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Kosovo national under-21 football team

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Kosovo Under-21
Nickname(s)Dardanët (Dardanians)
AssociationFederata e Futbollit e Kosovës (FFK)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachAfrim Tovërlani
CaptainRotation
Most capsArdit Tahiri
Valon Zumberi (18)
Top scorerArdit Tahiri
Florent Hasani (3)
Home stadiumFadil Vokrri Stadium
FIFA codeKOS[1]
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
First international
 Ghana 2–2 Kosovo 
(Le Bouveret, Switzerland; 12 June 2013)
Biggest win
 Andorra 0–4 Kosovo 
(Andorra la Vella, Andorra; 6 June 2019)
Biggest defeat
 Egypt 8–0 Kosovo 
(Le Bouveret, Switzerland; 15 June 2013)

The Kosovo national under-21 football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja e futbollit të Kosovës nën 21 vjeç; Serbian: Фудбалска репрезентација Косова до 21. године, romanized: Fudbalska reprezentacija Kosova do 21. godine) is the national under-21 football team of Kosovo and is controlled by the Football Federation of Kosovo. The team is considered to be the feeder team for the Kosovo national team.

History

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Permitting by FIFA to play friendlies

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On 6 February 2013, FIFA gave the permission to play international friendly games against other member associations.[2] Whereas, on 13 January 2014, there was a change of this permit that forbade Kosovo to play against the national teams of the countries of the former Yugoslavia. Club teams were also allowed to play friendlies and this happened after a FIFA Emergency Committee meeting. However, it was stipulated that clubs and representative teams of the Football Federation of Kosovo may not display national symbols as flags, emblems, etc. or play national anthems. The go-ahead was given after meetings between the Football Association of Serbia and Sepp Blatter.

Membership in UEFA and FIFA

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See also: Membership of Kosovo in international sports federations

In September 2015 at an UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Malta was approved the request from the federation to the admission in UEFA to the next Ordinary Congress to be held in Budapest.[3] On 3 May 2016, at the Ordinary Congress. Kosovo were accepted into UEFA after members voted 28–24 in favor of Kosovo.[4][5] Ten days later, Kosovo was accepted in FIFA during their 66th congress in Mexico with 141 votes in favour and 23 against.[6]

2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifications

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On 26 January 2017, in Nyon, it was decided that Kosovo should be part in Group 5 of the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification, together with Azerbaijan, Germany, Israel, Norway and Republic of Ireland.[7] On 25 March 2017, Kosovo made his debut on UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifications with a 1–0 away defeat in against Republic of Ireland.[8] On 29 July 2017, UEFA confirmed that the match in which Kosovo had lost with a deep score 0–5 against Norway was given as a 3–0 victory for Kosovo, this happened after in that match for Norway had played Kristoffer Ajer who was suspended.[9] This match for Kosovo was the first victory in a qualifying match for a major tournament. Kosovo would secure another dramatic win against Norway at home with 3–2 by two goals from Enis Bytyqi and one from Florent Hasani, that was Kosovo's first home win in their history at this competition.[10]

2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifications

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On 11 December 2018, in Nyon, it was decided that Kosovo should be part in Group 3 of the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification, together with Albania, Andorra, Austria, England and Turkey.[11] Before the start of this qualifying cycle, Kosovo in March 2019 played two friendly matches in Antalya with Turkmenistan which won with a narrow score of 3–2,[12] and with Malta which won with a minimum score of 1–0,[13] in the composition of Kosovo was the players who would potentially be part of the national team during the qualifying cycle. On 6 June 2019, Kosovo started the qualifying cycle against Andorra which they defeated with a deep score 4–0 and this match is their best result yet.[14] Kosovo would follow this great result after beating Turkey at home with 3-1 showing a great display. Also leading the qualifying table, for the first time in their history.[15] Success wouldn't follow as Kosovo than lost a string of five matches in the process in which they only scored two goals.[16] Against Albania losing away with 2-1 in Elbasan.[17] Kosovo would secure their third win against Andorra at home with a close 1-0 win. Their last match ended in a devastating loss against Turkey in Istanbul with 3-0 their seventh loss in total. Kosovo finished their Qualifying in 5th place with nine points, only above Andorra, but trailing behind Turkey, Albania, Austria and Group winners England.[18]

Competitive record

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UEFA European Under-21 Championship

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On 26 January 2017, in Nyon, it was decided that Kosovo should be part in Group 5 of the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification, together with Azerbaijan, Germany, Israel, Norway and Republic of Ireland.[19] On 25 March 2017, Kosovo made his debut on UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifications with a 1–0 away defeat in against Republic of Ireland.[20]

UEFA European Under-21 Championship record Qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos Pld W D L GF GA
1978 to 1992 Part of  Yugoslavia
France 1994 to Portugal 2006 Part of  Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands 2007 Part of  Serbia
Sweden 2009 to Czech Republic 2015 Not a UEFA member
Poland 2017 Could not enter
ItalySan Marino 2019 did not qualify 5th 10 3 3 4 9 12
HungarySlovenia 2021 5th 10 3 0 7 9 20
RomaniaGeorgia (country) 2023 4th 10 3 3 4 8 13
Total — 0/23 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 2/15 29 9 6 15 33 57

Non-FIFA Tournament

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Kosovo U21 has so far only participated in one international tournament in Valais Youth Cup, a two-day international football tournament. In which they finished in fourth place. Their first match was against Ghana in which they lost.

Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Switzerland 2013 Fourth place 4th 2 0 1 1 2 10 Squad
Total — 1/1 2 0 1 1 2 10 —

Fixtures and results

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For all past match results of the national team, see Kosovo national under-21 football team results.

2023

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17 November UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Kosovo  2–2  Bulgaria Podujevo, Kosovo
13:00
  • Tahiri 34', 59'
 Report
Stadium: Zahir Pajaziti Stadium
Attendance: 200
Referee: Patrik Kolarić (Croatia)
21 November UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Kosovo  3–1  Israel Podujevo, Kosovo
13:00
Report
Stadium: Zahir Pajaziti Stadium
Attendance: 0 (behind closed doors)
Referee: Iwan Arwel Griffith (Wales)

2024

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22 March UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Germany  0–0  Kosovo Chemnitz, Germany
18:00 Report Stadium: Stadion an der Gellertstraße
Attendance: 6,899
Referee: Daniele Chiffi (Italy)
10 September UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Israel  0–1  Kosovo Győr, Hungary
19:00 Report
Stadium: Ménfői úti Stadion
Referee: Menelaos Antoniou (Cyprus)
11 October UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Kosovo  0–4  Poland Pristina, Kosovo
19:00 Report
Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Referee: Ladislav Szikszay (Czech Republic)
15 October UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Estonia  3–1  Kosovo Tallinn, Estonia
17:00
Report Avdyli 77' Stadium: Kadriorg Stadium
Referee: Jason Barcelo (Gibraltar)

Players

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Current squad

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No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Mustafë Abdullahu (2004-02-27) 27 February 2004 (age 20) 4 0 Kosovo Malisheva
12 1GK Léo Besson (2002-10-27) 27 October 2002 (age 22) 8 0 Switzerland Servette
16 1GK Egzon Lekaj (2002-04-26) 26 April 2002 (age 22) 0 0 Kosovo Besa Peja
3 2DF Yll Ibrahimi (2003-07-29) 29 July 2003 (age 21) 3 0 Kosovo Gjilani
4 2DF Amar Gërxhaliu (2002-04-26) 26 April 2002 (age 22) 4 0 Turkey Antalyaspor
5 2DF Andi Hoti (2003-03-02) 2 March 2003 (age 21) 15 1 Germany 1. FC Magdeburg
13 2DF Rejan Thaçi (2003-11-07) 7 November 2003 (age 20) 3 0 Switzerland Yverdon-Sport
14 2DF Dion Gallapeni (2004-12-22) 22 December 2004 (age 19) 1 0 Kosovo Prishtina
15 2DF Arbnor Hasani (2002-01-16) 16 January 2002 (age 22) 6 0 Switzerland Schaffhausen
19 2DF Ardi Ajdini (2002-11-04) 4 November 2002 (age 21) 3 0 Kosovo Prishtina
6 3MF Lulzim Peci (2002-02-27) 27 February 2002 (age 22) 3 0 Kosovo Llapi
7 3MF Oltion Bilalli (2002-01-03) 3 January 2002 (age 22) 6 0 Kosovo Gjilani
8 3MF Etnik Brruti (2004-03-04) 4 March 2004 (age 20) 6 0 Kosovo Malisheva
10 3MF Milot Avdyli (captain) (2002-07-28) 28 July 2002 (age 22) 10 2 Switzerland Aarau
17 3MF Altin Kryeziu (2002-01-03) 3 January 2002 (age 22) 13 0 Albania Laçi
18 3MF Redon Ismaili (2002-10-23) 23 October 2002 (age 22) 4 0 Albania Partizani Tirana
21 3MF Elvir Gashijan (2006-08-05) 5 August 2006 (age 18) 2 0 Kosovo Llapi
23 3MF Florian Haxha (2002-04-06) 6 April 2002 (age 22) 12 0 Austria Kapfenberger SV
11 4FW Veton Tusha (2002-12-29) 29 December 2002 (age 21) 14 2 Kosovo Drita
20 4FW Fatjon Bunjaku (2003-10-14) 14 October 2003 (age 21) 4 0 Kosovo Malisheva
22 4FW Igball Jashari (2005-07-14) 14 July 2005 (age 19) 1 0 Kosovo Prishtina

Recent call-ups

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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 Altin Gjokaj (2005-11-11) 11 November 2005 (age 18) 4 0 Kosovo Prishtina v.  Germany, 22 March 2024INJ
DF Diar Vokrri (2004-06-27) 27 June 2004 (age 20) 1 0 Kosovo Llapi v.  Estonia, 15 October 2024INJ
DF Valton Behrami (2004-03-16) 16 March 2004 (age 20) 3 0 Switzerland Servette v.  Israel, 10 September 2024
DF Valon Zumberi (2002-11-24) 24 November 2002 (age 21) 18 0 Germany Hamburger SV v.  Germany, 22 March 2024
DF Egzon Rexhaj (2002-11-15) 15 November 2002 (age 21) 10 0 Switzerland FC Bulle v.  Germany, 22 March 2024
DF Elvis Letaj (2003-09-26) 26 September 2003 (age 21) 4 0 Croatia Hajduk Split v.  Germany, 22 March 2024
DF Rafet Baralija (2004-12-21) 21 December 2004 (age 19) 0 0 Switzerland Wil II v.  Israel, 21 November 2023
MF Art Smakaj (2003-02-04) 4 February 2003 (age 21) 11 0 Croatia Lokomotiva v.  Germany, 22 March 2024A
MF Lindon Emërllahu (2002-12-07) 7 December 2002 (age 21) 4 2 Kosovo Ballkani v.  Germany, 22 March 2024A
MF Adem Podrimaj (2003-01-06) 6 January 2003 (age 21) 4 0 Germany VfB Oldenburg v.  Israel, 21 November 2023
MF Argjend Miftari (2004-01-29) 29 January 2004 (age 20) 1 0 Sweden BK Olympic v.  Israel, 21 November 2023
MF Amar Demolli (2006-07-16) 16 July 2006 (age 18) 0 0 Kosovo Prishtina v.  Israel, 21 November 2023
FW Ardit Tahiri (2002-10-06) 6 October 2002 (age 22) 18 3 Kosovo Llapi v.  Estonia, 15 October 2024INJ
FW Arian Llugiqi (2002-10-24) 24 October 2002 (age 22) 6 1 Germany TSG Hoffenheim II v.  Israel, 10 September 2024
FW Bleron Krasniqi (2002-05-18) 18 May 2002 (age 22) 2 2 Austria Kapfenberger SV v.  Israel, 21 November 2023
Notes
  • INJ = The player is not part of the current squad due to injury.
  • A = Was called up from national senior squad.

Coaching staff

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Position Name
Head coach Kosovo Afrim Tovërlani
Assistant coach Kosovo Genc Hoxha
Kosovo Liridon Kuka
Goalkeeping coach Kosovo Valmir Bytyqi
Team manager Kosovo Zgjim Sojeva

Head-to-head records against other countries

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As of 11 June 2019
Head-to-head records are included only matches as FIFA member.
Opponent Pld W D L GF GA GD Win %
 Andorra 1 1 0 0 4 0 +4 100.00
 Azerbaijan 2 1 1 0 2 0 +2 050.00
 Germany 2 0 1 1 0 1 −1 000.00
 England 2 0 0 2 0 8 −8 000.00
 Israel 2 0 0 2 0 7 −7 000.00
 Malta 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00
 Norway 2 2 0 0 6 2 +4 100.00
 Republic of Ireland 2 0 1 1 1 2 −1 000.00
 Turkey 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 100.00
 Turkmenistan 1 1 0 0 3 2 +1 100.00
10 Countries 15 7 3 5 20 23 −3 046.67

See also

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Men's
Women's

Notes and references

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Notes

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References

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  1. ^ "Football Federation of Kosovo". Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
  2. ^ "FIFA Circular no.1342" (PDF). FIFA. 6 February 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 June 2019.
  3. ^ "UEFA shqyrton në mars të vitit të ardhshëm anëtarësimin e Kosovës" [UEFA reviews in March next year Kosovo's membership] (in Albanian). Voice of America. 19 September 2015.
  4. ^ "Football Federation of Kosovo joins UEFA". UEFA. 3 May 2016.
  5. ^ "Kosovo accepted as member of Uefa after Congress vote". The Guardian. 3 May 2016.
  6. ^ "Zyrtare: Kosova pranohet në FIFA, jemi të barabartë me të gjitha vendet e botës" [Official: Kosovo is admitted to FIFA, we are equal to all countries in the world] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 13 May 2016.
  7. ^ "Kosova U21 në grup me Gjermaninë, ja orari i ndeshjeve" [Kosovo U21 in group with Germany and the match schedules] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 26 January 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2018. Kosova u përfshi në Grupin 5, me kundërshtarë shumë të fortë si Gjermania, Izraeli, Norvegjia, Irlanda dhe Azerbajxhani
  8. ^ "Kosova U21 e pafat kundër Irlandës, humb me rezultat të ngushtë" [Kosovo U21 unlucky against Ireland, loses with a close result] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 25 March 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  9. ^ "UEFA e konfirmon: Kosova fiton tri pikë në tavolinë kundër Norvegjisë" [UEFA confirms: Kosovo wins three points on table against Norway] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 29 July 2017.
  10. ^ "Fitore historike e Kosovës U21, e përmbys Norvegjinë në "Adem Jashari"" [Historic victory of Kosovo U21, overthrowing Norway in "Adem Jashari"] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 1 September 2017.
  11. ^ "Kosova U21 në grup me Shqipërinë dhe Anglinë" [Kosovo U21 in a group with Albania and England] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 11 December 2018.
  12. ^ "Kombëtarja U21 shënoi fitore në miqësoren kundër Turkmenistanit" [The national U21 team scored a victory in the friendly against Turkmenistan] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 24 March 2019.
  13. ^ "Kombëtarja U21 fiton edhe në miqësoren kundër Maltës" [The national U21 team also wins in the friendly against Malta] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 26 March 2019.
  14. ^ "Kosova U21 shkëlqen kundër Andorrës, fiton 4:0" [Kosovo U21 shines against Andorra, wins 4:0] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 6 June 2019.
  15. ^ "Kosova U21 fiton dhe merr kreun, në 'Fadil Vokrri' dorëzohet edhe Turqia". 11 June 2019.
  16. ^ "Me në fund, Kosova U21 fiton pas disa humbjeve radhazi".
  17. ^ "Albania-Kosovo | Under-21 2021".
  18. ^ "Kosova U21 i përfundon me humbje kualifikimet për Euro 2021 - Gazeta Express". 17 November 2020.
  19. ^ "Kosova U21 në grup me Gjermaninë, ja orari i ndeshjeve" [Kosovo U21 in group with Germany and the match schedules] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 26 January 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2018. Kosova u përfshi në Grupin 5, me kundërshtarë shumë të fortë si Gjermania, Izraeli, Norvegjia, Irlanda dhe Azerbajxhani
  20. ^ "Kosova U21 e pafat kundër Irlandës, humb me rezultat të ngushtë" [Kosovo U21 unlucky against Ireland, loses with a close result] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 25 March 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  21. ^ "Tovërlani publikon listën për ndeshjet kundër Polonisë dhe Estonisë" [Tovërlani publishes the list for the matches against Poland and Estonia] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 5 October 2024.
  22. ^ "Estonia vs Kosovo | UEFA Under-21 2025". UEFA. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
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