuq e Zinjtë (The Red and Blacks) Shqiponjat (The Eagles) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Association | Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit (FSHF) | |||
Confederation | UEFA (Europe) | |||
Head coach | Sylvinho | |||
Captain | Berat Djimsiti | |||
Most caps | Lorik Cana (93) | |||
Top scorer | Erjon Bogdani (18) | |||
Home stadium | Arena Kombëtare | |||
FIFA code | ALB | |||
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FIFA ranking | ||||
Current | 65 (19 December 2024)[1] | |||
Highest | 22 (August 2015[2]) | |||
Lowest | 124 (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 | ||||
Appearances | 2 (first in 2016) | |||
Best result | Group stage (2016) | |||
Medal record |
The Albania national football team (Template:Lang-sq) 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 debut at a major men's football tournament, scoring its first goal and recording its first victory in a major tournament against Romania on 19 June 2016.[5]It will compete in Euro 2024.
Since its completion in 2019, Arena Kombëtare (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 is its symbol. Its supporters are collectively known as the Tifozët Kuq e Zi and use the same red and black colours as both the team and the nation's flag.
In 2020, Albania won group 4 of UEFA Nations League C and was promoted to UEFA Nations League B.
History
20th century
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 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 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.[8][9] At the end of the tournament Albania ranked 9th in Europe.[10][11][12] Albania participated at the 1964 Summer Olympics in the Men's qualification tournament, and closely lost both matches against Bulgaria in the preliminary round.[13] 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.[14][15]
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.[16][17] 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.[18] 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.[19]
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.[20] 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.[21] 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.[22]
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.[23] 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.[24] Albania started the qualifiers of the UEFA Euro 2016 with an emphatic 1–0 away win against Portugal,[25] which was followed by a 1–1 draw against Denmark at the newly renovated stadium Elbasan Arena.[26] 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 and Albania's first-ever appearance at a competitive tournament in the history.[27] 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.[28]
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.[29] 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.[30] Panucci would be sacked after a 2–0 defeat to Turkey in the opening match of UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.[31] 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.[32] In the end, Albania placed fourth in the group, failing to qualify.[33]
On 17 November 2023, Albania qualified for UEFA Euro 2024.
Team image
Nicknames
The team's nicknames are the "Kuq e Zinjtë" ("The Red and Blacks") and "Shqiponjat" ("The Eagles"). It is also known, among supporters, as "Kosova B" ("Kosovo B"). 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.[34]
Kits
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.[35]
Kit sponsorship
Kit supplier | Period | Contract | |
---|---|---|---|
Announcement | Duration | ||
Adidas | 1981–1992 | ||
Umbro | 1992–1993 | ||
Uhlsport | 1994–1995 | ||
Puma | 1996–2005 | ||
Nike | 2005–2010 | ||
Adidas | 2010–2016 | ||
Macron | 2016–present | 26 January 2016[35] | 2016–2022[35] |
9 June 2022[36] | 2022–2027[36] |
Home stadium
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.[37] The stadium had an Olympic Stadium shape, as idealized by Gherardo Bosio, a young fascist architect from Florence, Italy.[38] The stadium's initial capacity was 15,000, this due to the fact that Tirana at that time had only 60,000 inhabitants.[38] It was named after Qemal Stafa, a Hero of Albania in World War II.[39] The stadium was inaugurated officially on 7 October 1946 when Albania played its first competitive match against Yugoslavia.[40] Ever since then, further 130 international matches took place in the stadium, with the last being a friendly against Georgia in November 2015.[41] 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".[37] In November 2013, Qemal Stafa Stadium was shut down by FIFA for not fulfilling international standards.[42] The stadium's demolition started in June 2016, and it was announced that is going to be replaced by Arena Kombëtare.[43]
Albania sometimes has played home matches at other venues. Outside Tirana, the national team has played matches in Flamurtari Stadium in Vlorë,[44] Tomori Stadium in Berat,[45] Niko Dovana Stadium in Durrës,[46] Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër[47] and Elbasan Arena in Elbasan.[48] 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.[49] 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.[50] The official inauguration occurred two days later in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying match against Denmark.[51]
The first international match at Loro Boriçi Stadium was played on 29 March 2003 against Russia, with Albania winning 3–1.[18] In October 2014, Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, promised the reconstruction of the stadium.[52] The stadium's construction started in May 2015 and finished in August 2016.[53] 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.[54]
Albania national football team home stadiums | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nr. of matches |
Image | Stadium | Capacity | Location | First match | Last match | Ref |
131 | Qemal Stafa Stadium | 25,000 | Tirana, Albania | v. Yugoslavia, 7 October 1946 | v. Georgia, 16 November 2015 | [40] | |
19 | Arena Kombëtare | 22,500 | Tirana, Albania | v. France, 17 November 2019 | v. Faroe Islands, 20 October 2023 | [55] | |
18 | Elbasan Arena | 13,800 | Elbasan, Albania | v. Denmark, 11 October 2014 | v. San Marino, 8 September 2021 | [48] | |
9 | Loro Boriçi Stadium | 20,200 | Shkodër, Albania | v. Russia, 29 March 2003 | v. Turkey, 22 March 2019 | [47] | |
6 | Niko Dovana Stadium | 12,040 | Durrës, Albania | v. Uzbekistan, 11 August 2010 | v. Malta, 5 March 2014 | [46] | |
2 | Nuevo Estadio de Los Cármenes | 19,336 | Granada, Spain | v. Ukraine, 29 March 1997 | v. Germany, 2 April 1997 | [56] | |
1 | Skënderbeu Stadium | 12,343 | Korçë, Albania | v. North Macedonia, 17 November 2010 | [44] | ||
1 | Hardturm | 16,600 | Zürich, Switzerland | v. Northern Ireland, 10 September 1997 | [57] | ||
1 | Tomori Stadium | 17,890 | Berat, Albania | v. Cuba, 6 August 1988 | [45] | ||
1 | Flamurtari Stadium | 10,500 | Vlorë, Albania | v. Romania, 28 October 1987 | [44] |
Rivalries
Kosovo
This derby is otherwise known as Brotherly derby (Template:Lang-sq), also known as the Brotherly (Template:Lang-sq). 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][59][60] 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,[61] and this match ended with a 3–1 win for Albania.[62]
Serbia
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"[63] and were throwing flares at the Albania team, after which there was a clash between the Serbia and Albania teams.[64]
Supporters
Tifozat Kuq e Zi (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.[65][66] It was founded on 25 December 2003.[65] 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.[67][68] 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).[65]
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.
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.[69][70][71][72]
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".[73] 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.[74][75][76]
Media coverage
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Results and fixtures
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
2023
27 March UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Poland | 1–0 | Albania | Warsaw, Poland |
20:45 |
|
Report | Stadium: Stadion Narodowy Attendance: 56,227 Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia) |
17 June UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Albania | 2–0 | Moldova | Tirana, Albania |
20:45 | Report | Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Attendance: 20,944 Referee: Dennis Higler (Netherlands) |
20 June UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Faroe Islands | 1–3 | Albania | Tórshavn, Faroe Islands |
20:45 (19:45 UTC+1) |
|
Report | Stadium: Tórsvøllur Attendance: 2,507 Referee: Chrysovalantis Theouli (Cyprus) |
7 September UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Czech Republic | 1–1 | Albania | Prague, Czech Republic |
20:45 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Eden Arena Attendance: 18,641 Referee: Anthony Taylor (England) |
10 September UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Albania | 2–0 | Poland | Tirana, Albania |
20:45 | Report | Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Attendance: 21,900 Referee: José María Sánchez (Spain) |
12 October UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Albania | 3–0 | Czech Republic | Tirana, Albania |
20:45 | Report | Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Attendance: 20,917 Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands) |
17 October Friendly | Albania | 2–0 | Bulgaria | Tirana, Albania |
16:30 | Report | Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Attendance: 17,232 Referee: Mervan Bejtullahu (Kosovo) |
17 November UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Moldova | 1–1 | Albania | Chişinău, Moldova |
20:45 (21:45 UTC+2) |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Zimbru Stadium Attendance: 9,537 Referee: Willie Collum (Scotland) |
20 November UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying | Albania | 0–0 | Faroe Islands | Tirana, Albania |
20:45 | Report | Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Attendance: 21,456 Referee: Sven Jablonski (Germany) |
2024
15 June UEFA Euro 2024 | Italy | v | Albania | Dortmund, Germany |
21:00 CEST | Report | Stadium: Westfalenstadion |
19 June UEFA Euro 2024 | Croatia | v | Albania | Hamburg, Germany |
15:00 CEST | Report | Stadium: Volksparkstadion |
24 June UEFA Euro 2024 | Albania | v | Spain | Düsseldorf, Germany |
21:00 CEST | Report | Stadium: Merkur Spiel-Arena |
Coaching staff
Current coaching staff
Role | Name |
---|---|
Head coach | Sylvinho |
Assistant coach(es) | Pablo Zabaleta |
Dorival Guidoni | |
Ervin Bulku | |
Athletic coach(es) | Taulant Stërmasi |
Elton Kodra | |
Goalkeeping coach | Ilir Bozhiqi |
Physiotherapist | Altin Haxhia |
Doctor | Gianluca Stesina |
Masseur | Arzen Voçi |
Material base(s) | Eduard Salillari |
Osman Bulku | |
Osteopath | Arjan Llaperi |
Team manager | Dritan Babamusta |
Video analyst | Alarico Marco Rossi |
Players
Current squad
- The following players were called up for the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Moldova and Faroe Islands, on 17 and 20 November 2023.[78]
- Caps and goals are correct as of 20 November 2023 after the match against Faroe Islands.[79]
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GK | Etrit Berisha (vice-captain) | 10 March 1989 | 80 | 0 | Empoli |
12 | GK | Elhan Kastrati | 2 February 1997 | 2 | 0 | Cittadella |
23 | GK | Thomas Strakosha (4th captain) | 19 March 1995 | 25 | 0 | Brentford |
2 | DF | Iván Balliu | 1 January 1992 | 11 | 0 | Rayo Vallecano |
3 | DF | Mario Mitaj | 6 August 2003 | 10 | 0 | Lokomotiv Moscow |
4 | DF | Elseid Hysaj (3rd captain) | 20 February 1994 | 81 | 2 | Lazio |
5 | DF | Frédéric Veseli | 20 November 1992 | 45 | 0 | Fatih Karagümrük |
6 | DF | Berat Gjimshiti (captain) | 19 February 1993 | 54 | 1 | Atalanta |
13 | DF | Jon Mersinaj | 8 February 1999 | 1 | 0 | Lokomotiva |
18 | DF | Ardian Ismajli | 30 September 1996 | 36 | 2 | Empoli |
7 | MF | Keidi Bare | 28 August 1997 | 28 | 2 | Espanyol |
8 | MF | Klaus Gjasula | 14 December 1989 | 27 | 0 | Darmstadt 98 |
10 | MF | Nedim Bajrami | 28 February 1999 | 19 | 3 | Sassuolo |
14 | MF | Qazim Laçi | 19 January 1996 | 23 | 2 | Sparta Prague |
20 | MF | Ylber Ramadani | 12 April 1996 | 32 | 1 | Lecce |
21 | MF | Kristjan Asllani | 9 March 2002 | 16 | 2 | Inter Milan |
24 | MF | Arbnor Muçolli | 15 September 1999 | 4 | 0 | IFK Göteborg |
9 | FW | Jasir Asani | 19 May 1995 | 9 | 3 | Gwangju |
11 | FW | Myrto Uzuni | 31 May 1995 | 35 | 5 | Granada |
15 | FW | Taulant Seferi | 15 November 1996 | 17 | 3 | Baniyas |
16 | FW | Sokol Cikalleshi | 27 July 1990 | 59 | 13 | Konyaspor |
17 | FW | Ernest Muçi | 19 March 2001 | 7 | 2 | Legia Warsaw |
19 | FW | Mirlind Daku | 1 January 1998 | 5 | 1 | Rubin Kazan |
22 | FW | Arbnor Muja | 29 November 1998 | 5 | 0 | Antwerp |
Recent call-ups
The following players have 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 | 15 December 1997 | 1 | 0 | Egnatia | v. Bulgaria, 17 October 2023 |
GK | Simon Simoni | 14 July 2004 | 0 | 0 | Eintracht Frankfurt | v. Moldova, 17 June 2023U21 |
DF | Arlind Ajeti | 25 September 1993 | 24 | 1 | CFR Cluj | v. Moldova, 17 November 2023INJ |
DF | Enea Mihaj | 5 July 1998 | 15 | 0 | Famalicão | v. Bulgaria, 17 October 2023INJ |
DF | Christian Cugnata | 13 January 2005 | 0 | 0 | Spezia | v. Czech Republic, 12 October 2023PRE / U19 |
DF | Naser Aliji | 27 December 1993 | 13 | 0 | Voluntari | v. Faroe Islands, 20 June 2023 |
DF | Andi Hadroj | 22 February 1999 | 3 | 0 | Partizani | v. Moldova, 17 June 2023 |
DF | Adrian Bajrami | 5 April 2002 | 3 | 0 | Benfica | v. Moldova, 17 June 2023U21 |
DF | Ermir Lenjani | 5 August 1989 | 44 | 5 | Unattached | v. Poland, 27 March 2023 |
DF | Marash Kumbulla | 8 February 2000 | 18 | 0 | Roma | v. Poland, 27 March 2023INJ |
MF | Dean Vraniçi | 2 January 2006 | 0 | 0 | Parma U19 | v. Czech Republic, 12 October 2023PRE / U19 |
MF | Odise Roshi | 21 May 1991 | 71 | 5 | Sakaryaspor | v. Poland, 10 September 2023 |
MF | Amir Abrashi | 27 March 1990 | 50 | 1 | Grasshoppers | v. Faroe Islands, 20 June 2023 |
MF | Anis Mehmeti | 9 January 2001 | 3 | 0 | Bristol City | v. Faroe Islands, 20 June 2023 |
MF | Lindon Selahi | 26 February 1999 | 4 | 0 | Rijeka | v. Poland, 27 March 2023 |
FW | Marvin Çuni | 10 July 2001 | 1 | 0 | Frosinone | v. Bulgaria, 17 October 2023 |
FW | Armando Broja | 10 September 2001 | 17 | 4 | Chelsea | v. Czech Republic, 12 October 2023INJ |
FW | Flavio Sulejmani | 20 March 2006 | 0 | 0 | Lazio | v. Czech Republic, 12 October 2023PRE / U19 |
FW | Armando Sadiku | 27 May 1991 | 39 | 12 | Mohun Bagan | v. Faroe Islands, 20 June 2023 |
FW | Gerald Kubazi | 17 August 2006 | 0 | 0 | Vllaznia | v. Poland, 27 March 2023PRE / U17 |
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Records
- As of 20 November 2023[80]
- Players in bold are still active with Albania.
Most appearances
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Period |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Lorik Cana | 93 | 1 | 2003–2016 |
2 | Elseid Hysaj | 81 | 2 | 2013–present |
3 | Etrit Berisha | 80 | 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–present |
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–present |
Ervin Skela | 13 | 75 | 0.17 | 2000–2011 | |
5 | Armando Sadiku | 12 | 39 | 0.31 | 2012–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 | 2012–2022 |
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 | ||
1930 to 1962 | Did not participate | Did not participate | ||||||||||||||||
1966 | Did not qualify | 4th | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 12 | ||||||||||
1970 | Entry not accepted[81] | Entry not accepted | ||||||||||||||||
1974 | Did not qualify | 4th | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 13 | ||||||||||
1978 | Did not participate | Did not participate | ||||||||||||||||
1982 | Did not qualify | 4th | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 22 | ||||||||||
1986 | 3rd | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | |||||||||||
1990 | 4th | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 15 | |||||||||||
1994 | 7th | 12 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 6 | 26 | |||||||||||
1998 | 6th | 10 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 20 | |||||||||||
2002 | 5th | 8 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 5 | 14 | |||||||||||
2006 | 5th | 12 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 11 | 20 | |||||||||||
2010 | 5th | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 13 | |||||||||||
2014 | 5th | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 11 | |||||||||||
2018 | 3rd | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 13 | |||||||||||
2022 | 3rd | 10 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 12 | 12 | |||||||||||
2026 | To be determined | To be determined | ||||||||||||||||
2030 | ||||||||||||||||||
2034 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | — | 0/22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 13/22 | 114 | 24 | 14 | 76 | 84 | 200 |
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 | ||
1960 | Did not participate | Did not participate | ||||||||||||||||
1964 | Did not qualify | Round of 16 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 | ||||||||||
1968 | 3rd | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 12 | |||||||||||
1972 | 4th | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 9 | |||||||||||
1976 | Did not participate | Did not participate | ||||||||||||||||
1980 | ||||||||||||||||||
1984 | Did not qualify | 5th | 8 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 14 | ||||||||||
1988 | 4th | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 17 | |||||||||||
1992 | 5th | 7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 21 | |||||||||||
1996 | 6th | 10 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 16 | |||||||||||
2000 | 5th | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 14 | |||||||||||
2004 | 4th | 8 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 15 | |||||||||||
2008 | 5th | 12 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 12 | 18 | |||||||||||
2012 | 5th | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 14 | |||||||||||
2016 | Group stage | 18th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | Squad | 2nd | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 5 | ||
2020 | Did not qualify | 4th | 10 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 16 | 14 | ||||||||||
2024 | Qualified | 1st | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 4 | ||||||||||
2028 | To be determined | To be determined | ||||||||||||||||
2032 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | Group stage | 2/17 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | — | 14/17 | 111 | 26 | 26 | 59 | 100 | 177 |
Albania's European Championship record | |
---|---|
First match | Albania 0–1 Switzerland (Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens, France; 11 June 2016) |
Biggest win | Romania 0–1 Albania (Parc Olympique Lyonnais, Lyon, France; 19 June 2016) |
Biggest defeat | France 2–0 Albania (Stade Vélodrome, Marseille, France; 15 June 2016) |
Best result | Group stage (2016) |
Worst result |
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 | 34th | 2019 | Did not qualify | |||||||||
2020–21 | C | 4 | 1st | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 35th | 2021 | ||||||||||
2022–23 | B | 2 | 3rd | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 27th | 2023 | ||||||||||
2024–25 | B | To be determined | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total | 14 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 13 | 18 | 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 | |
1908 to 1936 | Team did not exist | Team did not exist | |||||||||||||||
1948 to 1960 | Did not participate | Did not participate | |||||||||||||||
1964 | Did not qualify | PR | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | |||||||||
1968 | Did not participate | Did not participate | |||||||||||||||
1972 | Did not qualify | PO | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||
1976 to 1988 | Did not participate | Did not participate | |||||||||||||||
Since 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 | |||||||||
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 | |
Malta International Tournament | |||||||||
1998 | Third place | 3rd | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | |
2000 | Champions | 1st | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
Total | Best: Champions | 5/5 | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 17 | 23 | — |
FIFA rankings
As of December 2022 Source:[82]
Best Ranking Worst Ranking Best Mover Worst Mover
Albania's FIFA world rankings | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rank | Year | Pld | Best | Worst | |||||||
Rank | Move | Rank | Move | ||||||||
66 | 2022 | 11 | 65 | 1 | 69 | 1 | |||||
66 | 2021 | 12 | 63 | 3 | 69 | 3 | |||||
66 | 2020 | 7 | 66 | 3 | 69 | 3 | |||||
66 | 2019 | 16 | 61 | 2 | 66 | 4 | |||||
60 | 2018 | 9 | 56 | 2 | 60 | 3 | |||||
62 | 2017 | 9 | 51 | 9 | 71 | 12 | |||||
49 | 2016 | 12 | 35 | 5 | 49 | 10 | |||||
38 | 2015 | 7 | 22 | 15 | 63 | 7 | |||||
58 | 2014 | 9 | 45 | 25 | 70 | 16 | |||||
57 | 2013 | 8 | 37 | 16 | 71 | 13 | |||||
63 | 2012 | 9 | 58 | 17 | 97 | 10 | |||||
74 | 2011 | 11 | 50 | 23 | 75 | 14 | |||||
65 | 2010 | 9 | 58 | 13 | 97 | 7 | |||||
96 | 2009 | 9 | 78 | 3 | 98 | 11 | |||||
81 | 2008 | 7 | 73 | 19 | 102 | 18 | |||||
80 | 2007 | 11 | 66 | 11 | 88 | 12 | |||||
87 | 2006 | 6 | 62 | 20 | 88 | 13 | |||||
82 | 2005 | 10 | 82 | 7 | 93 | 4 | |||||
86 | 2004 | 8 | 86 | 5 | 94 | 5 | |||||
89 | 2003 | 11 | 86 | 13 | 101 | 5 | |||||
93 | 2002 | 9 | 92 | 4 | 97 | 5 | |||||
96 | 2001 | 7 | 74 | 1 | 96 | 6 | |||||
72 | 2000 | 8 | 72 | 13 | 94 | 6 | |||||
83 | 1999 | 8 | 83 | 15 | 95 | 2 | |||||
106 | 1998 | 8 | 97 | 14 | 109 | 8 | |||||
116 | 1997 | 7 | 113 | 8 | 124 | 4 | |||||
116 | 1996 | 5 | 90 | 6 | 116 | 12 | |||||
91 | 1995 | 8 | 87 | 13 | 106 | 6 | |||||
100 | 1994 | 5 | 93 | 9 | 113 | 11 | |||||
92 | 1993 | 7 | 91 | 1 | 93 | 6 | |||||
86 | 1992 | 86 | 86 |
Honours
- Balkan Cup:
- Champions (1): 1946
- Malta International Football Tournament:
Head-to-head record
- As of 17 November 2023 after the match against Moldova
Positive balance (more Wins) | |
Neutral balance (Wins = Losses) | |
Negative balance (more Losses) |
Opponent | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Win % | Reference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Algeria[A] | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 50% | H2H results H2H results* |
Andorra | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 71% | H2H results |
Argentina | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | −4 | 0% | H2H results |
Armenia | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 5 | +5 | 66% | H2H results |
Austria | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 19 | −17 | 0% | H2H results |
Azerbaijan | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 60% | H2H results |
Bahrain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | −3 | 0% | H2H results |
Belarus | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 42% | H2H results |
Belgium | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 50% | H2H results |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 20% | H2H results |
Bulgaria | 14 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 17 | −7 | 21% | H2H results |
Cameroon | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% | H2H results |
China | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | −1 | 0% | H2H results H2H results* |
Cuba | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% | H2H results |
Cyprus | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 7 | +5 | 33% | H2H results |
Czech Republic[B] | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 14 | −5 | 33% | H2H results |
Denmark | 10 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 19 | −15 | 10% | H2H results |
East Germany | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 7 | −5 | 0% | H2H results |
England | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 19 | −18 | 0% | H2H results |
Estonia | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 25% | H2H results |
Faroe Islands | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 50% | H2H results |
Finland | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 8 | −2 | 28% | H2H results |
France | 9 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 20 | −16 | 11% | H2H results |
Georgia | 15 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 23 | −10 | 20% | H2H results |
Germany[C] | 14 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 10 | 38 | −28 | 0% | H2H results |
Greece[D] | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 16 | 13 | +3 | 50% | H2H results |
Hungary | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 19 | −17 | 25% | H2H results |
Iceland | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 12 | −1 | 33% | H2H results |
Iran | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100% | H2H results |
Israel | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 9 | −3 | 33% | H2H results |
Italy | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 7 | −4 | 0% | H2H results |
Jordan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% | H2H results |
Kazakhstan | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 75% | H2H results |
Kosovo | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 9 | +1 | 71% | H2H results[60][85][86] |
Latvia | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0% | H2H results |
Liechtenstein | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | +6 | 100% | H2H results |
Lithuania | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 33% | H2H results |
Luxembourg | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 7 | +1 | 42% | H2H results |
North Macedonia | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 12 | −5 | 20% | H2H results |
Malta | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 14 | 3 | +11 | 62% | H2H results |
Mexico | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | −4 | 0% | H2H results |
Moldova | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 3 | +14 | 75% | H2H results |
Montenegro | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | +7 | 100% | H2H results H2H results* |
Morocco | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% | H2H results |
Netherlands | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 7 | −6 | 0% | H2H results |
Northern Ireland | 9 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 13 | −8 | 22% | H2H results |
Norway | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 | −1 | 20% | H2H results |
Poland | 15 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 10 | 20 | −10 | 7% | H2H results |
Portugal | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 13 | −8 | 14% | H2H results |
Qatar | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 66% | H2H results |
Republic of Ireland | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 0% | H2H results |
Romania[E] | 19 | 3 | 3 | 13 | 12 | 45 | −33 | 15% | H2H results H2H results* |
Russia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 50% | H2H results |
Scotland | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | −6 | 0% | H2H results |
San Marino | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | +13 | 100% | H2H results |
Saudi Arabia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0% | H2H results |
Serbia[F] | 7 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | 15 | −8 | 14% | H2H results |
Slovenia | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 14% | H2H results |
Spain | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 31 | −28 | 0% | H2H results |
Sweden | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 10 | −5 | 20% | H2H results |
Switzerland | 7 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 12 | −8 | 0% | H2H results |
Turkey | 12 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 14 | 13 | +1 | 33% | H2H results |
Ukraine | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 4 | 13 | −9 | 0% | H2H results |
Uzbekistan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100% | H2H results |
Vietnam | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 100% | H2H results |
Wales | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | 25% | H2H results |
66 nations | 382 | 105 | 80 | 197 | 369 | 578 | −209 | 27% | All H2H results |
- Notes
- ^ Includes match against Algeria Olympic.
- ^ Includes matches against Czechoslovakia.
- ^ Includes matches against West Germany.
- ^ Includes awarded matches at the Euro 1964 qualifying.[84]
- ^ Includes matches against Romania Olympic at 1971 Mediterranean Games qualifying.
- ^ Includes matches against Yugoslavia.
See also
- Albanian Football Association
- Football in Albania
- Albania national youth football team
- Albania national under-23 football team (defunct)
- Albania national under-21 football team
- Albania national under-20 football team
- Albania national under-19 football team
- Albania national under-18 football team
- Albania national under-17 football team
- Albania national under-16 football team
- Albania national under-15 football team
Notes and references
Notes
References
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14/02/1993, Tiranë, Dinamo, 14000, Friendly International, ALBANIA–KOSOVA
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- ^ "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.
- ^ "Euro 2024/ Trajneri Silvinjo zbardh listën e lojtarëve për dy "finalet" me Moldavinë & Ishujt Faroe" [Euro 2024/ Coach Sylvinho clarifies the list of players for the two "finals" with Moldova & the Faroe Islands] (in Albanian). Albanian Football Association. 1 September 2023. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
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External links
- Official website (in Albanian)
- Albania at UEFA
- Albania at FIFA
- Tifozat Kuq e Zi / Red and Black Fan Club
- RSSSF – Albania national football team international matches
- Stadia in Albania Archived 24 September 2019 at the Wayback Machine