After an inspiring performance in the UEFA Nations League play-out stage against Cyprus, the Albania Women’s National Football Team has confirmed its place in League B for the next edition. Riding on this success, the team is set to play two friendly matches against Turkey — a nation that has become a familiar and competitive rival in women’s football. The matches are scheduled to take place in Istanbul on November 28 and December 1, marking another important step in Albania’s preparation for future international competitions.
According to the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF), the two games are organized in close cooperation with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), reflecting a strong partnership between the two federations. Both federations aim to use these matches as an opportunity to enhance player experience, promote women’s football development, and strengthen sporting ties between the two countries.
The first friendly will be played at the Necmi Kadıoğlu Stadium in Istanbul on November 28, kicking off at 14:00 CET. The second encounter is set for December 1, at the Yusuf Ziya Öniş Stadium, also starting at 14:00 CET.
Building Momentum After Nations League Success
Albania’s women’s team recently completed a hard-fought campaign in the UEFA Nations League, securing survival in League B after an intense play-out against Cyprus. The matches showcased not only the team’s resilience and tactical discipline but also their growing cohesion and confidence.
The two upcoming friendlies will give the coaching staff an important opportunity to assess the current squad’s form and to experiment with new tactical setups. In addition, these games will be used to integrate new Albanian-origin players who are currently active in clubs abroad — a strategy that has proven effective in recent years for both the men’s and women’s national teams.
Turkey: A Competitive Rival and Valuable Test
Turkey represents a valuable opponent for Albania. Ranked higher in the UEFA women’s coefficient table, the Turkish national team brings a combination of physical strength, technical skill, and tactical awareness. Facing such a rival will help Albania gauge its progress and identify areas for improvement.
The Turkish women’s team has been steadily improving in recent years, investing heavily in domestic competitions and youth development. Matches like these provide an ideal testing ground for both teams, offering competitive but friendly encounters that support growth and experience at the international level.
Strengthening International Collaboration
The friendly series between Albania and Turkey is also a reflection of the deepening collaboration between the two football federations. Both FSHF and TFF have committed to increasing women’s football opportunities and promoting gender equality in sports.
Through initiatives such as youth development programs, exchange of coaching expertise, and joint training opportunities, both federations are paving the way for a stronger regional football community. These friendly matches symbolize not only a sporting event but also a gesture of mutual respect and cooperation between two nations that share cultural and historical ties.
Focus on Young Talent and Future Prospects
For Albania, one of the key objectives in these matches will be the integration of young talents into the national team structure. The coaching staff has been working on scouting players of Albanian descent who are playing in European leagues, particularly in Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and the United States.
This approach ensures that the national team remains competitive and continues to evolve in line with international football standards. The friendlies against Turkey will serve as a perfect stage for these young prospects to gain experience and confidence wearing the red and black jersey.
Support and Expectations
The Albanian football community has shown increasing support for the women’s national team, which has become a source of pride and inspiration for young girls across the country. Fans and analysts alike are looking forward to seeing how the team performs against Turkey, especially after their recent achievements.
The matches are also expected to draw local interest in Turkey, where women’s football has gained more visibility and professional support in recent years. Both federations are encouraging fans to attend the games and support women’s football, which continues to grow rapidly across Europe.
Match Details
Turkey vs Albania
📅 November 28, 2025
🕒 14:00 (CET)
🏟️ Necmi Kadıoğlu Stadium, Istanbul
Turkey vs Albania
📅 December 1, 2025
🕒 14:00 (CET)
🏟️ Yusuf Ziya Öniş Stadium, Istanbul
As Albania prepares to step onto Turkish soil for these two exciting fixtures, the spirit within the squad remains high. The focus is clear — to continue building a strong foundation for the future of women’s football in Albania and to represent the nation with passion, unity, and pride.
With young talent emerging, experienced leaders guiding the way, and a growing network of international partnerships, the Albanian Women’s National Team is looking forward to writing the next chapter of its inspiring journey.