In what will long be remembered as one of the most historic nights for Albanian football, the national team has officially secured its first-ever playoff qualification for a FIFA World Cup. The dream became reality on Thursday evening after a narrow but vital 1–0 victory over Andorra, combined with Serbia’s 2–0 defeat to England in the penultimate round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
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| Asllani kisses the Albanian national jersey after scoring the historic goal against Andorra while Manaj and Laci celebrate behind him. |
A Historic Win in Encamp, Andorra
Albania entered the match knowing exactly what was at stake. A win against Andorra was crucial, but they also needed England to avoid losing to Serbia. Everything aligned perfectly.
Playing in Encamp, Albania dominated possession and controlled the rhythm of the game. Despite Andorra’s deep defensive block and aggressive challenges, the Albanian side remained patient, searching for the breakthrough that would define their World Cup journey.
The decisive moment arrived thanks to the brilliance of midfield star Kristjan Asllani, who scored the only goal of the match. His precise shot came after a beautifully constructed action involving two super-subs: Nedim Bajrami and Myrto Uzuni.
How the Winning Goal Happened
The goal was a showcase of teamwork, timing, and intelligence—exactly what Albania needed on a night of such importance.
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Nedim Bajrami initiated the play brilliantly. After freeing himself from an Andorran defender, he advanced with purpose.
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Bajrami slipped the ball to Myrto Uzuni, who had entered the pitch only minutes earlier.
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Uzuni, calm and composed, delivered a perfectly weighted assist into the box.
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Kristjan Asllani struck with accuracy, sending the ball past the goalkeeper and igniting celebrations back home.
Asllani’s goal, scored just seven minutes after the substitutions, ultimately secured Albania’s place among the playoff contenders. It was a moment that symbolized a new era for the national team—a blend of youth, talent, and tactical maturity.
England’s Win Over Serbia: The Final Piece of the Puzzle
While Albania did its job on the field, the team and millions of supporters were closely watching the events unfolding in England. The Three Lions delivered a solid performance, defeating Serbia 2–0, a result that dropped the Serbian team four points behind Albania and mathematically confirmed Albania’s place in the 2026 World Cup playoffs.
With England already qualified directly, the battle for the second position in the group was now decisively in Albania’s favor.
Group Standings and Albania’s Position
Following the results, Albania stands firmly in second place with 14 points, while Serbia trails with 10. This difference is now insurmountable with only one match left to play.
England tops the group comfortably, having already secured their direct qualification.
This sets up an exciting finale: Albania vs England in Tirana, a match that promises a festive atmosphere regardless of the result, as Albanian fans celebrate their team’s historic progression.
A New Chapter for Albanian Football
After two appearances in the UEFA European Championship, Albania is now poised to chase an even bigger dream—the FIFA World Cup. The playoff matches, scheduled for March, will determine whether Albania can make history once again and step onto football’s biggest stage for the first time.
The team’s performance throughout the qualifiers has been marked by tactical discipline, creative attacking play, and rising talents who have proven capable of competing against Europe’s toughest nations.
The victory over Andorra—though narrow—reflects the maturity of a team that knows how to secure results when everything is on the line.
The upcoming match against England in Tirana will serve as both a celebration and a final test before the playoffs. With the stadium expected to be packed and fans ready to honor their team’s achievement, Sunday’s game will be emotionally charged and symbolic.
As Albania prepares for the next stage, optimism is at an all-time high. The nation believes more than ever that qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is no longer a dream, but a real possibility.