The Albania women's national football team has officially launched its preparations in Shkodër for the first two matches of 2026, marking the beginning of an important journey in the qualifiers for the FIFA Women's World Cup. The Albanian squad will face Montenegro women's national football team and Czech Republic women's national football team in the opening fixtures of the campaign, aiming to secure valuable early points.
This training camp in Shkodër represents more than just routine preparation—it signals ambition, growth, and a new chapter for women’s football in Albania.
Strong Start in Shkodër: Full Focus on World Cup Qualification
The first training session saw the majority of the squad present on the pitch, displaying high intensity, discipline, and tactical awareness. By the evening, the group was fully completed with the arrival of Marinela Mema, Antigoni Hyska, and Mikaela Metalla, further strengthening the team ahead of the upcoming challenges.
With a complete roster now available, the coaching staff immediately implemented tactical drills and strategic exercises designed to prepare the players for two technically demanding opponents. The atmosphere in Shkodër has been described as highly motivated and focused, reflecting the importance of these opening matches in the 2026 calendar.
For Albania, starting strong is crucial. Early points in qualification campaigns often determine momentum and confidence levels for the rest of the group stage.
Albania vs Montenegro – First Test on March 3
The first official match of the campaign will take place on March 3, when Albania travels to face Montenegro. Playing away from home always presents additional challenges, but the Albanian squad appears determined to begin the qualifiers with a positive result.
Montenegro has steadily developed its women’s football structure in recent years, making this fixture both competitive and strategically significant. A win or even a strong performance could set the tone for Albania’s entire qualification path toward the 2027 World Cup.
The team will continue preparations in Shkodër before departing for Montenegro, using every training session to refine defensive organization, midfield transitions, and attacking efficiency.
Facing Czech Republic – A Bigger European Challenge
Following the Montenegro clash, Albania will also face the Czech Republic—one of the more established teams in European women’s football. This match is expected to test Albania’s defensive solidity and tactical discipline.
The Czech side brings experience from high-level UEFA competitions, meaning Albania will need to demonstrate resilience, teamwork, and strategic maturity. For Albanian football fans, this fixture represents an opportunity to measure the national team’s growth against stronger European opposition.
Shkodër: A Symbolic Football City
Choosing Shkodër as the preparation base carries symbolic value. Known as one of Albania’s most football-passionate cities, Shkodër has historically played a key role in developing football talent. Hosting the women’s national team reflects the growing recognition and support for women’s football nationwide.
The local environment provides excellent training conditions and strong community backing. This support is crucial as Albania continues investing in women’s sports infrastructure and youth development.
Growing Momentum for Women’s Football in Albania
In recent years, women’s football in Albania has experienced steady progress. Increased participation at youth levels, better organizational structures, and improved visibility have contributed to a more competitive national setup.
The 2027 World Cup qualifiers offer another opportunity to showcase this development on the international stage. While Albania may not yet be considered a traditional powerhouse in women’s football, the trajectory is clearly upward.
The players’ visible motivation during the opening training session highlights a shared understanding: this campaign is not just about results—it is about establishing Albania as a serious competitor in European women’s football.
Tactical Preparation and Team Cohesion
Reports from the training camp emphasize tactical work as a central focus. The coaching staff is prioritizing:
- Defensive compactness
- Quick transitions from midfield
- Improved finishing in the final third
- Physical conditioning for high-intensity matches
Team cohesion also plays a vital role. The integration of players arriving from different clubs and football environments requires effective communication and chemistry. The early completion of the squad allows more time to build this synergy before the Montenegro match.
The Road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup would represent a historic milestone for Albania. Even competing strongly in the qualifiers enhances the team’s UEFA ranking and international credibility.
For Albanian supporters, these matches are more than fixtures—they symbolize progress, representation, and national pride. Each point gained strengthens Albania’s long-term development strategy in women’s football.
With preparations underway in Shkodër and a clear objective in sight—securing the first points of the campaign—the Albania Women’s National Team begins 2026 with determination and belief.
What This Means for Albanian Football Fans
Albanian fans should closely follow these upcoming fixtures. The national team’s progress reflects broader growth in Albanian sport and gender equality in football.
The opening qualifier against Montenegro on March 3 will be a defining moment. A positive result could energize supporters and build momentum ahead of the clash with Czech Republic.
As Albania steps onto the international stage once again, the message is clear: the dream of competing at the 2027 World Cup is alive—and preparations in Shkodër are just the beginning.