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Albania national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Albania women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Albania
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Kuqezinjtë (The Red and Blacks)
Association Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit (FSHF)
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach Sylvinho
Captain Berat Gjimshiti
Most caps Lorik Cana (93)
Top scorer Erjon Bogdani (18)
Home stadium Arena Kombëtare
FIFA code ALB
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 61 Decrease 1 (7 February 2019)
Highest 22 (August 2015)
Lowest 124 (August 1997)
Elo ranking
Current 79 Decrease 20 (3 March 2019)
Highest 32 (1946)
Lowest 118 (December 1994)
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, 2024)
Medal record
Men's football
Balkan Cup
Gold 1946 Albania Team
Malta "Rothmans" International Tournament
Gold 2000 Malta Team
Bronze 1998 Malta Team

The Albania national football team (called Kombëtarja shqiptare e futbollit in Albanian) plays for Albania in international men's football games. The team is managed by the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF). This organization is in charge of football in Albania. The team is part of UEFA (for Europe) and FIFA (for global games).

The team's colors, red and black, come from Albania's national symbols: the double-headed eagle and the country's flag. Their fans are often called Tifozat Kuq e Zi, which means "Red and Black Fans."

Albania has won a few tournaments. They won the Balkan Cup in 1946 and the Malta International Football Tournament in 2000. They have tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup since 1932. The team has reached the main stage of the UEFA European Championship twice, in 2016 and 2024. They have also played in the UEFA Nations League since 2018.

Albania's highest World Ranking was 22nd in 2015. Their home games are played at the Arena Kombëtare stadium in Tirana, the capital city.

Team History

Main article: History of the Albania national football team

Early Years: 20th Century Football

Loro Boriçi në finalen e Ballkaniadës
Loro Boriçi was the captain when Albania won the 1946 Balkan Cup.

The Albania national football team existed even before the Albanian Football Association (FSHF) was officially created on June 6, 1930. Albania joined FIFA in June 1932. They were invited to play in the 1934 World Cup but could not join due to travel problems.

Albania played its first international match against Yugoslavia in 1946. They lost 3–2 at home. In the same year, Albania won the Balkan Cup for the first time, beating Romania 1–0 in the final. In 1954, Albania helped start UEFA.

Albania first competed in a UEFA Euro Cup in 1962. They moved past the first round against Greece due to political reasons, winning 6-0 on total score. This helped them reach the Round of 16, where they finished 9th in Europe. Albania also played in the Olympic qualifiers in 1964 and 1972, but they did not make it to the main tournaments.

Albania first tried to qualify for a World Cup in 1966. They finished last in their group. In the Euro 1968 qualifiers, Albania famously drew 0–0 against West Germany. This draw stopped West Germany from reaching the finals. Albania did not play in some World Cup or Euro qualifiers between 1970 and 1980.

After a break, Albania returned for the 1982 World Cup qualifiers. They finished second-to-last in their group. For the 1986 World Cup qualifiers, Albania beat Belgium 2–0 at home and drew 2–2 with Poland away.

Modern Era: 21st Century Football

AUT vs. ALB 2016-03-26 (004)
Albania's team wearing their away uniform in 2016.

In the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, Albania only managed to beat Greece. For the Euro 2004 qualifiers, Albania beat Russia 3–1 at Loro Boriçi Stadium. This game was the first for German coach Hans-Peter Briegel. Under him, Albania did not lose any home matches. Even with good results, they finished second-to-last in their group. Two months after Greece won Euro 2004, Albania defeated them 2–1.

In the Euro 2008 qualifiers, Albania beat Luxembourg twice. They also drew with Belarus and Bulgaria. Their Euro journey ended with a big 6–1 loss to Romania.

Albania continued to play in World Cup and Euro qualifiers. In December 2011, Italian coach Gianni de Biasi took over. Albania had a strong start in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, even reaching second place in their group at one point. However, they lost some key games and did not qualify.

A big moment came when Albania started their Euro 2016 qualifiers with a surprising 1–0 away win against Portugal. They then drew 1–1 with Denmark and won 3–0 against Serbia in a match that had many incidents. They finally made it to a UEFA European Championship for the first time in their history by beating Armenia 3–0.

At the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament, Albania lost 1–0 to Switzerland and 2–0 to the hosts France. However, they made history by beating Romania 1–0. This was Albania's first ever win in a European Championship! The team finished last among the third-placed teams and was eliminated.

In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Albania finished third in a tough group with Spain and Italy. This was their best World Cup qualifying result ever, even though they did not qualify. After this, Christian Panucci became the new manager. Albania struggled in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League. Panucci was replaced by Edoardo Reja for the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying. Albania did not qualify for Euro 2020.

After a close miss for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Albania had a fantastic run in the Euro 2024 qualifiers. They were undefeated in many matches and qualified for the UEFA Euro 2024 for the second time in their history!

At UEFA Euro 2024, Albania was in a very difficult group with Spain, Italy, and Croatia, who are all strong teams. They lost to Spain and Italy and drew with Croatia. The team finished last in their group and did not move forward.

Albania is now getting ready to play in the UEFA Nations League B in late 2024. They will also play in the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.

Team Identity

Team Nicknames

The team is often called "Kuqezinjtë", which means "The Red and Blacks." This nickname comes from their team colors.

Team Kits

Albania's team uniform colors are red and black, just like the country's flag. They usually wear red shirts, black shorts, and red socks for home games. Their away kits are usually all white with red and black details.

Over the years, famous sports brands like Puma, Nike, Adidas, and Macron have made Albania's kits. Macron designed a special jersey called "Triumfi" for the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament.

  Kit wear suppliers
 
                 
Germany
Adidas
(1988)
 England
Umbro
(1992–93)
 Germany
Uhlsport
(1994–95)
 Germany
Puma
(1996–04)
 England
Umbro
(2004–07)
 United States
Nike
(2008–10)
 Italy
Legea
(2010–12)
 Germany
Adidas
(2012–16)
 Italy
Macron
(2016–27)

Home Stadiums

Main articles: Arena Kombëtare, Elbasan Arena, and Loro Boriçi Stadium
See also: Qemal Stafa Stadium
Air Albania Stadium 2024
Arena Kombëtare is the main home stadium for the national team.

For a long time, Albania's main home stadium was Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana. It was built starting in 1939 and opened in 1946. The stadium was named after Qemal Stafa, a national hero. It hosted many international matches. In 2013, FIFA closed the stadium because it didn't meet international standards. It was later taken down in 2016 to make way for the new Arena Kombëtare.

Albania has also played home games in other cities. These include Vlorë, Berat, Durrës, Shkodër, and Elbasan. The Elbasan Arena was renovated and opened in 2014. The Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër was also rebuilt and opened in 2016. For a while, the Kosovo national team even used Loro Boriçi Stadium as their temporary home.

Team Rivalries

Brotherly Derby: Albania vs. Kosovo

Main article: Brotherly derby

This rivalry is known as the "Brotherly derby" (Derbi vëllazëror). It's a special match because many players have family ties to both Albania and Kosovo. The first recorded game between teams from these areas was a friendly match in 1942.

Albania vs. Serbia

Main article: Albania–Serbia football rivalry

The football rivalry between Albania and Serbia is very strong due to historical reasons between the two countries. It's known as one of the most intense rivalries in football. During the Euro 2016 qualifying games, there were some incidents between the fans and players.

Both countries are in the same group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Team Supporters

Main article: Tifozat Kuq e Zi
Tifozat Kuq e Zi ne Elbasan Arena
A display by Tifozat Kuq e Zi at the Elbasan Arena in 2014.

The Tifozat Kuq e Zi (Red and Black Fans) is a group of passionate supporters for the Albania national football team. It was started in 2003. This group helps organize trips for fans to attend games and sells team merchandise.

The Tifozat Kuq e Zi believe that all Albanians should support one national team. They are joined by other fan groups from Albanian-speaking areas like Kosovo and North Macedonia.

Tifosi albanesi stadio Palermo
Albanian and Arbëreshë fans in Palermo, Italy, for a 2017 World Cup qualifier.

Many football players and coaches, even non-Albanians, have praised the Tifozat Kuq e Zi. For example, Switzerland's former coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld, was amazed by how many Albanian fans showed up for a 2014 World Cup qualifying match. He said, "Albanian fans are fantastic and the most passionate fans I have ever seen."

Results and Upcoming Matches

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

Here are some recent and upcoming match results for the team.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2024 Matches

19 June Euro 2024 Croatia  2–2  Albania Hamburg, Germany
15:00 CEST Kramarić Goal 74'
Gjasula Goal 76' (o.g.)		 Laçi Goal 11'
Gjasula Goal 90+5'		 Stadium: Volksparkstadion
Attendance: 46,784
Referee: François Letexier (France)
24 June Euro 2024 Albania  0–1  Spain Düsseldorf, Germany
21:00 CEST
Stadium: Merkur Spiel-Arena
Attendance: 46,586
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
7 September 2024–25 Nations League Ukraine  1–2  Albania Prague, Czech Republic
20:45
  • Konoplia Goal 49'
  • Ismajli Goal 54'
  • Asani Goal 66'
 Stadium: Stadion Letná
Attendance: 15,500
Referee: Luis Godinho (Portugal)
10 September 2024–25 Nations League Albania  0–1  Georgia Tirana, Albania
20:45
  • Kochorashvili Goal 71'
 Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 20,400
Referee: Erik Lambrechts (Belgium)
11 October 2024–25 Nations League Czech Republic  2–0  Albania Prague, Czech Republic
20:45
  • Chorý Goal 3', 63'
 Stadium: Stadion Letná
Attendance: 17,823
Referee: Benoît Bastien (France)
14 October 2024–25 Nations League Georgia  0–1  Albania Tbilisi, Georgia
18:00 (20:00 UTC+4) Asllani Goal 48' Stadium: Mikheil Meskhi Stadium
Attendance: 19,981
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
16 November 2024–25 Nations League Albania  0–0  Czech Republic Tirana, Albania
20:45 Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 20,800
Referee: Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
19 November 2024–25 Nations League Albania  1–2  Ukraine Tirana, Albania
20:45
  • Bajrami Goal 75' (pen.)
  • Zinchenko Goal 5'
  • Yaremchuk Goal 10'
 Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 20,547
Referee: João Pinheiro (Portugal)

2025 Matches

21 March 2026 World Cup qualification England  2–0  Albania London, England
20:45
  • Lewis-Skelly Goal 20'
  • Kane Goal 77'
 Stadium: Wembley Stadium
Attendance: 82,378
Referee: Alejandro Hernández Hernández (Spain)
24 March 2026 World Cup qualification Albania  3–0  Andorra Tirana, Albania
20:45
  • Manaj Goal 9', 19'
  • Uzuni Goal 90+2'
 Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 17,183
Referee: Sebastian Gishamer (Austria)
7 June 2026 World Cup qualification Albania  0–0  Serbia Tirana, Albania
20:45 Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 20,427
Referee: Davide Massa (Italy)
10 June 2026 World Cup qualification Latvia  1–1  Albania Riga, Latvia
20:45
  • Černomordijs Goal 45+4'
  • Černomordijs Goal 29' (o.g.)
 Stadium: Skonto Stadium
Attendance: 6,083
Referee: Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
4 September Friendly Gibraltar  v  Albania Europa Point, Gibraltar
18:00 Stadium: Europa Sports Park
9 September 2026 World Cup qualification Albania  v  Latvia Tirana, Albania
20:45 Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
11 October 2026 World Cup qualification Serbia  v  Albania Belgrade, Serbia
20:45 Stadium: Red Star Stadium
14 October Friendly Albania  v TBC
13 November 2026 World Cup qualification Andorra  v  Albania Andorra la Vella, Andorra
20:45 Stadium: Estadi Nacional
16 November 2026 World Cup qualification Albania  v  England Tirana, Albania
18:00 Stadium: Arena Kombëtare

Coaching Staff

See also: List of Albania national football team managers

Current Coaching Team

20180610 FIFA Friendly Match Austria vs. Brazil Sylvinho 850 0232
Albania's current manager, Sylvinho.
Role Name
Head coach Brazil Sylvinho
Assistant coach(es) Argentina Zabaleta, PabloPablo Zabaleta
Brazil Doriva
Albania Bulku, ErvinErvin Bulku
Athletic coach(es) Albania Stërmasi, TaulantTaulant Stërmasi
Albania Kodra, EltonElton Kodra
Goalkeeping coach Albania Bozhiqi, IlirIlir Bozhiqi
Physiotherapist Albania Haxhia, AltinAltin Haxhia
Doctor Italy Stesina, GianlucaGianluca Stesina
Masseur Albania Voçi, ArzenArzen Voçi
Material base(s) Albania Salillari, EduardEduard Salillari
Albania Bulku, OsmanOsman Bulku
Osteopath Albania Llaperi, ArjanArjan Llaperi
Team manager Albania Babamusta, DritanDritan Babamusta
Video analyst Italy Rossi, Alarico MarcoAlarico Marco Rossi

Team Players

See also: List of Albania international footballers

Current Squad

  • These players were chosen for the 2026 World Cup qualification matches against Serbia and Latvia, which took place on June 7 and 10, 2025.
  • Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of June 10, 2025, after the match against Latvia.
No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Thomas Strakosha (4th captain) (1995-03-19) 19 March 1995 (age 30) 41 0 Greece AEK Athens
12 1GK Elhan Kastrati (1997-02-02) 2 February 1997 (age 28) 3 0 Unattached
23 1GK Alen Sherri (1997-12-15) 15 December 1997 (age 27) 1 0 Italy Frosinone
2 2DF Iván Balliu (1992-01-01) 1 January 1992 (age 33) 20 0 Spain Rayo Vallecano
3 2DF Mario Mitaj (2003-08-06) 6 August 2003 (age 21) 25 0 Saudi Arabia Al-Ittihad
4 2DF Elseid Hysaj (vice-captain) (1994-02-02) 2 February 1994 (age 31) 90 2 Italy Lazio
5 2DF Adrian Bajrami (2002-04-05) 5 April 2002 (age 23) 3 0 Switzerland Luzern
13 2DF Naser Aliji (1993-12-27) 27 December 1993 (age 31) 16 0 Albania Dinamo City
15 2DF Marash Kumbulla (2000-02-08) 8 February 2000 (age 25) 24 0 Italy Roma
18 2DF Ardian Ismajli (3rd captain) (1996-09-30) 30 September 1996 (age 28) 45 3 Italy Torino
6 3MF Juljan Shehu (1998-09-06) 6 September 1998 (age 26) 3 0 Poland Widzew Łódź
8 3MF Kristjan Asllani (2002-03-09) 9 March 2002 (age 23) 33 3 Italy Inter Milan
10 3MF Nedim Bajrami (1999-02-28) 28 February 1999 (age 26) 35 6 Scotland Rangers
14 3MF Qazim Laçi (1996-01-19) 19 January 1996 (age 29) 40 4 Turkey Çaykur Rizespor
16 3MF Medon Berisha (2003-10-21) 21 October 2003 (age 21) 3 0 Italy Lecce
20 3MF Ylber Ramadani (1996-04-12) 12 April 1996 (age 29) 46 1 Italy Lecce
21 3MF Arbër Hoxha (1998-10-06) 6 October 1998 (age 26) 15 0 Croatia Dinamo Zagreb
7 4FW Rey Manaj (captain) (1997-02-24) 24 February 1997 (age 28) 42 10 Turkey Sivasspor
9 4FW Jasir Asani (1995-05-19) 19 May 1995 (age 30) 23 5 South Korea Gwangju
11 4FW Myrto Uzuni (1995-05-31) 31 May 1995 (age 30) 42 6 United States Austin FC
17 4FW Ernest Muçi (2001-03-19) 19 March 2001 (age 24) 16 3 Turkey Beşiktaş
19 4FW Mirlind Daku (1998-01-01) 1 January 1998 (age 27) 11 1 Russia Rubin Kazan
22 4FW Armando Broja (2001-09-10) 10 September 2001 (age 23) 27 5 England Chelsea

Recent Call-ups

These players were also called up for the team in the last year and could be chosen again.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Mario Dajsinani (1998-12-23) 23 December 1998 (age 26) 1 0 Albania Egnatia v.  Serbia, 7 June 2025PRE
GK Simon Simoni (2004-07-14) 14 July 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Germany 1. FC Kaiserslautern v.  England, 21 March 2025PRE
DF Berat Gjimshiti (1993-02-19) 19 February 1993 (age 32) 64 1 Italy Atalanta v.  Latvia, 10 June 2025SUS
DF Arlind Ajeti (1993-09-25) 25 September 1993 (age 31) 35 1 Turkey Bodrum v.  Latvia, 10 June 2025INJ
DF Enea Mihaj (1998-07-05) 5 July 1998 (age 27) 19 0 United States Atlanta United v.  Andorra, 24 March 2025
DF Andi Hadroj (1999-02-22) 22 February 1999 (age 26) 3 0 Ukraine Polissya Zhytomyr v.  England, 21 March 2025PRE
DF Jon Mersinaj (1999-02-08) 8 February 1999 (age 26) 1 0 Croatia Osijek v.  Ukraine, 19 November 2024
MF Adrion Pajaziti (2002-11-16) 16 November 2002 (age 22) 2 0 Croatia Hajduk Split v.  Serbia, 7 June 2025PRE
MF Etnik Brruti (2004-03-04) 4 March 2004 (age 21) 0 0 Kosovo Malisheva v.  England, 21 March 2025U21
MF Amir Abrashi (1990-03-27) 27 March 1990 (age 35) 51 1 Switzerland Grasshoppers v.  Ukraine, 19 November 2024
MF Keidi Bare (1997-08-28) 28 August 1997 (age 27) 29 2 Spain Real Zaragoza v.  Czechia, 16 November 2024INJ
MF Feta Fetai (2005-05-11) 11 May 2005 (age 20) 0 0 United Arab Emirates Sharjah v.  Czechia, 16 November 2024PRE
MF Sebastjan Spahiu (1999-10-30) 30 October 1999 (age 25) 1 0 Unattached v.  Georgia, 10 September 2024
FW Taulant Seferi (1996-11-15) 15 November 1996 (age 28) 26 3 Turkey Bodrum v.  Ukraine, 19 November 2024
FW Arbnor Muja (1998-11-29) 29 November 1998 (age 26) 5 0 Turkey Samsunspor v.  Ukraine, 19 November 2024
FW Indrit Tuci (2000-09-14) 14 September 2000 (age 24) 4 0 Czech Republic Sparta Prague v.  Ukraine, 19 November 2024INJ
FW Agim Zeka (1998-09-06) 6 September 1998 (age 26) 0 0 Spain Real Murcia v.  Ukraine, 7 September 2024PRE
Notes
  • PRE = Preliminary squad/standby.
  • SUS = Not available for the next match due to a red card.
  • U21 = Called up from the national U21 team.
  • INJ = Not part of the current squad due to injury.

Player 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
Players in bold are still playing for Albania.

Most Games Played

Lorik cana crop
Lorik Cana has played the most games for Albania, with 93 appearances.
Rank Name Caps Goals Career
1 Lorik Cana 93 1 2003–2016
2 Elseid Hysaj 90 2 2013–present
3 Etrit Berisha 81 0 2012–present
4 Altin Lala 79 3 1998–2011
5 Klodian Duro 77 4 2001–2011
6 Erjon Bogdani 75 18 1996–2013
Ervin Skela 75 13 2000–2011
8 Ansi Agolli 73 3 2005–2017
Foto Strakosha 73 0 1990–2004
10 Odise Roshi 71 5 2011–2023

Top Goal Scorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Average Career
1 Bogdani, ErjonErjon Bogdani 18 75 0.24 1996–2013
2 Bushi, AlbanAlban Bushi 14 67 0.21 1995–2007
3 Cikalleshi, SokolSokol Cikalleshi 13 60 0.22 2014–2024
Skela, ErvinErvin Skela 13 75 0.17 2000–2011
5 Sadiku, ArmandoArmando Sadiku 12 39 0.31 2012–2023
6 Salihi, HamdiHamdi Salihi 11 50 0.22 2006–2015
Rraklli, AltinAltin Rraklli 11 63 0.17 1992–2005
8 Kushta, SokolSokol Kushta 10 31 0.32 1987–1996
Manaj, ReyRey Manaj 10 40 0.25 2015–present
Tare, IgliIgli Tare 10 68 0.15 1997–2007

Competition History

FIFA World Cup Appearances

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Italy 1934 to Chile 1962 Did not participate Did not participate
England 1966 Did not qualify 4th 6 0 1 5 2 12
Mexico 1970 Entry not accepted Entry not accepted
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify 4th 6 1 0 5 3 13
Argentina 1978 Did not participate Did not participate
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 2nd 4 1 2 1 4 3
Spain Portugal Morocco 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total — 0/22 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 14/23 118 25 16 77 88 203

UEFA European Championship Appearances

Main article: Albania at the UEFA European Championship
UEFA European Championship record Qualifying record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
France 1960 Did not participate Did not participate
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 to Italy 1980 Did not participate Did not participate
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
European Union 2020 Did not qualify 4th 10 4 1 5 16 14
Germany 2024 Group stage 21st 3 0 1 2 3 5 Squad 1st 8 4 3 1 12 4
United Kingdom Republic of Ireland 2028 To be determined To be determined
Italy Turkey 2032
Total Group stage 2/17 6 1 1 4 4 8 — 14/17 111 26 26 59 100 177

UEFA Nations League History

UEFA Nations League record
League phase** Finals
Season LG Grp Pos. Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK Year Pos. Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
2018–19 C 1 3rd 4 1 0 3 1 8 Same position 34th Portugal 2019 Did not qualify
2020–21 C 4 1st 6 3 2 1 8 4 Rise 35th Italy 2021
2022–23 B 2 3rd 4 0 2 2 4 6 Same position 27th Netherlands 2023
2024–25 B 1 4th 6 2 1 3 4 6 Decrease 29th Germany 2025
2026–27 C To be determined 2027
2028–29 To be determined 2029
Total 20 6 5 9 17 24 27th Total — — — — — — — —
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
**League stage played home and away. Flag shown represents host nation for the finals stage.

Summer Olympics Football

Olympic Games record Qualification record
Year Result Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
United Kingdom 1908 to Germany 1936 Team did not exist Team did not exist
United Kingdom 1948 to Italy 1960 Did not participate Did not participate
Japan 1964 Did not qualify PR 2 0 0 2 0 2
Mexico 1968 Did not participate Did not participate
West Germany 1972 Did not qualify PO 2 0 0 2 2 4
Canada 1976 to South Korea 1988 Did not participate Did not participate
Since Spain 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 Won

     Champions       Runners-up       Third place     Tournament played fully or partially on home soil  

Year Ranking 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 Squad
1948 Fifth place 5th 3 1 2 0 1 0 Squad
Malta Malta International Tournament
1998 Third place 3rd 3 0 2 1 3 6 Squad
2000 Winner 1st 3 3 0 0 5 0 Squad
Bahrain Bahrain Shoot Soccer Tournament
2002 Third place 3rd 3 0 2 1 1 4 Squad
Total Best: Winner 6/6 19 6 6 7 18 27 —

FIFA Rankings

As of April 3, 2025

     Best Ranking       Worst Ranking       Best Mover       Worst Mover  

Albania's FIFA world rankings
Rank Year Pld Best Worst
Rank Move Rank Move
66 2025 2 66 Increase -1 66 Decrease 1
65 2024 13 64 Increase 2 67 Decrease 2
62 2023 9 59 Increase 3 68 Decrease 3
66 2022 11 65 Increase 1 69 Decrease 1
66 2021 12 63 Increase 3 69 Decrease 3
66 2020 7 66 Increase 3 69 Decrease 3
66 2019 9 61 Increase 2 66 Decrease 4
60 2018 9 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
86 1992 86 86

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Albania para niños

  • Albanian Football Association
  • Football in Albania
  • History of Albanian football
  • Tifozat Kuq e Zi
  • 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
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Albania national football team Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.