Nickname(s) | Kuqezinjtë (The Red and Blacks) Shpresat e Shqipërisë (Albania's Hopes) | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Association | Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit (FSHF) | ||||||||||||||
Confederation | UEFA (Europe) | ||||||||||||||
Head coach | Alban Bushi | ||||||||||||||
Captain | Medon Berisha | ||||||||||||||
Most caps | Shaqir Tafa (24) | ||||||||||||||
Top scorer | Odise Roshi (11) | ||||||||||||||
Home stadium | Elbasan Arena Loro Boriçi Stadium | ||||||||||||||
FIFA code | ALB | ||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
First international | |||||||||||||||
Yugoslavia 1–0 Albania (Thessaloniki, Greece; 25 June 1976) [1] | |||||||||||||||
Biggest win | |||||||||||||||
Albania 7–1 Romania (Tirana, Albania; April 12, 1978) [2] | |||||||||||||||
Biggest defeat | |||||||||||||||
Germany 8–0 Albania (Cologne, Germany; March 23, 2001) | |||||||||||||||
UEFA U-21 Championship | |||||||||||||||
Appearances | 1 (first in 1984) | ||||||||||||||
Best result | Quarter-finals, 1984 | ||||||||||||||
Medal record
|
The Albania national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Albania and is controlled by the Football Association of Albania. The team competes in the European Under-21 Football Championship, which is held every two years.
Following the realignment of UEFA's youth competitions in 1976, the Albanian under-21 team was formed.
Albania Under-21 participated in the Balkan Youth Championship as a succeder[ clarification needed ] of Under-23 team, in the 1976–78 and 1981 competitions, winning both with finals against Romania and Bulgaria. Notably in 1978, the second leg of the final match against Romania was characterized by a large Albania's win 7–1, which is the largest win ever recorded by Albania U-21. [3]
In 1978 a Competition for the European Under-21 teams was created but the Albania Under-21s didn't participated in first 3 editions and debuted in the competition in the 1984s Championship where they managed to qualify for the first and only time in their history although they were competing for the first time in such tournament. The historic event was the first time any Albanian squad qualified for a Europe or World Championship, and only the fifth time any Albanian squad qualified for the major championships. To this day the team that qualified for that competition are still regarded as the most successful team in Albanian football history. In the qualifying stage they were drawn in a very tough group which included the West Germany, Turkey and Austria. Albania U21 managed to qualify without losing a single game winning both home-away versus Austria (1–2 away & 3–0 home) & Turkey (both 1–0) and managing two very good draws against one of the biggest and best footballing nations, West Germany (both 1–1), heading the group with 10 points, 1 above West Germany. Albania played the quarter finals against Italy, against which it lost twice 0–1 both home and away as Italy advanced to the semifinals losing against England, the eventual champions.
In the 1986 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania came last in group after Poland and Greece, and could not qualify. In the 1988 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania came again last in group after Spain, Romania and Austria. In the 1990 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania came last in group after Sweden, England and Poland. In the 1992 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship managed to precede Iceland as last in the group, but was preceded by Czechoslovakia, France and Spain. In the qualifiers of the 1994 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania preceded bottom team Republic of Ireland, but was preceded by Spain, Germany and Denmark.
In the 1996 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification Albania did not participate. In the qualifiers of the 1998 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania left behind Armenia, but had to trail in the final rankings Germany, Ukraine, and Portugal. In the qualifiers of the 2000 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania trailed Greece, Norway, Georgia, Latvia, and Slovenia and closed at the bottom of the group. In the qualifiers of the 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania came again last behind England, Greece, Germany, and Finland.
In the qualifiers of the 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania had the best result since Euro '84, when it had won the group, as it left two teams behind (Republic of Ireland and Georgia), but was preceded by Switzerland and Russia, and thus failed to qualify to the main tournament. In the qualifiers of the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania left behind itself Kazakhstan, but was preceded by Denmark, Ukraine, Greece, Turkey, and Georgia. In the qualifiers of the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, in a 3 teams group, Albania came last behind Spain and Slovakia and failed to qualify.
In the qualifiers of the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania was fourth out of 6 teams in the final ranking, leaving behind the Faroe Islands and Azerbaijan, but trailing behind Italy, Croatia and Greece. In the qualifiers of the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania left again behind Azerbaijan but trailed Scotland, Belarus, and Austria in the final rankings. In the qualifiers of the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania came last trailing behind Russia, Portugal, Poland, and Moldova. However, as a consolation for the first time an Albanian footballer, Armando Sadiku was the top goalscorer of the group. Albania drew in Russia against the famous hosts during that tournament, a noticeable fact. Albania were also able to draw against Portugal in Durres with 2-2 during this qualifying. Albania suffered close loses against Poland in Grudziądz with 4-3 and to Russia with 0–1 in Durres respectively.
In the qualification in Group 4 Albania would finish in last place. They were able to beat Hungary with 0–2 away from home. [4] Albania would also beat notable Austria with 1–3 away from home in the Liebenauer Stadium in Graz. [5] As a fact Albanian won for the first time in their history more matches away than at home in an Under-21 qualification. In the following 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification Group 4. Albania finished fourth leaving Hungary and Liechtenstein but trailing behind Greece, Israel and eventual Group winners Portugal. securing 12 points in the progress. Albania were able to win three matches in this qualifying. They beat Liechtenstein with 2-0 and away from home with the same result. As well as beating Hungary in Elbasan with 2–1 in fact. [6] They drew three times once against Israel in Elbasan with 1-1 and away to Hungary with 2-2 and in the derby at home against Greece with 0:0. [7]
The event was classified as a U-23 tournament where at time were played three competitions, 1972, 1974 & 1976.
UEFA European Under-21 Championship record | UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification record | Manager(s) | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D * | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |||
1978 | did not enter | did not enter | |||||||||||||||
1980 | did not enter | did not enter | |||||||||||||||
1982 | did not enter | did not enter | |||||||||||||||
1984 | Quarter Final | 6th of 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 3 | Rreli & Rragami | ||
1986 | did not qualify | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 | ||||||||||
1988 | did not qualify | 6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 10 | ||||||||||
1990 | did not qualify | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 8 | ||||||||||
1992 | did not qualify | 7 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 13 | ||||||||||
1994 | did not qualify | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 18 | ||||||||||
1996 | did not enter | did not enter | |||||||||||||||
1998 | did not qualify | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 19 | ||||||||||
2000 | did not qualify | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 8 | 21 | ||||||||||
2002 | did not qualify | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 19 | ||||||||||
2004 | did not qualify | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 10 | 10 | ||||||||||
2006 | did not qualify | 12 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 9 | 27 | Bushati | |||||||||
2007 | did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Bushati | |||||||||
2009 | did not qualify | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 13 | Bushati | |||||||||
2011 | did not qualify | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 11 | 20 | Bushati | |||||||||
2013 | did not qualify | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 18 | Gega | |||||||||
2015 | did not qualify | 8 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 7 | 15 | Gega | |||||||||
2017 | did not qualify | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 11 | 20 | Jupi | |||||||||
2019 | did not qualify | 10 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 17 | Bushi | |||||||||
2021 | did not qualify | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 16 | 21 | Bushi | |||||||||
2023 | did not qualify | 10 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 9 | 17 | Bushi | |||||||||
2025 | did not qualify | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 12 | 17 | Bushi | |||||||||
Total | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 169 | 38 | 37 | 94 | 157 | 316 |
Note: The year of the tournament represents the year in which it ends.
16 November 2022 Friendly | San Marino | 0–3 | Albania | Serravalle |
18:00 | Report | Avdiu 21' Pajaziti 36' Smajli 39' | Stadium: Olympic Stadium |
20 November 2022 Friendly | Montenegro | 4–2 | Albania | Podgorica |
13:00 | Vukotić 11' Bajović 49', 65' Dašić 76' | Report | Pajaziti 25' Dragaj 50' | Stadium: Gradski Stadium |
23 March 2023 Friendly | Azerbaijan | 1–2 | Albania | Antalya |
15:00 | Cəfərov 46' | Report | S. Shpendi 43' Pajaziti 51' | Stadium: Antalya Stadium |
27 March 2023 Friendly | Poland | 2–0 | Albania | Antalya |
15:00 | Włodarczyk 11', 81' | Report | Stadium: Antalya Stadium |
20 June 2023 Friendly | Albania | 3–1 | Bulgaria | Elbasan |
18:30 | S. Shpendi 9' Kurtulan 13' Berisha 50' | Report | Stoyanov 23' | Stadium: Elbasan Arena |
8 September 2023 2025 UEFA Q | Armenia | 1–2 | Albania | Abovyan |
17:00 | Tarakhchyan 86' | Report | S. Shpendi 28' Rexhepi 37' | Stadium: Abovyan City Stadium Attendance: 1,200 Referee: Radoslav Gidzhenov (Bulgaria) |
12 September 2023 2025 UEFA Q | Albania | 3–2 | Romania | Elbasan |
18:30 | C. Shpendi 63' Berisha 71' Pajaziti 88' | Report | Grameni 47' Borza 58' | Stadium: Elbasan Arena Attendance: 713 Referee: Bulat Saryev (Kazakhstan) |
13 October 2023 2025 UEFA Q | Finland | 4–1 | Albania | Turku |
17:00 | Liimatta 4', 6', 48' Ylitolva 90+6' | Report | Pajaziti 80' | Stadium: Veritas Stadion Attendance: 2,247 Referee: Maria Sole Caputi (Italy) |
17 October 2023 2025 UEFA Q | Albania | 2–0 | Montenegro | Rrogozhinë |
14:30 | Berisha 27' (pen.) S. Shpendi 73' | Report | Stadium: Arena Egnatia Attendance: 512 Referee: Jarred Gavan Gillett (Australia) |
17 November 2023 2025 UEFA Q | Romania | 5–0 | Albania | Giulești |
19:30 | Munteanu 7' (pen.) M. Ilie 15' R. Ilie 37' Grameni 55' Danciu 86' | Report | Stadium: Stadionul Rapid-Giulești Attendance: 2,234 Referee: Matthew De Gabriele (Malta) |
22 March 2024 2025 UEFA Q | Albania | 0–0 | Finland | Tiranë |
17:00 | Report | Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Referee: Michal Očenáš (Slovakia) |
26 March 2024 2025 UEFA Q | Albania | 1–3 | Switzerland | Tiranë |
17:00 | Shpendi 90+3' | Report | Surdez 28' Sanches 59' Keller 76' | Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Referee: Adam Ladebäck (Sweden) |
7 June 2024 2025 UEFA Q | Montenegro | 1–0 | Albania | Podgorica |
20:00 | Franeta 90+2' | Report | Stadium: Podgorica City Stadium Referee: Jonathan Lardot (Belgium) |
11 June 2024 Friendly | Albania | 4–0 | Liechtenstein U23 | Durrës |
19:00 | Pajaziti 37' (pen.) Rashica 42' Maksuti 52' Kurtulan 90+2' (pen.) | Report | Stadium: Niko Dovana Stadium Referee: Florjan Lata (Albania) |
6 September 2024 2025 UEFA Q | Switzerland | 1–2 | Albania | Lausanne |
19:30 | Surdez 16' | Report | Pajaziti 18', 69' | Stadium: Stade de la Tuilière Referee: Atilla Karaoğlan (Turkey) |
15 October 2024 2025 UEFA Q | Albania | 1–0 | Armenia | Tiranë |
Aventisian 57' (o.g.) | Report | Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Referee: Kyriakos Athanasiou (Cyprus) |
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Anxhelo Sina | 7 January 2004 | 3 | 0 | Rio Ave | |
GK | Endri Dema | 17 April 2004 | 2 | 0 | Erzeni | |
GK | Thomas Brahja | 26 March 2005 | 0 | 0 | Matera | |
DF | Ermis Selimaj | 25 May 2004 | 8 | 0 | PAOK B | |
DF | Elton Fikaj | 18 October 2005 | 4 | 0 | Panathinaikos | |
DF | Erdin Ismaili | 10 June 2005 | 2 | 1 | Basel U21 | |
DF | Mateo Çipi | 8 July 2004 | 2 | 0 | Triglav | |
DF | Arlind Kurti | 24 January 2005 | 2 | 0 | Laçi | |
DF | Erion Aliji | 10 December 2005 | 2 | 0 | Horn | |
DF | Klevis Haxhari | 1 May 2005 | 1 | 0 | New York City II | |
DF | Maldini Kacurri | 4 October 2005 | 1 | 0 | Arsenal U21 | |
MF | Dion Ajvazi | 10 February 2004 | 2 | 0 | Hertha Berlin II | |
MF | Besar Gudjufi | 29 May 2004 | 2 | 0 | Shkupi | |
MF | Gjergji Kote | 20 August 2004 | 2 | 0 | Partizani | |
MF | Gent Elezaj | 11 April 2005 | 2 | 0 | Hammarby TFF | |
MF | Ledjo Tresa | 25 July 2005 | 2 | 0 | Laçi | |
MF | Hajrulla Tola | 1 July 2004 | 1 | 0 | Tirana | |
FW | Ermir Rashica | 24 March 2004 | 9 | 3 | Skënderbeu | |
FW | Kevin Dodaj | 3 September 2005 | 3 | 0 | Vllaznia | |
FW | Erald Maksuti | 10 May 2004 | 2 | 1 | Apolonia | |
FW | Dario Daka | 24 January 2004 | 2 | 1 | Lecce | |
FW | Elmedin Rama | 25 March 2005 | 2 | 1 | Slavia Prague B | |
FW | Amin Tahiri | 11 January 2005 | 2 | 0 | Feralpisalò |
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 | Simon Simoni | 14 July 2004 | 11 | 0 | Ingolstadt | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024A |
GK | Klidman Lilo | 31 January 2003 | 9 | 0 | Panathinaikos | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024 |
GK | Arbër Jata | 3 December 2004 | 0 | 0 | Vora | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024 |
GK | Giulio Veliaj | 1 January 2005 | 0 | 0 | Cesena | v. Switzerland, 6 September 2024 |
GK | Renato Beqaj | 22 June 2004 | 0 | 0 | Bylisi | v. Montenegro, 7 June 2024 |
DF | Marçelino Preka | 2 August 2003 | 6 | 0 | Partizani | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024 |
DF | Paulo Buxhelaj | 1 May 2003 | 13 | 0 | Partizani | v. Switzerland, 6 September 2024 |
DF | Agan Mjaki | 10 March 2003 | 8 | 0 | Laçi | v. Liechtenstein, 11 June 2024 |
DF | Brayan Boci | 24 July 2003 | 1 | 0 | Feralpisalò | v. Romania, 17 November 2023 |
MF | Ermal Meta | 20 June 2005 | 1 | 0 | Tirana | v. Moldova, 15 November 2024INJ |
MF | Leandro Frroku | 3 September 2003 | 4 | 0 | Panathinaikos B | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024 |
MF | Feta Fetai | 11 May 2005 | 4 | 0 | Lokomotiva | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024A |
MF | Dejvid Janaqi | 21 July 2003 | 1 | 0 | Skënderbeu | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024 |
MF | Klevis Kasa | 8 August 2003 | 0 | 0 | Elbasani | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024 |
MF | Rejan Alivoda | 5 June 2003 | 5 | 0 | Kalba | v. Switzerland, 6 September 2024 |
MF | Klevi Qefalija | 12 December 2003 | 5 | 0 | Dinamo City | v. Liechtenstein, 11 June 2024 |
MF | Behar Ismaili | 26 April 2005 | 9 | 0 | Anderlecht II | v. Montenegro, 7 June 2024 |
MF | Medon Berisha | 21 October 2003 | 12 | 3 | Lecce | v. Switzerland, 26 March 2024INJ |
MF | Elion Jashari | 9 August 2005 | 0 | 0 | Basel U21 | v. Switzerland, 26 March 2024 |
MF | Eniss Shabani | 29 May 2003 | 2 | 0 | Mainz 05 II | v. Romania, 17 November 2023 |
FW | Arlind Rexhepi | 28 July 2003 | 10 | 1 | Waldhof Mannheim | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024 |
FW | Cristian Shpendi | 19 May 2003 | 8 | 1 | Cesena | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024 |
FW | Rrok Toma | 27 February 2004 | 1 | 0 | Teuta | v. Armenia, 15 October 2024 |
FW | Stiven Shpendi | 19 May 2003 | 14 | 5 | Carrarese | v. Switzerland, 6 September 2024 |
|
Current coaching staff: [9]
Position | Name |
---|---|
Head coach | Alban Bushi |
Assistant coach | Endri Zjarri |
Goalkeeping coach | Erion Meta |
Athletic coach | Mark Dodaj |
Team manager | Denis Lilo |
Video analyst | Xhoen Tugu |
Team doctor | Mehmet Buzmerxhani |
Physiotherapist | Gledi Rexha |
Physiotherapist | Edison Koçi |
Base materials | Lusjos Sina |
Balkan Youth Championship record | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
1976–1978 | Champions | 1st | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 6 |
1981 | Champions | 1st | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 |
Total | 2 Titles | 2/2 | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 18 | 8 |
The Andorra national football team represents Andorra in men's international football and is controlled by the Andorran Football Federation, the governing body for football in Andorra. The team has enjoyed very little success due to the Principality's tiny population, the fifth smallest of any UEFA country.
The Bulgaria national football team represents Bulgaria in men's international football, and is administered by the Bulgarian Football Union, a member association of UEFA.
The Greece national football team represents Greece in men's international football matches, and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation, the governing body for football in Greece. Greece is one of only ten national teams to have been crowned UEFA European Champions.
The Czech Republic national football team, recognised by FIFA as Czechia, represents the Czech Republic in men's international football. The team is controlled by the Football Association of the Czech Republic (FAČR). Historically, the team participated in FIFA and UEFA competitions as Bohemia and Czechoslovakia.
The Georgia national football team represents Georgia in men's international football matches, and is controlled by the Georgian Football Federation, the governing body for football in Georgia. It is a member of UEFA in Europe and FIFA in global competitions.
The Malta national football team represents Malta in men's international football and is controlled by the Malta Football Association, the governing body for football in Malta.
The Serbia men's national football team represents Serbia in men's international football competition. It is controlled by the Football Association of Serbia, the governing body for football in Serbia.
The Moldova national football team represents Moldova in men's international football and is administered by the Moldovan Football Federation, the governing body for football in Moldova. Moldova's home ground is Zimbru Stadium in Chișinău and their head coach is Serghei Cleșcenco. Shortly before the break-up of the Soviet Union, they played their first match against Georgia on 2 July 1991.
The Albania national football team represents Albania in men's international football. It is governed by the Albanian Football Association (FSHF), the governing body for football in Albania. It is a member of UEFA in Europe and FIFA in global competitions. The team's colours reference two national symbols: the double-headed eagle and the country's tricolor. Their supporters are colloquially referred to as the Tifozët Kuq e Zi.
Sport in Albania revolves mostly around team sports, such as football, basketball, volleyball and handball. Other sports includes boxing, weightlifting, tennis, swimming, judo, karate, athletics, table tennis, badminton, rugby, cricket, and chess. Football in particular has seen a rapid transformation, with the Albania national football team making its debut at the 1964 UEFA European Football Championship. The national football team also qualified for the 2016 UEFA European Football Championship. Many Albanian athletes have also achieved significant success and have won European and Mediterranean titles in numerous sports during the years, such as wrestling, football, athletics and weightlifting. Albanian athletes have won a total 49 medals for Albania in 8 different Mediterranean sports.
The Montenegro national football team has represented Montenegro in men's international football since 2007. It is controlled by the Football Association of Montenegro, the governing body for football in Montenegro. Montenegro's home ground is Podgorica City Stadium in Podgorica.
The Kosovo national football team represents Kosovo in men's international football. The team is controlled by the Football Federation of Kosovo, the governing body for football in Kosovo, and is under the jurisdiction of FIFA globally.
Football is the most popular sport in Albania, both at a participatory and spectator level. The sport is governed by the Football Association of Albania (FSHF).
The Faroe Islands national under-21 football team are a feeder team to the Faroe Islands national football team. The Faroe Islands U21 team was first formed in 2006 and took part in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying for the first time in 2007 and 2008. Before this there was no step between the U-19 team and the senior team.
The Moldova national under-21 football team represents Moldova in international football at this age level and is controlled by the Moldovan Football Federation, the governing body for football in Moldova. The team is considered to be the feeder team for the senior Moldovan national football team. The team competes to qualify for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, held every two years. Since the establishment of the Moldovan under-21 team, the under-21 side has never reached a final tournament of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, but has produced many players, who have become regular internationals for the senior side. The team is coached by Ștefan Stoica.
Qazim Laçi is an Albanian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Czech First League club Sparta Prague and the Albania national team.
The history of the Albania national football team dates back to the team's formation and first ever international match in 1946.
The Albania national under-23 football team represents Albania in international football at this age level and is controlled by Albanian Football Association, the governing body for football in Albania. The team competed in the UEFA European Under-23 Championship and Balkan Youth Championship, but after the rule change in 1975, the event had an age limit of 21.
Association football has been played in Albania for over century and is today one of the country's most popular sports. Domestic clubs and a national championship, along with a national team, were established in the 1920s and 1930s. Since the second half of the 20th century, Albania has been a key component of European football.
This is a list of Kosovo national football team results from 2020 to 2029.