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Andorra national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Andorra women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Andorra
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) Tricolors (The Tricolours)
Association Andorran Football Federation
(Federació Andorrana de Futbol)
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach Koldo Álvarez
Captain Marc García
Most caps Ildefons Lima (137)
Top scorer Ildefons Lima (11)
Home stadium Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella
FIFA code AND
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 132 Increase 1 (7 February 2019)
Highest 125 (September 2005)
Lowest 206 (December 2011)
Elo ranking
Current 180 Increase 8 (3 March 2019)
Highest 171 (February 2005, September 2005)
Lowest 193 (September 2015)
First international
 Andorra 1–6 Estonia 
(Andorra la Vella, Andorra; 13 November 1996)
Biggest win
 San Marino 0–3 Andorra 
(Serravalle, San Marino; 12 October 2021)
Biggest defeat
 Czech Republic 8–1 Andorra 
(Liberec, Czech Republic; 4 June 2005)
 Croatia 7–0 Andorra 
(Zagreb, Croatia; 7 October 2006)
 Portugal 7–0 Andorra 
(Lisbon, Portugal; 11 November 2020)

The Andorra national football team is the official men's football team for Andorra. It's controlled by the Andorran Football Federation. Andorra is a very small country, so their team hasn't had much success in international football. Only a few other European countries have smaller populations.

Andorra played its first official game in 1996. They lost 6–1 to Estonia in a friendly match. Since then, they've played in qualifying rounds for major tournaments like the European Championship and FIFA World Cup. However, they have won only a few matches since joining FIFA in 1996.

History of the Team

The Andorran Football Federation started in 1994. Their own football league began in 1995. But the national team couldn't play in big competitions until they joined FIFA and UEFA in 1996. Their very first match was against Estonia in Andorra La Vella, which they lost 6–1.

Andorra's first competitive game was a 3–1 loss to Armenia in 1998. This was a qualifier for the UEFA Euro 2000 tournament. Andorra lost all ten of their qualifying matches for that tournament. They found it especially tough when playing away from home.

For their first World Cup qualifying games in 2002, Andorra was in a group with strong teams. They lost all their matches. They scored their first World Cup qualifying goals in a 3–2 loss to Cyprus.

In the qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2004, they also lost every game. But the scores were sometimes closer than before. They scored their only goal in a 2–1 loss to Bulgaria.

Andriy Shevchenko against Andorra
Match against Ukraine in 2009.

The qualifying games for the 2006 FIFA World Cup were a big moment for Andorra. They won their first competitive game ever! They beat Macedonia 1–0 at home. A player named Marc Bernaus scored the winning goal. Andorra also managed to draw two other matches, both 0–0, against Macedonia and Finland.

After this, Andorra went back to losing most of their games. In the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers, they lost every match. Their biggest loss was 7–0 to Croatia. For the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, they also lost all ten matches. They scored three goals but let in 39.

The qualifiers for Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup qualifiers were also tough. Andorra lost all their games in both tournaments. In the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, they didn't score any goals at all.

Rikan free kick
Against Israel in 2015.

During the 2016 Euro qualifiers, Andorra lost all ten games again. But they scored four goals, which was their best record for goals in a European Championship qualifying group.

Then, things started to look up! On February 22, 2017, Andorra beat San Marino 2–0 in a friendly match. This was their first win in over 12 years! A few months later, on June 9, 2017, they beat Hungary 1–0 in a World Cup qualifier. This was their first competitive win since 2004! These wins helped Andorra climb 57 spots in the FIFA rankings. On March 21, 2018, they won another friendly game, beating Liechtenstein 1–0.

In 2018, Andorra joined the new UEFA Nations League. They played in a group where they had four draws and two losses. They didn't lose any games at home in this competition.

On October 11, 2019, Andorra won 1–0 against Moldova in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying match. This ended a very long streak of 56 Euro qualifying matches without a win. A month later, they drew an away game against Albania. This meant they avoided finishing last in their qualifying group for the first time ever.

In the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Andorra had more success. On September 2, 2021, they beat San Marino 2–0 at home. On October 12, 2021, they beat San Marino again, this time 3–0 away from home. This 3–0 win was Andorra's biggest victory ever! It was also the first time they scored 3 goals in a game and won an away match. They also got two wins in the same qualifying phase for the first time. They finished with 6 points in their group.

More recently, on March 25, 2022, Andorra beat St. Kitts and Nevis 1–0. This was their first win against a team from outside Europe. Three days later, they beat Grenada 1–0. In the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League, Andorra beat Liechtenstein 2–1 at home. This was their first win in the Nations League. They ended this competition with 8 points, their best group stage record ever.

Stadium

Estadi Comunal Vella
Andorra's former home stadium, Estadi Comunal d'Andorra la Vella.

From 1996 to 2014, Andorra played their home games at the Comunal d'Andorra la Vella. This stadium is in the capital city, Andorra la Vella. It can hold 1,800 people. In 2014, the national team started playing at the new Estadi Nacional, which can hold 3,306 fans.

Sometimes, Andorra has played home matches outside their own country. For example, they played against France and England in Barcelona, Spain, for some qualifiers.

Reputation

Andorra's football team is not very well-known around the world. This is because they have won only a few competitive matches. They have won seven competitive games and six friendly games in their history.

Since Andorra is a very small country, there aren't many people to choose players from. Most of their players are not full-time professionals. They play football part-time because the local league is not fully professional. The team's average FIFA ranking since 1996 is 163.

Kit Suppliers

Kit provider Period
Germany Reusch 1996–2000
United States Reebok 1998–2004
Italy Diadora 2004–2006
Spain Joma 2006–2008
Germany Adidas 2008–2018
Italy Macron 2018–2022
Italy Errea 2022–present

Recent Results

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

Here's a quick look at some of Andorra's recent matches.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

In 2024, Andorra played several matches:

  • March 21: Andorra drew 1–1 with South Africa in Algeria.
  • March 25: Andorra lost 1–0 to Bolivia in Algeria.
  • June 5: Andorra lost 5–0 to Spain in a friendly match.
  • June 11: Andorra lost 2–0 to Northern Ireland in a friendly match.
  • September 4: Andorra lost 1–0 to Gibraltar in a friendly match.
  • September 10: Andorra lost 1–0 to Malta in the UEFA Nations League.
  • October 10: Andorra lost 2–0 to Moldova in the UEFA Nations League.
  • October 13: Andorra won 2–0 against San Marino in a friendly match.
  • November 16: Andorra lost 1–0 to Moldova in the UEFA Nations League.
  • November 19: Andorra drew 0–0 with Malta in the UEFA Nations League.

Manager History

  • Spain Isidre Codina (1996)
  • Brazil Manuel Miluir (1997–1999)
  • Spain David Rodrigo (1999–2009)
  • Andorra Koldo Álvarez (2010–present)

Players

Current Squad

Here are the players currently in the squad for Andorra's matches.

Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of November 19, 2024, after the match against Malta.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Mauro Rabelo (2002-07-01) 1 July 2002 (age 22) 0 0 Andorra Atlètic d'Escaldes
12 1GK Iker Álvarez (2001-07-25) 25 July 2001 (age 23) 29 0 Spain Villarreal
13 1GK Xisco Pires (1998-01-25) 25 January 1998 (age 27) 4 0 Andorra Ordino
2 2DF Adri da Cunha (2001-05-16) 16 May 2001 (age 24) 7 0 Andorra UE Santa Coloma
4 2DF Kiko Pomares (1998-09-21) 21 September 1998 (age 26) 9 0 Spain Tarancón
5 2DF Max Llovera (1997-01-08) 8 January 1997 (age 28) 77 1 Spain San Cristóbal
6 2DF Christian García (1999-02-04) 4 February 1999 (age 26) 20 0 Andorra UE Santa Coloma
15 2DF Moisés San Nicolás (1993-09-17) 17 September 1993 (age 31) 87 0 Andorra FC Santa Coloma
18 2DF Jesús Rubio (1994-09-09) 9 September 1994 (age 30) 46 1 Andorra UE Santa Coloma
19 2DF Joel Guillén (2001-08-28) 28 August 2001 (age 23) 14 0 Spain Binéfar
21 2DF Marc García (captain) (1988-03-21) 21 March 1988 (age 37) 72 0 Andorra Ordino
22 2DF Ian Olivera (2004-10-05) 5 October 2004 (age 20) 7 0 Spain Salamanca
23 2DF Biel Borra (2005-10-22) 22 October 2005 (age 19) 4 0 Spain L'Escala
3 3MF Albert Reyes (1996-03-24) 24 March 1996 (age 29) 5 0 Andorra Ordino
7 3MF Hugo Ferreira (2004-07-12) 12 July 2004 (age 20) 0 0 Andorra FC Santa Coloma
8 3MF Pau Babot (2003-08-20) 20 August 2003 (age 21) 1 0 Germany Hanauer SC 1960
16 3MF Eric de las Heras (2002-01-13) 13 January 2002 (age 23) 3 0 Spain Tamarite
17 3MF Joan Cervós (1998-02-24) 24 February 1998 (age 27) 63 1 Spain San Cristóbal
20 3MF João Teixeira (1996-07-17) 17 July 1996 (age 28) 9 0 Andorra Pas de la Casa
9 4FW Aarón Sánchez (1996-06-05) 5 June 1996 (age 29) 38 0 Andorra Penya Encarnada
10 4FW Ricard Fernández (1999-03-19) 19 March 1999 (age 26) 48 2 Slovenia Krka
11 4FW Albert Rosas (2002-08-19) 19 August 2002 (age 22) 20 5 Andorra Andorra
14 4FW Izan Fernández (2001-10-03) 3 October 2001 (age 23) 12 0 Spain Binéfar

Recent Call-ups

These players have also been called to the Andorra squad in the last year.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Josep Gómes (1985-12-03) 3 December 1985 (age 39) 86 0 Andorra FC Santa Coloma v.  Moldova, 16 November 2024
DF Eric de Pablos (1999-03-08) 8 March 1999 (age 26) 11 0 Andorra Pas de la Casa v.  Bolivia, 25 March 2024
MF Marc Pujol (1982-08-21) 21 August 1982 (age 42) 121 5 Andorra Atlètic d'Escaldes v.  Moldova, 16 November 2024
MF Éric Vales (2000-08-18) 18 August 2000 (age 24) 18 0 Iceland Grindavík v.  Moldova, 16 November 2024
MF Marc Vales (1990-04-04) 4 April 1990 (age 35) 97 5 Spain Atlètic Lleida v.  San Marino, 13 October 2024
MF Luis Blanco (1990-01-15) 15 January 1990 (age 35) 6 0 Andorra Esperança v.  San Marino, 13 October 2024
MF Márcio Vieira (1984-10-10) 10 October 1984 (age 40) 129 2 Portugal Marco v.  Northern Ireland, 11 June 2024
MF Jordi Rubio (1987-11-01) 1 November 1987 (age 37) 67 0 Andorra FC Santa Coloma v.  Northern Ireland, 11 June 2024
MF Marc Rebés (1994-07-03) 3 July 1994 (age 30) 64 3 Andorra Pas de la Casa v.  Northern Ireland, 11 June 2024
MF Ludovic Clemente RET (1986-05-09) 9 May 1986 (age 39) 47 0 Retired v.  Spain, 5 June 2024
MF Xavier Vieira (1992-01-14) 14 January 1992 (age 33) 12 0 Unattached v.  Bolivia, 25 March 2024
FW Àlex Martínez (1998-10-10) 10 October 1998 (age 26) 56 1 Andorra UE Santa Coloma v.  San Marino, 13 October 2024
FW Jordi Aláez (1998-01-23) 23 January 1998 (age 27) 60 3 Andorra Inter d'Escaldes v.  Malta, 10 September 2024
FW Ot Remolins (2004-02-25) 25 February 2004 (age 21) 1 0 Unattached v.  Northern Ireland, 11 June 2024
Notes
  • INJ = Withdrew due to injury
  • PRE = Preliminary squad / standby
  • RET = Retired from the national team

Records

Here are some interesting records for the Andorra national football team.

Players in bold are still active with Andorra.
Andorra national football team - Ildefons Lima (001)
Ildefons Lima is Andorra's top goalscorer and their most-capped player

Most Appearances

These players have played the most games for Andorra.

Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Ildefons Lima 137 11 1997–2023
2 Márcio Vieira 129 2 2005–present
3 Marc Pujol 121 5 2000–present
4 Óscar Sonejee 106 4 1997–2015
5 Marc Vales 97 5 2008–present
6 Moisés San Nicolás 87 0 2012–present
6 Josep Gómes 86 0 2006–present
8 Josep Ayala 84 1 2002–2017
9 Manolo Jiménez 79 1 1998–2012
10 Koldo Álvarez de Eulate 78 0 1998–2009

Top Goalscorers

These players have scored the most goals for Andorra.

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Ildefons Lima 11 137 0.08 1997–2023
2 Albert Rosas 5 20 0.25 2021–present
Cristian Martínez 77 0.065 2009–present
Marc Vales 97 0.052 2008–present
Marc Pujol 121 0.041 2000–present
6 Óscar Sonejee 4 106 0.038 1997–2015
7 Jesús Lucendo 3 29 0.103 1996–2003
Emiliano González 37 0.081 1998–2003
Jordi Aláez 60 0.05 2016–present
Marc Rebés 64 0.047 2015–present

Competition Records

Andorra has taken part in qualifying rounds for major football tournaments. Here's how they've done:

FIFA World Cup Record

Year Final tournament Qualification
Round Pld W D L GF GA Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1994 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1998 Did not enter Did not enter
South Korea Japan 2002 Did not qualify 6th 10 0 0 10 5 36
Germany 2006 7th 12 1 2 9 4 34
South Africa 2010 6th 10 0 0 10 3 39
Brazil 2014 6th 10 0 0 10 0 30
Russia 2018 6th 10 1 1 8 2 23
Qatar 2022 5th 10 2 0 8 8 24
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined To be determined
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030
Saudi Arabia 2034
Totals 0/7 – – – – – –
—
 !62 4 3 55 22 186

Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks; correct as of 31 March 2021 after the match against Hungary.

UEFA European Championship Record

Year Final tournament Qualification
Round Pld W D L GF GA Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
France 1960 to England 1996 Did not enter Did not enter
Belgium Netherlands 2000 Did not qualify 6th 10 0 0 10 3 28
Portugal 2004 5th 8 0 0 8 1 18
Austria Switzerland 2008 7th 12 0 0 12 2 42
Poland Ukraine 2012 6th 10 0 0 10 1 25
France 2016 6th 10 0 0 10 4 36
European Union 2020 5th 10 1 1 8 3 20
Germany 2024 5th 10 0 2 8 3 20
United Kingdom Republic of Ireland 2028 To be determined To be determined
Italy Turkey 2032
Totals 0/19 – – – – – –
—
 !70 1 3 66 17 189

Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks; correct as of 17 November 2019 after the match against Turkey.

UEFA Nations League Record

UEFA Nations League record
Season Division Group Pld W D L GF GA P/R Rank
2018–19 D 1 6 0 4 2 2 9 Same position 53rd
2020–21 D 1 6 0 2 4 1 11 Same position 55th
2022–23 D 1 6 2 2 2 6 7 Same position 53rd
2024–25 D 2 4 0 1 3 0 4 Same position 54th
Totals 22 2 9 11 9 31 54th

Images for kids

  • Andriy Shevchenko against Andorra

    Match against Ukraine in 2009.

  • Rikan free kick

    Against Israel in 2015.

See also

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

kids search engine
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