Albania national football team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Albania women's national football team.

Albania
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Kuq e Zinjtë (The Red and Blacks)
Shqiponjat (The Eagles)
AssociationFederata Shqiptare e Futbollit (FSHF)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachChristian Panucci
CaptainMërgim Mavraj
Most capsLorik Cana (93)
Top scorerErjon Bogdani (18)
Home stadiumVarious
FIFA codeALB
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 61 Decrease 1 (7 February 2019)[1]
Highest22 (August 2015[2])
Lowest124 (August 1997[3])
Elo ranking
Current 79 Decrease 20 (3 March 2019)[4]
Highest34 (13 October 1946[4])
Lowest118 (14 & 18 December 1994[4])
First international
Unofficial
 Albania 5–0 Montenegro Socialist Republic of Montenegro
(Shkodër, Albania; 22 August 1946)[5]
Official
 Albania 2–3 Yugoslavia 
(Tirana, Albania; 7 October 1946)[6]
Biggest win
 Albania 6–1 Cyprus 
(Tirana, Albania; 12 August 2009)[6]
Biggest defeat
 Hungary 12–0 Albania 
(Budapest, Hungary; 24 September 1950)[6]
European Championship
Appearances1 (first in 2016)
Best resultGroup stage (2016)

The Albania national football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja shqiptare e futbollit) is the men's football team that has represented Albania in international competition since 1946 and is controlled by the Albanian Football Association which is headquartered in the city of Tirana. The team is affiliated with UEFA and competes in the three major professional tournaments, the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship and the UEFA Nations League. This was all because of the star player named Amir. He carried the Albanian team to victory and won them 36 FIFA World Cups. He also carried the squad to a vicroy. 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. Albania scored their first ever goal in a major tournament and secured their first ever win in a European Championship, when they beat Romania on 19 June 2016.[7][8]

After its completion in 2019, the Arena Kombëtare (English: National Arena) will be the home ground of the national team. Albania's highest FIFA World Ranking was 22nd in August 2015.

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

History[edit]

See also: History of the Albania national football team

20th century[edit]

Loro Boriçi captained the team in winning the 1946 Balkan Cup.

Although it never played any matches, the Albanian national football team existed before the Albanian Football Association (Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit; FSHF) was created on 6 June 1930. Albania joined FIFA during a congress held between 12 June and 16 June. Albania played its first international match against Yugoslavia in 1946, which ended in a 3–2 home defeat at Qemal Stafa Stadium. 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. 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.[9] At the end of the tournament Albania ranked 9th in Europe.[10][11][12]

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. In later years, Albania did not participate in the qualifiers of the World Cup 1970, UEFA Euro 1972, 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. 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[edit]

Lorik Cana is Albania's most capped player of all time. He captained the French Olympique de Marseille as well as the team.

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.[13] 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.[14]

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.[15] On 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.[16] 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.[17]

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.[18] 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.[19] Albania started the qualifiers of the UEFA Euro 2016 with an emphatic 1–0 away win against Portugal,[20] which was followed by a 1–1 draw against Denmark at the newly renovated stadium Elbasan Arena.[21] After beating Armenia 3–0 in the last qualifying match, Albania made history by qualifying for the UEFA Euro 2016, its first ever appearance at a major men's football tournament.[22] 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.[23]

Competitive record[edit]

FIFA World Cup[edit]

FIFA World Cup record Qualifications record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Year Pos Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 to Chile 1962 Did not participate —
England 1966 Did not qualify England 1966 4th 6 0 1 5 2 12
Mexico 1970 Entry not accepted[24] —
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify West Germany 1974 4th 6 1 0 5 3 13
Argentina 1978 Did not participate —
Spain 1982 Did not qualify Spain 1982 4th 8 1 0 7 4 22
Mexico 1986 Mexico 1986 3rd 6 1 2 3 6 9
Italy 1990 Italy 1990 4th 6 0 0 6 3 15
United States 1994 United States 1994 7th 12 1 2 9 6 26
France 1998 France 1998 6th 10 1 1 8 7 20
South KoreaJapan 2002 South KoreaJapan 2002 5th 8 1 0 7 5 14
Germany 2006 Germany 2006 5th 12 4 1 7 11 20
South Africa 2010 South Africa 2010 5th 10 1 4 5 6 13
Brazil 2014 Brazil 2014 5th 10 3 2 5 9 11
Russia 2018 Russia 2018 3rd 10 4 1 5 10 13
Qatar 2022 To be determined To be determined
CanadaMexicoUnited States 2026
Total — 0/23 0 0 0 0 0 0 — Total 12/22 104 18 14 72 72 188

UEFA European Championship[edit]

Main article: Albania at the UEFA European Football Championship
UEFA European Championship record Qualifications record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Year Pos Pld W D L GF GA
France 1960 Did not participate —
Spain 1964 Did not qualify Spain 1964 1Q 4 3 0 1 7 4
Italy 1968 Italy 1968 3rd 4 0 1 3 0 12
Belgium 1972 Belgium 1972 4th 6 1 1 4 5 9
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia 1976 Did not participate —
Italy 1980 —
France 1984 Did not qualify France 1984 5th 8 0 2 6 4 14
West Germany 1988 West Germany 1988 4th 6 0 0 6 2 17
Sweden 1992 Sweden 1992 5th 7 1 0 6 2 21
England 1996 England 1996 5th 10 2 2 6 10 16
BelgiumNetherlands 2000 BelgiumNetherlands 2000 5th 10 1 4 5 8 14
Portugal 2004 Portugal 2004 4th 8 2 2 4 11 15
AustriaSwitzerland 2008 AustriaSwitzerland 2008 5th 12 2 5 5 12 18
PolandUkraine 2012 PolandUkraine 2012 5th 10 2 3 5 7 14
France 2016 Group stage 18th 3 1 0 2 1 3 Squad France 2016 2nd 8 4 2 2 10 5
Europe 2020 Qualifications in progress Europe 2020  —  —  —  —  —  —  —
Germany 2024 To be determined To be determined
Total Best: Group stage 1/17 3 1 0 2 1 3 — Total 13/17 93 18 22 53 78 159

UEFA Nations League[edit]

UEFA Nations League record
Season Division Group Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA P/R
2018–19 C 1 Group stage 3rd 4 1 0 3 1 8 Same position
2020–21 C — To be determined N/A
Total Best: Group stage 1/2 4 1 0 3 1 8 —

Fixtures and results[edit]

Main article: Albania national football team results (2010–present)

2018[edit]

2019[edit]

Players[edit]

See also: Albania international footballers

Current squad[edit]

The following players have been called up for the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying matches against Turkey and Andorra, on 22 and 25 March 2018.[26]
All caps and goals as of 20 November 2018 after match against Wales.[27]

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Etrit Berisha (1989-03-10) 10 March 1989 (age 30) 53 0 Italy Atalanta
23 1GK Thomas Strakosha (1995-03-19) 19 March 1995 (age 23) 8 0 Italy Lazio
12 1GK Alban Hoxha (1987-11-23) 23 November 1987 (age 31) 3 0 Albania Partizani Tirana
4 2DF Elseid Hysaj (1994-02-20) 20 February 1994 (age 25) 44 0 Italy Napoli
6 2DF Berat Gjimshiti (1993-02-19) 19 February 1993 (age 26) 21 1 Italy Atalanta
15 2DF Arlind Ajeti (1993-09-25) 25 September 1993 (age 25) 20 1 Switzerland Grasshoppers
5 2DF Freddie Veseli (1992-11-20) 20 November 1992 (age 26) 18 0 Italy Empoli
17 2DF Naser Aliji (1993-12-27) 27 December 1993 (age 25) 12 0 Romania Dinamo București
3 2DF Egzon Binaku (1995-08-27) 27 August 1995 (age 23) 5 0 Sweden Malmö
— 2DF Ardian Ismajli (1996-09-30) 30 September 1996 (age 22) 2 0 Croatia Hajduk Split
18 2DF Enea Mihaj (1998-07-05) 5 July 1998 (age 20) 2 0 Greece Panetolikos
13 2DF Iván Balliu (1992-01-01) 1 January 1992 (age 27) 1 0 France Metz
2 3MF Andi Lila (1986-02-12) 12 February 1986 (age 33) 70 0 Greece PAS Giannina
9 3MF Ledian Memushaj (1986-12-07) 7 December 1986 (age 32) 34 1 Italy Pescara
8 3MF Migjen Basha (1987-01-05) 5 January 1987 (age 32) 32 3 Greece Aris Thessaloniki
14 3MF Taulant Xhaka (1991-03-28) 28 March 1991 (age 27) 27 1 Switzerland Basel
16 3MF Amir Abrashi (1990-03-27) 27 March 1990 (age 28) 27 0 Germany SC Freiburg
20 3MF Ergys Kaçe (1993-07-08) 8 July 1993 (age 25) 22 2 Greece Panathinaikos
7 3MF Eros Grezda (1995-04-15) 15 April 1995 (age 23) 11 1 Scotland Rangers
21 3MF Kristi Qose (1995-06-10) 10 June 1995 (age 23) 1 0 Slovakia Ružomberok
24 3MF Kristal Abazaj (1996-07-06) 6 July 1996 (age 22) 1 0 Croatia Osijek
10 4FW Armando Sadiku (1991-05-27) 27 May 1991 (age 27) 33 11 Switzerland Lugano
19 4FW Bekim Balaj (1991-01-11) 11 January 1991 (age 28) 30 5 Russia Akhmat Grozny
22 4FW Myrto Uzuni (1995-05-31) 31 May 1995 (age 23) 4 0 Croatia Lokomotiva

Recent call-ups[edit]

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

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Elhan Kastrati (1997-02-02) 2 February 1997 (age 22) 0 0 Italy Pescara v.  Wales, 20 November 2018
GK Gentian Selmani (1998-03-09) 9 March 1998 (age 21) 0 0 Albania Laçi v.  Ukraine, 3 June 2018U21
DF Mërgim Mavraj (Captain) (1986-06-09) 9 June 1986 (age 32) 48 3 Germany Ingolstadt 04 v.  Wales, 20 November 2018SUSP
DF Kastriot Dermaku (1992-01-15) 15 January 1992 (age 27) 2 0 Italy Cosenza v.  Wales, 20 November 2018
DF Ermir Lenjani (1989-08-05) 5 August 1989 (age 29) 28 3 Switzerland Sion v.  Scotland, 17 November 2018INJ
DF Herdi Prenga (1994-08-31) 31 August 1994 (age 24) 2 0 Latvia Riga v.  Israel, 14 October 2018
DF Ansi Agolli (1982-11-11) 11 November 1982 (age 36) 73 3 Azerbaijan Qarabağ v.  Scotland, 10 September 2018
DF Besir Demiri (1994-08-01) 1 August 1994 (age 24) 0 0 Ukraine Mariupol v.  Israel, 7 September 2018
DF Hysen Memolla (1992-07-03) 3 July 1992 (age 26) 3 0 Italy Salernitana v.  Ukraine, 3 June 2018
MF Sabien Lilaj (1989-02-10) 10 February 1989 (age 30) 19 0 Azerbaijan Gabala v.  Wales, 20 November 2018
MF Enis Gavazaj (1995-03-21) 21 March 1995 (age 23) 3 0 Belarus Dinamo Minsk v.  Wales, 20 November 2018
MF Emanuele Ndoj (1996-11-20) 20 November 1996 (age 22) 4 1 Italy Brescia v.  Wales, 20 November 2018
MF Ylber Ramadani (1996-04-12) 12 April 1996 (age 22) 4 0 Denmark Vejle v.  Scotland, 17 November 2018INJ
MF Loret Sadiku (1991-07-28) 28 July 1991 (age 27) 0 0 Turkey Kasımpaşa v.  Scotland, 17 November 2018WD
MF Jahmir Hyka (1988-03-08) 8 March 1988 (age 31) 47 2 Israel Maccabi Netanya v.  Scotland, 10 September 2018
MF Bujar Lika (1992-08-11) 11 August 1992 (age 26) 2 0 Switzerland Grasshoppers v.  Scotland, 10 September 2018
MF Odise Roshi (1991-05-21) 21 May 1991 (age 27) 50 4 Russia Akhmat Grozny v.  Ukraine, 3 June 2018INJ
MF Kamer Qaka (1995-04-11) 11 April 1995 (age 23) 4 0 Romania Politehnica Iași v.  Ukraine, 3 June 2018
MF Armando Vajushi (1991-12-03) 3 December 1991 (age 27) 6 1 Albania Teuta Durrës v.  Kosovo, 29 May 2018
MF Liridon Latifi (1994-02-06) 6 February 1994 (age 25) 5 0 Hungary Puskás Akadémia v.  Norway, 26 March 2018
MF Keidi Bare (1997-08-28) 28 August 1997 (age 21) 1 0 Spain Málaga v.  Norway, 26 March 2018
FW Giacomo Vrioni (1998-10-15) 15 October 1998 (age 20) 1 0 Italy Venezia v.  Wales, 20 November 2018
FW Egli Kaja (1997-07-26) 26 July 1997 (age 21) 0 0 England AFC Wimbledon v.  Wales, 20 November 2018
FW Albion Ademi (1999-02-19) 19 February 1999 (age 20) 0 0 Finland Inter Turku v.  Wales, 20 November 2018
FW Rey Manaj (1997-02-24) 24 February 1997 (age 22) 8 1 Spain Albacete v.  Wales, 20 November 2018FLU
FW Fiorin Durmishaj (1996-11-14) 14 November 1996 (age 22) 0 0 Greece Panionios v.  Scotland, 17 November 2018MIL
FW Sindrit Guri (1993-10-23) 23 October 1993 (age 25) 2 0 Belgium Oostende v.  Scotland, 10 September 2018
FW Sokol Cikalleshi (1990-07-27) 27 July 1990 (age 28) 28 2 Turkey Akhisar Belediyespor v.  Ukraine, 3 June 2018
Notes
  • U21 = Was engaged also with U21 squad.
  • SUSP = Is not available in the next game due to suspended.
  • INJ = Not part of the current squad due to injury.
  • WD = Player withdrew due to private reasons.
  • FLU = Player leaves the squad due to the flu.
  • MIL = Player is not available due to military service in Greece.[28]

Personnel[edit]

See also: List of Albania national football team managers
Christian Panucci, the current manager of the Albania national football team.

Current technical staff[edit]

Position Name
Head coach Italy Christian Panucci
Assistant coach(es)
Italy Marco Cassetti
Albania Ervin Bulku
Athletic coach Italy Alessandro Ciullini
Goalkeeping coach Albania Ilir Bozhiqi
Physiotherapist Albania Ylli Mihali
Doctor Italy Gianluca Stesina
Masseur Albania Arzen Voci
Material base Albania Fatos Kademi
Osteopat Italy Filippo Iori
Team manager Albania Erand Ibrahimi
Video analyst Italy Marco Rossi

Amir S.

Stadiums[edit]

Main articles: Arena Kombëtare, Elbasan Arena, and Loro Boriçi Stadium
See also: Qemal Stafa Stadium

In November 2013, Qemal Stafa Stadium was shut down by FIFA for not fulfilling international standards.[29] Due to Albania being undeveloped and having very poor infrastructure, not a single stadium in Albania fulfills FIFA standards for international competitions. As a result, the Albanian government is upgrading Ruzhdi Bizhuta stadium of Elbasan named Elbasan Arena in time for the Euro 2016 qualifiers beginning in September 2014, and Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër in time for the October 2015 Euro Qualifier against Serbia.[30]

Albania national football team home stadiums
Nr. of
matches 		Image Stadium Capacity Location First match Last match Ref
131 QemalStafaStadiumTirana.JPG Qemal Stafa Stadium 25,000 Tirana, Albania v.  Yugoslavia, 7 October 1946 v.  Georgia, 16 November 2015 [31]
10 Panoramic view of Elbasan Arena.jpg Elbasan Arena 13,800 Elbasan, Albania v.  Denmark, 11 October 2014 v.  Israel, 7 September 2018 [32]
8 Loro-Borici-Stadion.jpg Loro Boriçi Stadium 20,200 Shkodër, Albania v.  Russia, 29 March 2003 v.  Italy, 9 October 2017 [33]
6 Stadiumi Niko Dovana.jpg Niko Dovana Stadium 12,040 Durrës, Albania v.  Uzbekistan, 11 August 2010 v.  Malta, 5 March 2014 [34]
1 Tomori Stadium.png Tomori Stadium 14,090 Berat, Albania v.  Cuba, 6 August 1988 [35]
Flamurtari-stadium 55891.jpg Flamurtari Stadium 10,500 Vlorë, Albania v.  Romania, 28 October 1987 [36]

Arena Kombëtare[edit]

Arena Kombëtare (English: National Arena) is an under-construction all-seater football stadium in Tirana, the capital of Albania.[37] This planned stadium will be the new home of Albania national football team and it will serve as a venue for major football club cup finals and other sports and non-sports related activities.

The stadium was designed with a capacity of 22,500 spectators, making it the first-highest capacity stadium for football in Albania. Ever since an initial stadium proposal in 2010, Albanian Football Association has had two additional stadium proposals that failed to be built. The stadium is planned to be completed by June 2018, Albania national football team began playing in September of the same year. The stadium will be built on the same site of Qemal Stafa, demolished in June 2016.[38]

The old Qemal Stafa was closed for demolition in June 2016, and the site will be redeveloped with a new larger-capacity Arena Kombëtare'Bold text'. The final design of the new stadium was done by Marco Cassamonti of Archea Associati,[39] and the construction is scheduled to be finished in 2018. It is expected to cost around €60 million[40]

Individual all-time records[edit]

Main articles: List of Albania international footballers and Albania national football team records
Stamps of Albania in 2006. The 60th Anniversary of Victory at the Balkan Cup.

Below are two lists of the top 10 players with the most caps and goals for Albania.

As of 13 November 2017.[41]
  Players that are still active
  Part of the squad that won the 1946 Balkan Cup [42]
  Part of the squad that won the 2000 Rothmans International Tournament [43]

Appearances records[edit]

Lorik Cana is the most capped player in the history of Albania with 93 caps.
Panajot Pano was selected between 52 UEFA Golden Players and was rated by the Football Association of Albania as the most outstanding player of the past 50 years.
Rank Position Name Career Caps Goals
1 DF
Lorik Cana
 2003–2016 93 1
2 MF
Altin Lala
 1998–2011 79 3
3 MF
Klodian Duro
 2001–2011 77 6
4
MF
Ervin Skela
 2000–2011 75 13
5 FW
Erjon Bogdani
 1996–2013 74 18
6 GK
Foto Strakosha
 1990–2004 73 0
DF
Ansi Agolli
 2005– 73 3
8 MF
Altin Haxhi
 1995–2009 68 3
FW
Igli Tare
 1997–2007 68 10
10 FW
Alban Bushi
 1995–2007 67 14
MF
Andi Lila
 2007– 67 0

Top goalscorers[edit]

Hamdi Salihi is the fourth-top goalscorer in the history of Albania with 11 goals.
Rank Position Name Career Goals Caps
1 FW
Erjon Bogdani
 1996–2013 18 74
2 FW
Alban Bushi
 1995–2007 14 67
3 MF
Ervin Skela
 2000–2011 13 75
4 FW
Altin Rraklli
 1992–2005 11 63
FW
Hamdi Salihi
 2006–2015 11 50
FW
Armando Sadiku
 2012– 11 32
7 FW
Sokol Kushta
 1987–1996 10 31
FW
Igli Tare
 1997–2007 10 68
9 DF
Adrian Aliaj
 2002–2006 8 29
10
FW
Loro Boriçi
 1946–1958 6 24
FW
Qamil Teliti
 1946–1952 6 13
MF
Bledar Kola
 1994–2002 6 39
MF
Klodian Duro
 2000–2011 6 77
FW
Edmond Kapllani
 2004–2014 6 41

Captains[edit]

Main article: List of Albania national football team captains

List of captaincy periods of the various captains throughout the years.[44]

  1. 1946–1953 Loro Boriçi
  2. 1946 → Bahri Kavaja (Vice-captain)
  3. 1958 Besim Fagu
  4. 1963–1964 Fatbardh Deliallisi
  5. 1964–1970 Lin Shllaku
  6. 1967 → Mikel Janku (Vice-captain)
  7. 1970–1973 Panajot Pano
  8. 1971 → Bashkim Muhedini (Vice-captain)
  9. 1973 → Ramazan Rragami (Vice-captain)
  10. 1976 Sabah Bizi
  11. 1980–1981 Safet Berisha
  12. 1982 Ilir Luarasi
  13. 1982–1985 Muhedin Targaj
  14. 1983 → Haxhi Ballgjini (Vice-captain)
  15. 1986–1989 Arben Minga
  16. 1987 → Perlat Musta (Vice-captain)
  17. 1987 → Shkëlqim Muça (Vice-captain)
  18. 1989–1990 Skënder Hodja
  19. 1990–1995 Sulejman Demollari
  20. 1990–1991 → Hysen Zmijani (Vice-captain)
  21. 1992 → Agustin Kola (Vice-captain)
  22. 1993 → Sokol Kushta (Vice-captain)
  23. 1995 → Foto Strakosha (Vice-captain)
  24. 1995 → Ilir Shulku (Vice-captain)
  25. 1995–1996 Sokol Kushta
  26. 1996 → Foto Strakosha (Vice-captain)
  27. 1997–2002 Rudi Vata
  28. 2000 → Edvin Murati (Vice-captain)
  29. 2001 → Foto Strakosha (Vice-captain)
  30. 2002 → Indrit Fortuzi (Vice-captain)
  31. 2002–2004 Foto Strakosha
  32. 2004 → Besnik Hasi (Vice-captain)
  33. 2005–2007 Igli Tare
  34. 2005 → Altin Haxhi (Vice-captain)
  35. 2005–2006 → Altin Lala (Vice-captain)
  36. 2005 → Alban Bushi (Vice-captain)
  37. 2005 → Besnik Hasi (Vice-captain)
  38. 2007–2009 Altin Lala
  39. 2007 → Klodian Duro (Vice-captain)
  40. 2007 → Altin Haxhi (Vice-captain)
  41. 2007–2009 → Ervin Skela (Vice-captain)
  42. 2009–2011 Ervin Skela
  43. 2009 → Elvin Beqiri (Vice-captain)
  44. 2010–2011 → Altin Lala (Vice-captain)
  45. 2010 → Lorik Cana (Vice-captain)
  46. 2011 Altin Lala
  47. 2011 → Lorik Cana (Vice-captain)
  48. 2011 → Arjan Beqaj (Vice-captain)
  49. 2011–2016 Lorik Cana
  50. 2012–2013 → Ervin Bulku (Vice-captain)
  51. 2013 → Erjon Bogdani (Vice-captain)
  52. 2014 → Etrit Berisha (Vice-captain)
  53. 2015–2016 → Ansi Agolli (Vice-captain)
  54. 2016 → Ledian Memushaj (Vice-captain)
  55. 2016 → Elseid Hysaj (Vice-captain)
  56. 2016–0000 Ansi Agolli
  57. 2016–2017 → Mërgim Mavraj (Vice-captain)
  58. 2017 → Elseid Hysaj (Vice-captain)
  59. 2017–0000→ Etrit Berisha (Vice-captain)

Honours[edit]

Stamps of Albania, 2007. 60th Anniversary of Victory at the Balkan Cup

Supporters[edit]

Main article: Tifozat Kuq e Zi

Tifozat Kuq e Zi (English: Red and Black Fans, also known as the Albania National Football Team Supporters Club) is a non-profit football supporters' association for the Albania national football team and various national team sportive activities. It was founded on 25 December 2003. 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. 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 Pristina, Torcida of Mitrovica, etc.), North Macedonia (Ballistët of Tetovo, Ilirët of Kumanovo, Shvercerat of Skopje, etc.) and in Albania itself (Ultras Guerrils of Partizani Tirana, Tirona Fanatics of KF Tirana, Vllaznit Ultras of Vllaznia Shkodër, Ujqërit e Deborës (English: Snow Wolves) Skënderbeu Korçë, Shqiponjat of KF Besa Pejë and many other different Albanian fans).

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.

The TKZ have been praised by many different football players and managers, whom were not just Albanian. Switzerland's former coach, Ottmar Hitzfeld was astonished by how many Albanian fans turned up and how enthusiastic they were in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) 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 Albanian fans are fantastic and the most passionate fans I have ever seen.[46] 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 where they lost 1–0 and Norway where they won 1–0 thanks to a stunning goal by Hamdi Salihi.

Media coverage[edit]

Albania's qualifying matches and friendlies are currently televised by RTSH and SuperSport Albania, a trademark of Digitalb.

Head-to-Head records against other countries[edit]

As of 13 November 2017
  1. ^ The Serbia v Albania match was abandoned with the score at 0–0 shortly before halftime after "various incidents", which resulted in the Albania players refusing to return to the field. UEFA ruled that Albania had forfeited the match and awarded a 3–0 win to Serbia, but also deducted three points from Serbia for their involvement in the events. Serbia must also play their next two home qualifying games behind closed doors, and both the Serbian and Albanian FAs were fined €100,000.[48] Both the Serbian and Albanian football associations were looking to have the decision revisited,[49][50] but the decision was upheld by UEFA.[51] Both associations then filed further appeals to the Court of Arbitration for Sport,[52] and on 10 July 2015 the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected the appeal filed by the Serbian FA, and upholds in part the appeal filed by the Albanian FA, meaning the match is deemed to have been forfeited by Serbia with 0–3 and they are still deducted three points.[53] Serbian FA announced appeal at the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland.[54]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 7 February 2019. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
  2. ^ FIFA World Ranking 8.2015, 2/11/2018.
  3. ^ FIFA World Ranking 8.1997, 2/11/2018.
  4. ^ a b c Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 3 March 2019. Retrieved 3 March 2019.
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  8. ^ "Romania 0–1 Albania – Sadiku scores landmark goal to provide last 16 hope". mirror.co.uk. 19 June 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  9. ^ Besnik Dizdari (2007). "Ballkaniada 1946: Shqipëria – kampione e Ballkanit ne startin e "Luftës së ftohtë" në Evropë" (in Albanian). Rozafat. pp. 2–10. ISBN 978-99943-979-0-7. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  10. ^ a b Armillotta, Giovanni (14 October 2015). "Shqipëria në fazën finale? Nuk është hera e parë!". Panorama-Sport. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  11. ^ a b UEFA. "Victories of Albania until Euro2016 qualifiers". Retrieved 17 October 2015.
  12. ^ Besnik Dizdari (15 October 2015). "Dr. Armillotta ka të drejtë" (in Albanian). Panorama-Sport. Retrieved 17 October 2015.
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  14. ^ "Albania eclipse European champions". UEFA.com. 5 September 2004. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
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  24. ^ "History of the FIFA World Cup Preliminary Competition (by year)" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Retrieved 13 December 2011.
  25. ^ a b "Shqipëri-Moldavi, më 11 qershor, luhet në "Arena Kombëtare"" [Albania-Moldova, on 11 June, played in the "National Arena"] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 19 July 2017.
  26. ^ "Panucci shpall listën për ndeshjet zyrtare me Turqinë dhe Andorrën" [Panucci announces the list for official matches with Turkey and Andorra] (in Albanian). Albanian Football Association. 14 March 2019.
  27. ^ "Albania (1–0) Wales". eu-football.info. 20 November 2018.
  28. ^ "Grekët bllokojnë Durmishajn, në Kombëtare nuk vjen as Balliu. Ja kë fton Panuçi tek Shqipëria" [The Greeks blocks Durmishaj, even Balliu doesn't come in the national team. Here are the ones Panucci has invited to Albania] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. 12 November 2018.
  29. ^ "Sport.albeu.com – UEFA "djeg" edhe "Ruzhdi Bizhutën" e "Niko Dovanën"". Retrieved 19 June 2015.
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  31. ^ "Stadiumi Kombëtar Qemal Stafa, Tiranë". EU-football.
  32. ^ "Elbasan Arena, Elbasan". EU-football.
  33. ^ "Loro Boriçi Stadium, Shkodër". EU-football.
  34. ^ "Stadiumi Niko Dovana, Durrës". EU-football.
  35. ^ "Stadiumi Tomori, Berat". EU-football.
  36. ^ "Stadiumi Flamurtari, Vlorë". EU-football.
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  43. ^ Albania won Rothmans Football International Tournament 2000: a few words by Florent Hoxha Giovanni Armillotta on line
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  46. ^ Hitzfeld: Tifozët shqiptarë janë fantastikë – Sport plus Bota Sot
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  48. ^ "Serbia and Albania disciplinary decision". UEFA. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
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  53. ^ "FOOTBALL: The CAS rejects the appeal filed by the Serbian FA, upholds in part the appeal filed by the Albanian FA: the match Serbia-Albania is deemed to have been forfeited by Serbia (0–3)". Tribunal Arbitral du Sport / Court of Arbitration for Sport. 10 July 2015. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  54. ^ "Fudbalski savez Srbije – zvanična web prezentacija". fss.rs.

External links[edit]

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