Albania national under-21 football team

Last updated
Albania U21
Nickname(s) Kuq e Zinjtë (The Red and Blacks)
Shqiponjat (The Eagles)
Shpresat e Shqipërisë (Albanian Hopes)
Confederation UEFA (Europe)
Head coach Alban Bushi
Captain Sherif Kallaku
Most caps Shaqir Tafa (23)
Top scorer Odise Roshi (7)
Home stadium Elbasan Arena
Loro Boriçi Stadium
FIFA code ALB
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First colours
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Second colours
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Third colours
First international
Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg  Yugoslavia 1–0 Albania  Flag of Albania (1946-1992).svg
(Thessaloniki, Greece; 25 June 1976) [1]
Biggest win
Flag of Albania (1946-1992).svg  Albania 7–1 Romania  Flag of Romania (1965-1989).svg
(Tirana, Albania; April 12, 1978) [2]
Biggest defeat
Flag of Germany.svg  Germany 8–0 Albania  Flag of Albania.svg
(Cologne, Germany; March 23, 2001)
UEFA U-21 Championship
Appearances1 (first in 1984)
Best resultQuarter-finals, 1984
Medal record
Albania national under-21 football team
Medal record
U-21 Balkan Youth Championship
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1976–1978 Team
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1981 Team

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.

Contents

Following the realignment of UEFA's youth competitions in 1976, the Albanian under-21 team was formed.

History

Balkan Youth Championship

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]

1984 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship

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 debutted 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.

1986–1994

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.

1996–2002

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.

2004–2007

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.

2009–2013

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 drew 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.

2015-2019

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]

Competitive record

UEFA European Under-23 Championship

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 recordManager(s)
YearRoundPositionPldWD *LGFGAPldWDLGFGA
Flag of Europe.svg 1978 did not enterdid not enter
Flag of Europe.svg 1980 did not enterdid not enter
Flag of Europe.svg 1982 did not enterdid not enter
Flag of Europe.svg 1984 Quarter Final6th of 8200202642093 Rreli & Rragami
Flag of Europe.svg 1986 did not qualify410337
Flag of Europe.svg 1988 did not qualify6024410
Flag of Europe.svg 1990 did not qualify601518
Flag of Europe.svg 1992 did not qualify7124313
Flag of France.svg 1994 did not qualify8125518
Flag of Spain.svg 1996 did not enterdid not enter
Flag of Romania.svg 1998 did not qualify8116619
Flag of Slovakia.svg 2000 did not qualify10145821
Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg 2002 did not qualify8116319
Flag of Germany.svg 2004 did not qualify83141010
Flag of Portugal.svg 2006 did not qualify12237927 Bushati
Flag of the Netherlands.svg 2007 did not qualify201103Bushati
Flag of Sweden.svg 2009 did not qualify103341013Bushati
Flag of Denmark.svg 2011 did not qualify81161120Bushati
Flag of Israel.svg 2013 did not qualify81251118 Gega
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg 2015 did not qualify8206715Gega
Flag of Poland.svg 2017 did not qualify103341120 Jupi
Flag of Italy.svg 2019 did not qualify10145917 Bushi
Flag of Slovenia.svg Flag of Hungary.svg 2021 did not qualify104241621Bushi
Flag of Romania.svg Flag of Georgia.svg 2023 did not qualify10316917Bushi
Total200202159333690145299

Note: The year of the tournament represents the year in which it ends.

Fixtures and results

4 June 2021 (2021-06-04) 2023 UEFA Q Andorra  Flag of Andorra.svg0–3Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Andorra la Vella
18:00 CEST Report Broja Soccerball shade.svg17'
Mehmeti Soccerball shade.svg43' (pen.)
Iker Soccerball shade.svg62' (o.g.)		Stadium: Estadi Nacional
Referee: Amine Kourgheli (Belarus)
8 June 2021 (2021-06-08) Friendly Bulgaria  Flag of Bulgaria.svg4–0Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Sofia
18:30 EEST Shopov Soccerball shade.svg2'
S. Petrov Soccerball shade.svg5'
Gruev Soccerball shade.svg12'
Nikolov Soccerball shade.svg68' (pen.)		 Report Stadium: Stadion Slavia
6 September 2021 (2021-09-06) 2023 UEFA Q Czech Republic  Flag of the Czech Republic.svg4–0Flag of Albania.svg  Albania České Budějovice
18:00 Ostrák Soccerball shade.svg7'
Fila Soccerball shade.svg13'
Danek Soccerball shade.svg32'
Šulc Soccerball shade.svg83'		 Report Stadium: Stadion Střelecký ostrov
Attendance: 1,784
Referee: Julian Weinberger (Austria)
7 October 2021 (2021-10-07) 2023 UEFA Q Albania  Flag of Albania.svg2–0Flag of Andorra.svg  Andorra Elbasan
19:00 Muçi Soccerball shade.svg36', 90+2' Report Stadium: Elbasan Arena
Attendance: 100
Referee: Alex Troleis (Faroe Islands)
11 October 2021 (2021-10-11) 2023 UEFA Q Albania  Flag of Albania.svg2–0Flag of Slovenia.svg  Slovenia Elbasan
18:30 Karrica Soccerball shade.svg53'
Dobra Soccerball shade.svg58'		 Report Stadium: Elbasan Arena
Attendance: 200
Referee: Bram Van Driessche (Belgium)
12 November 2021 (2021-11-12) 2023 UEFA Q Slovenia  Flag of Slovenia.svg3–0Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Koper
18:00 Flakus Bosilj Soccerball shade.svg7', 75'
Matko Soccerball shade.svg24'		 Report Stadium: Bonifika Stadium
Attendance: 320
Referee: Rob Hennessy (Republic of Ireland)
16 November 2021 (2021-11-16) 2023 UEFA Q Kosovo  Flag of Kosovo.svg2–1Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Prishtinë
19:00 Krasniqi Soccerball shade.svg66'
Sejdiu Soccerball shade.svg90+2'		 Report Karrica Soccerball shade.svg58'Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 600
Referee: Trustin Farrugia Cann (Malta)
25 March 2022 (2022-03-25) 2023 UEFA Q Albania  Flag of Albania.svg0–1Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic Elbasan
20:00 Report Kalaj Soccerball shade.svg35' (o.g.)Stadium: Elbasan Arena
Attendance: 700
Referee: Antonio Emanuel Carvalho Nobre (Portugal)
29 March 2022 (2022-03-29) 2023 UEFA Q Albania  Flag of Albania.svg0–3Flag of England.svg  England Elbasan
20:45 Report Balogun Soccerball shade.svg47', 62'
Jones Soccerball shade.svg51'		Stadium: Elbasan Arena
Attendance: 700
Referee: Kaspar Sjöberg (Sweden)
7 June 2022 (2022-06-07) 2023 UEFA Q England  Flag of England.svg3–0Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Chesterfield
20:45 Balogun Soccerball shade.svg45', 66'
Archer Soccerball shade.svg77'		 Report Stadium: Technique Stadium
Attendance: 4,422
Referee: Ivar Orri Kristjansson (Iceland)
13 June 2022 (2022-06-13) 2023 UEFA Q Albania  Flag of Albania.svg1–1Flag of Kosovo.svg  Kosovo Elbasan
19:30 Ruçi Soccerball shade.svg90+5' Report E. Krasniqi Soccerball shade.svg32'Stadium: Elbasan Arena
Attendance: 350
Referee: Marian Barbu (Romania)
16 November 2022 (2022-11-16) Friendly San Marino  Flag of San Marino.svg0–3Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Serravalle
18:00 Report Avdiu Soccerball shade.svg21'
Pajaziti Soccerball shade.svg36'
Smajli Soccerball shade.svg39'		Stadium: Olympic Stadium
20 November 2022 (2022-11-20) Friendly Montenegro  Flag of Montenegro.svg4–2Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Podgorica
13:00 Vukotić Soccerball shade.svg11'
Bajović Soccerball shade.svg49', 65'
Dašić Soccerball shade.svg76'		 Report Pajaziti Soccerball shade.svg25'
Dragaj Soccerball shade.svg50'		Stadium: Gradski Stadium
23 March 2023 (2023-03-23) Friendly Azerbaijan  Flag of Azerbaijan.svg1–2Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Antalya
15:00 Cəfərov Soccerball shade.svg46' Report S. Shpendi Soccerball shade.svg43'
Pajaziti Soccerball shade.svg51'		Stadium: Antalya Stadium
27 March 2023 (2023-03-27) Friendly Poland  Flag of Poland.svg2–0Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Antalya
15:00 Włodarczyk Soccerball shade.svg11', 81' Report Stadium: Antalya Stadium
20 June 2023 (2023-06-20) Friendly Albania  Flag of Albania.svg3–1Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria Elbasan
18:30 S. Shpendi Soccerball shade.svg9'
Kurtulan Soccerball shade.svg13'
Berisha Soccerball shade.svg50'		 Report Stoyanov Soccerball shade.svg23'Stadium: Elbasan Arena
8 September 2023 (2023-09-08) 2025 UEFA Q Armenia  Flag of Armenia.svg1–2Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Abovyan
17:00 Tarakhchyan Soccerball shade.svg86' Report S. Shpendi Soccerball shade.svg28'
Rexhepi Soccerball shade.svg37'		Stadium: Abovyan City Stadium
Attendance: 1,200
Referee: Radoslav Gidzhenov (Bulgaria)
12 September 2023 (2023-09-12) 2025 UEFA Q Albania  Flag of Albania.svg3–2Flag of Romania.svg  Romania Elbasan
18:30 C. Shpendi Soccerball shade.svg63'
Berisha Soccerball shade.svg71'
Pajaziti Soccerball shade.svg88'		 Report Grameni Soccerball shade.svg47'
Borza Soccerball shade.svg58'		Stadium: Elbasan Arena
Attendance: 713
Referee: Bulat Saryev (Kazakhstan)
13 October 2023 (2023-10-13) 2025 UEFA Q Finland  Flag of Finland.svg4–1Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Turku
17:00 Liimatta Soccerball shade.svg4', 6', 48'
Ylitolva Soccerball shade.svg90+6'		 Report Pajaziti Soccerball shade.svg80'Stadium: Veritas Stadion
Attendance: 2,247
Referee: Maria Sole Caputi (Italy)
17 October 2023 (2023-10-17) 2025 UEFA Q Albania  Flag of Albania.svg2–0Flag of Montenegro.svg  Montenegro Rrogozhinë
14:30 Berisha Soccerball shade.svg27' (pen.)
S. Shpendi Soccerball shade.svg73'		 Report Stadium: Arena Egnatia
Attendance: 512
Referee: Jarred Gavan Gillett (Australia)
17 November 2023 (2023-11-17) 2025 UEFA Q Romania  Flag of Romania.svg5–0Flag of Albania.svg  Albania Giulești
19:30 Munteanu Soccerball shade.svg7' (pen.)
M. Ilie Soccerball shade.svg15'
R. Ilie Soccerball shade.svg37'
Grameni Soccerball shade.svg55'
Danciu Soccerball shade.svg86'		 Report Stadium: Stadionul Rapid-Giulești
Attendance: 2,234
Referee: Matthew De Gabriele (Malta)
22 March 2024 (2024-03-22) 2025 UEFA Q Albania  Flag of Albania.svg0–0Flag of Finland.svg  Finland Tiranë
17:00 Report Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Referee: Michal Očenáš (Slovakia)
26 March 2024 (2024-03-26) 2025 UEFA Q Albania  Flag of Albania.svg1–3Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg   Switzerland Tiranë
17:00 Shpendi Soccerball shade.svg90+3' Report Surdez Soccerball shade.svg28'
Sanches Soccerball shade.svg59'
Keller Soccerball shade.svg76'		Stadium: Arena Kombëtare
Referee: Adam Ladebäck (Sweden)
6 June 2024 (2024-06-06) 2025 UEFA Q Montenegro  Flag of Montenegro.svgvFlag of Albania.svg  Albania Podgorica
Report Stadium: Podgorica City Stadium
6 September 2024 (2024-09-06) 2025 UEFA Q Switzerland  Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svgvFlag of Albania.svg  Albania
15 October 2024 (2024-10-15) 2025 UEFA Q Albania  Flag of Albania.svgvFlag of Armenia.svg  Armenia

Players

Current squad

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11 GK Simon Simoni (2004-07-14) 14 July 2004 (age 19)100 Flag of Germany.svg Eintracht Frankfurt
121 GK Klidman Lilo (2003-01-31) 31 January 2003 (age 21)70 Flag of Greece.svg Panathinaikos B
231 GK Endri Dema (2004-04-17) 17 April 2004 (age 19)10 Flag of Albania.svg Teuta
132 DF Paulo Buxhelaj (2003-05-01) 1 May 2003 (age 20)100 Flag of Albania.svg Partizani
52 DF Ajdi Dajko (2002-10-28) 28 October 2002 (age 21)90 Flag of Albania.svg Laçi
42 DF Adrian Bajrami (2002-04-05) 5 April 2002 (age 21)80 Flag of Portugal.svg Benfica B
142 DF Agan Mjaki (2003-03-10) 10 March 2003 (age 21)70 Flag of Albania.svg Laçi
152 DF Elmando Gjini (2002-08-28) 28 August 2002 (age 21)50 Flag of Albania.svg Teuta
32 DF Ermis Selimaj (2004-05-25) 25 May 2004 (age 19)30 Flag of Greece.svg PAOK B
222 DF Ysni Ismaili (2002-03-13) 13 March 2002 (age 22)20 Flag of Albania.svg Vora
162 DF Marçelino Preka (2003-08-02) 2 August 2003 (age 20)20 Flag of Albania.svg Partizani
103 MF Adrion Pajaziti (2002-11-16) 16 November 2002 (age 21)116 Flag of England.svg Fulham U21
83 MF Medon Berisha (2003-10-21) 21 October 2003 (age 20)113 Flag of Italy.svg Lecce
73 MF Arda Kurtulan (2002-11-19) 19 November 2002 (age 21)111 Flag of Turkey.svg Diyarbekirspor
183 MF Leandro Frroku (2003-09-03) 3 September 2003 (age 20)30 Flag of Greece.svg Panathinaikos B
63 MF Feta Fetai (2005-05-11) 11 May 2005 (age 18)20 Flag of Croatia.svg Lokomotiva
203 MF Dejvid Janaqi (2003-07-21) 21 July 2003 (age 20)10 Flag of Albania.svg Skënderbeu
173 MF Elion Jashari (2005-08-09) 9 August 2005 (age 18)00 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Basel U21
114 FW Stiven Shpendi (2003-05-19) 19 May 2003 (age 20)125 Flag of Italy.svg Empoli
94 FW Arlind Rexhepi (2003-07-28) 28 July 2003 (age 20)71 Flag of Germany.svg Hamburger SV II
214 FW Ardit Nikaj (2002-03-24) 24 March 2002 (age 22)60 Flag of Albania.svg Skënderbeu
194 FW Ermir Rashica (2004-03-24) 24 March 2004 (age 20)30 Flag of Albania.svg Skënderbeu

Recent call-ups

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

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GK Renato Beqaj (2004-06-22) 22 June 2004 (age 19)00 Flag of Albania.svg Bylisi v. Flag of Romania.svg  Romania, 17 November 2023
GK Brajan Lenja (2004-01-19) 19 January 2004 (age 20)00 Flag of Albania.svg Albanët v. Flag of Montenegro.svg  Montenegro, 17 October 2023
GK Arbër Jata (2004-12-03) 3 December 2004 (age 19)00 Flag of Albania.svg Vora v. Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria, 20 June 2023
DF Geralb Smajli (2002-05-16) 16 May 2002 (age 21)81 Flag of Albania.svg Vllaznia v. Flag of Finland.svg  Finland, 22 March 2024INJ
DF Edon Pruti (2002-04-08) 8 April 2002 (age 21)10 Flag of England.svg Farnborough v. Flag of Romania.svg  Romania, 17 November 2023
DF Brayan Boci (2003-07-24) 24 July 2003 (age 20)10 Flag of Italy.svg Legnago Salus v. Flag of Romania.svg  Romania, 17 November 2023
DF Reild Kurti (2002-10-17) 17 October 2002 (age 21)40 Flag of Albania.svg Elbasani v. Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria, 20 June 2023
DF Elvir Zukaj (2002-07-07) 7 July 2002 (age 21)10 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Grasshoppers U21 v. Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria, 20 June 2023
DF Mario Mitaj (2003-08-06) 6 August 2003 (age 20)140 Flag of Russia.svg Lokomotiv Moscow v. Flag of Poland.svg  Poland, 27 March 2023A
MF Tim Civeja (2002-01-04) 4 January 2002 (age 22)20 Flag of Germany.svg Saarbrücken v. Flag of Finland.svg  Finland, 22 March 2024INJ
MF Behar Ismaili (2005-04-26) 26 April 2005 (age 18)80 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Anderlecht II v. Flag of Romania.svg  Romania, 17 November 2023
MF Rei Pecani (2002-05-08) 8 May 2002 (age 21)40 Flag of Albania.svg Skënderbeu v. Flag of Romania.svg  Romania, 17 November 2023
MF Eniss Shabani (2003-05-29) 29 May 2003 (age 20)20 Flag of Germany.svg 1. FSV Mainz 05 II v. Flag of Romania.svg  Romania, 17 November 2023
MF Stiven Bibo (2003-09-26) 26 September 2003 (age 20)40 Flag of Albania.svg Laçi v. Flag of Montenegro.svg  Montenegro, 17 October 2023
MF Klevi Qefalija (2003-12-12) 12 December 2003 (age 20)40 Flag of Albania.svg Dinamo City v. Flag of Montenegro.svg  Montenegro, 17 October 2023
MF Enis Asani (2004-07-30) 30 July 2004 (age 19)10 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Thun v. Flag of Romania.svg  Romania, 12 September 2023
MF Antonio Delaj (2003-09-06) 6 September 2003 (age 20)20 Flag of Albania.svg Vllaznia v. Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria, 20 June 2023
MF Rejan Alivoda (2003-06-05) 5 June 2003 (age 20)40 Flag of Albania.svg Vllaznia v. Flag of Poland.svg  Poland, 27 March 2023
MF Henrik Nerguti (2003-04-05) 5 April 2003 (age 20)20 Flag of Slovenia.svg Beltinci v. Flag of Poland.svg  Poland, 27 March 2023
MF Endri Muhameti (2004-07-12) 12 July 2004 (age 19)00 Flag of Italy.svg Atalanta U23 v. Flag of Azerbaijan.svg  Azerbaijan, 23 March 2023
FW Cristian Shpendi (2003-05-19) 19 May 2003 (age 20)71 Flag of Italy.svg Cesena v. Flag of Romania.svg  Romania, 17 November 2023SUS
FW Eljon Toçi (2003-01-09) 9 January 2003 (age 21)90 Flag of Italy.svg Pro Sesto v. Flag of Montenegro.svg  Montenegro, 17 October 2023
FW Dion Berisha (2003-05-09) 9 May 2003 (age 20)00 Flag of Germany.svg FC Bayern Munich II v. Flag of Montenegro.svg  Montenegro, 17 October 2023
FW Aldi Gjumsi (2002-03-15) 15 March 2002 (age 22)20 Flag of Kosovo.svg Liria v. Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria, 20 June 2023
FW Steven Bala (2003-11-19) 19 November 2003 (age 20)10 Flag of England.svg QPR U21 v. Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria, 20 June 2023
FW Rrok Toma (2004-02-27) 27 February 2004 (age 20)00 Flag of Italy.svg AlbinoLeffe v. Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria, 20 June 2023
FW Dijar Nikqi (2004-10-20) 20 October 2004 (age 19)50 Flag of Albania.svg Tirana v. Flag of Poland.svg  Poland, 27 March 2023
FW Renaldo Torraj (2004-07-15) 15 July 2004 (age 19)40 Flag of England.svg Burnley U21 v. Flag of Poland.svg  Poland, 27 March 2023
FW Ilir Gjuzi (2003-09-22) 22 September 2003 (age 20)20 Flag of Spain.svg Juventus-Lloretv. Flag of Poland.svg  Poland, 27 March 2023
FW Ertigen Shehu (2004-04-26) 26 April 2004 (age 19)20 Flag of Albania.svg Korabi v. Flag of Poland.svg  Poland, 27 March 2023
Notes
  • A = Was called up from national senior squad.
  • INJ = The player is not part of the current squad due to injury.
  • SUS = It is not available in next match due to red card suspension.

Coaching staff

Current coaching staff: [9]

PositionName
Head coach Flag of Albania.svg Alban Bushi
Assistant coach Flag of Albania.svg Arjan Bellaj
Goalkeeping coach Flag of Albania.svg Alfred Osmani
Athletic coach Flag of Albania.svg Iris Selimi
Team doctor Flag of Albania.svg Erald Derveni
Physiotherapists Flag of Albania.svg Gledi Rexha
Physiotherapists Flag of Albania.svg Edison Koçi
Base materials Flag of Albania.svg Roland Rarani

Balkan Youth Championship

Balkan Youth Championship record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
1976–1978Champions1st6321126
Flag of Greece.svg 1981Champions1st220062
Total2 Titles2/28521188
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty shoot-out.
**Gold background colour indicates that the tournament was won.

Honours

Balkan Youth Championship

See also

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The Switzerland national football team represents Switzerland in men's international football. The national team is controlled by the Swiss Football Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greece national football team</span> Mens national association football team representing Greece

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. Starting in 2023, Greece play their home matches in Nea Filadelfeia, a suburb of Athens, at the newly built Agia Sophia Stadium. Greece is one of only ten national teams to have been crowned UEFA European Champions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Czech Republic national football team</span> Mens national association football team representing the Czech Republic

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgia national football team</span> National association football team representing Georgia

The Georgia national football team represents Georgia in men's international football matches, and is controlled by the Georgian Football Federation. The Georgian team's first match took place in 1990, while Georgia was still part of the Soviet Union. The team have attempted to qualify for each major tournament from Euro 1996 onwards, with their first participation set to be at UEFA Euro 2024. Home games are played at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ukraine national football team</span> Mens national association football team representing Ukraine

The Ukraine national football team represents Ukraine in men's international football, and is governed by the Ukrainian Association of Football, the governing body for football in Ukraine. Ukraine's home ground is the Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kyiv. The team has been a full member of UEFA and FIFA since 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serbia national football team</span> Mens national association football team representing Serbia

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Albania national football team</span> Mens association football team

The Albania national football team represents Albania in men's international football, and is governed by the Albanian Football Association, the governing body for football in Albania.

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, 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. Albania has had some success in others sport such as volleyball and basketball as well.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kosovo national football team</span> Mens national association football team representing Kosovo

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Football in Albania</span> Overview of football in Albania

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 Albania national under-19 football team represents Albania in international football at this age level in the UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship and the FIFA U-20 World Cup, as well as any other under-19 international football tournaments. It is controlled by Albanian Football Association, the governing body for football in Albania.

The Kosovo national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Kosovo and is controlled by the Football Federation of Kosovo. The team is considered to be the feeder team for the Kosovo national team.

Fiorin Durmishaj is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Cypriot First Division club Nea Salamina. Born in Albania, he has represented the Greece.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Qazim Laçi</span> Albanian footballer

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.

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.

References

  1. ↑ Balkan Youth Championship 1976 RSSSF
  2. ↑ Second leg of the Balkan Youth Championship final RSSSF
  3. ↑ Balkan Youth Championship 1968–1981 RSSSF
  4. ↑ "Hungary-Albania | Under-21 2014/15".
  5. ↑ "Dämpfer für Österreichs U21 - 1:3 daheim gegen Albanien".
  6. ↑ "Albania-Hungary | Under-21 2016/17".
  7. ↑ "Albania-Greece | Under-21 2016/17".
  8. ↑ "EURO 2025 U-21/ Trajneri Bushi fton 23 lojtarë për sfidat me Finlandën & Zvicrën: Ndeshje vendimtare, por ne jemi të fortë në tokën tonë" [EURO 2025 U-21/ Coach Bushi calls 23 players for challenges with Finland & Switzerland: Crucial match, but we are strong on our soil] (in Albanian). Albanian Football Association. 12 March 2024.
  9. ↑ Kombëtarja U-21 (Albania national under-21 team) FSHF.org
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