Kosovo national football team

Page semi-protected
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Kosovo
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Dardanët (Dardanians)
AssociationFootball Federation of Kosovo (FFK)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachFranco Foda
CaptainVedat Muriqi
Most capsAmir Rrahmani (56)
Top scorerVedat Muriqi (26)
Home stadiumFadil Vokrri Stadium
FIFA codeKOS[1]
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 102 Steady (4 April 2024)[2]
Highest101 (November 2023[3])
Lowest190 (July–August 2016[3])
First international
Biggest win
Biggest defeat
 Kosovo 0–6 Croatia 
(Shkodër, Albania; 6 October 2016)

The Kosovo national football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja e futbollit të Kosovës; Serbian: Фудбалска репрезентација Косова, romanizedFudbalska reprezentacija Kosova) 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.

History

Pre-independence

First ever match

On 29 November 1942, Kosovo for first time in its history played a friendly match as part of the celebrations for 30th Anniversary of the Independence of Albania against Tirana[a] and the match ended with a 2–0 away defeat and the starting line-up of that match was Mustafa Daci (GK), Ballanca, Ahmet Zaimi, Mazllum Xërxa, Veseli, Hajdar Hamza, Nebil Dylatahu, Ramadan Vraniqi, Dobrica Barbaroga,[b] Bajrami and Henci.[5][6][4]

Yugoslav era

"The reason of this friendly match is that we wanted to face with a team that has the same temperament and character as Albania national team."

—The reasoning of the then head coach of Yugoslavia, Rajko Mitić for the reason for organizing the Kosovo–Yugoslavia match.[4]

On 8 November 1967, Kosovo for first time as autonomous province of SFR Yugoslavia played a friendly match against Yugoslavia and the match ended with a 3–3 home draw and the starting line-up of that match was a mix between Albanian and Serbian players as Milosavlević, Stevanović, Mušikić, Abrashi, S. Džukić, V. Džukić, Brovina, Hatibi, Radović, Prekazi and Pindović, for Yugoslavia this match it was a pre-preparation before the UEFA Euro 1968 qualifying match against Albania.

As part of Yugoslavia national team

Yugoslav squads at international competitions often included players from Kosovo, such as

1960 Summer Olympics and silver medal at the 1960 European Nations' Cup
.

After breakup of Yugoslavia

On 20 January 1993, The Football Federation of Kosovo signed a cooperation protocol with the Albanian Football Association and in the framework of this protocol it was decided to play on 14 February a friendly match between Albania and Kosovo, which was the first match of Kosovo following the breakup of Yugoslavia,[7] and this match ended with a 1–3 defeat and the starting line-up of that match was Ahmet Beselica (GK), Ardian Kozniku, Bardhec Seferi, Fadil Berisha, Gani Llapashtica, Genc Hoxha, Isa Sadriu, Kushtrim Munishi, Muharrem Sahiti, Sadullah Ajeti and Selajdin Jerliu.[8]

After Kosovo War

"I am very pleased with the team's performance even though we had predicted a stronger opponent. However, I want to emphasize that our players have been fantastic. The fact that we do not play many international matches may have inspired the players to give it their all this time."

—Opinion of the then coach Muharrem Sahiti after the match against Monaco.[9]

On 7 September 2002, Kosovo for first time after the Kosovo War played a friendly match against Albania and the match ended with a 0–1 home minimal defeat and the starting line-up of that match was Ahmet Beselica (GK), Ardian Kozniku, Arsim Abazi, Besnik Kollari, Fadil Ademi, Faruk Statovci, Ismet Munishi, Mehmet Dragusha, Sunaj Keqi, Xhevdet Llumnica and Zenun Selimi.[10]

One of the most important international matches was a 1–0 win over Saudi Arabia played on 15 June 2007. It was the first time that Kosovo played against a team that has taken part in the FIFA World Cup and the winning goal was scored by Kristian Nushi from the penalty kick on the 84th minute.[11] On 22 April 2006, Kosovo achieved their biggest win, defeating Monaco 7–1. If one included matches played before Kosovo became a FIFA member, this scoreline is their best result yet.[12]

After independence

First match

On 17 February 2010, for the first time since its declaration of independence, Kosovo played a friendly match against Albania (the match ended with a 2–3 home defeat for Kosovo). The starting line-up of that match was Kushtrim Mushica (GK), Anel Rashkaj, Dukagjin Gashi, Enis Zabërgja, Fisnik Papuçi, Ilir Nallbani, Liridon Kukaj, Robert Gjeraj, Shpëtim Hasani and Yll Hoxha. This match had a charity character as the profits gathered from this meeting went to those affected by floods in Shkodër.[13]

Efforts for internationalization

On 6 May 2008, after its declaration of independence from Serbia, Kosovo applied for FIFA membership. On 24 October 2008, Kosovo's application was discussed at the FIFA Congress in Zürich and Kosovo's bid was rejected. At the occasion, FIFA's determined Kosovo could not even play friendly matches against FIFA members' national teams.[14]

In September 2012, Albania international Lorik Cana, along with Swiss internationals Granit Xhaka, Valon Behrami and Xherdan Shaqiri, all of them with Kosovo Albanian origin, wrote a declaration to FIFA President Sepp Blatter, asking him to allow Kosovo to play friendly matches. The declaration was also signed by eight other Albanian footballers hailing from Kosovo as Ahmed Januzi, Alban Meha, Armend Dallku, Burim Kukeli, Etrit Berisha, Fatmire Bajramaj, Lorik Cana, Mërgim Mavraj and Samir Ujkani.[15] Some players, especially Kosovo Serbs as Milan Biševac and Miloš Krasić, continued to play for Serbia.[16][17]

Permission by FIFA to play friendlies
Kosovo starting line-up in first international friendly against Haiti
(4–3–3)[18][19]

On 6 February 2013, FIFA decided to allow Kosovan club teams to play friendly games against clubs from countries whose national teams were members of FIFA.[20] However, it was stipulated that Kosovan clubs and teams could not display national symbols such as the Kosovan flag, emblem, etc., or play the Kosovan anthem.[20]

On 5 March 2014, the Kosovan football team was finally allowed by FIFA to play its first international friendly match, against Haiti; the match ended in a 0–0 draw.[21][22] Before the match, some players of Kosovo posed with guns at a shooting range, causing a stir in Serbia.[23] On the eve of the match, supporters of Kosovo burned the flag of Serbia.[24] This incident prompted the Football Association of Serbia to request that FIFA revoked Kosovo's right to play international friendlies.[25]

After the match against Haiti, six more matches were held in 2014, against Turkey, Senegal, Oman, Equatorial Guinea and Albania. The first win in these friendlies was against Oman, by 1–0,[26] while the biggest defeat a 1–6 against Turkey.[27]

Membership in UEFA and FIFA

In September 2015, at an UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Malta, the request from Kosovo for admission in UEFA was scheduled for deliberation in the next Ordinary Congress, to be held in Budapest.[28] On 3 May 2016, at the Ordinary Congress, Kosovo was accepted into UEFA after members voted 28–24 in favor of Kosovo.[29][30] Ten days later, Kosovo was accepted in FIFA during their 66th Congress in Mexico, with 141 votes in favour and 23 against.[31]

First tournament

Debut in World Cup qualification and nearly successful first Euro attempt

Kosovo began to make their debut in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, where Kosovo was assigned with Croatia, Finland, Iceland, Turkey and Ukraine.[32][33] The Kosovars created its first major surprise, holding host Finland to a 1–1 draw,[34] but it turned to be the lone point of Kosovo in the qualification, as the team lost the remaining games and finished last.

Kosovo's most used starting line-up during their fifteen-match unbeaten run (4–3–3)[35][36]

Following the failure to qualify for 2018 FIFA World Cup, Kosovo participated in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League D sharing group with Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands and Malta,[37][38] where the Kosovars topped their group undefeated to reach the country's first-ever play-offs in its attempt to qualify for UEFA Euro 2020.[39] After the successful Nations League, Kosovo entered the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, where they shared group A with Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Montenegro and 2018 World Cup fourth place finisher England.[40] As the dark horse of the qualification, Kosovo however created a major phenomenon, managed to beat Bulgaria, Montenegro and especially, a shock home win over the Czechs to take the second place behind England, being 15 matches and on that time nearly two years without defeat winning 11 of these 15 matches. The game against England away even saw the Kosovars took an early lead in the surprise, even though they were unable to protect it and fell 3–5 away, ending the longest unbeaten run in the football history of Kosovo.[41] In the decisive match against the Czechs away, which Kosovo needed a win to directly qualify for the first time, Kosovo gained a shock lead, but failed to protect it again as they lost 1–2 and could only participate in the play-off,[42] but this remained to be Kosovo's greatest success up to date.

Setback

After successfully obtained a play-off position, Kosovo headed to the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League C, being drawn with Greece, Moldova and Slovenia.[43] After impressive performance in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, Kosovo was tipped favorably to promote to League B. Yet, Kosovo began the Nations League with a disappointing 1–1 away draw to Moldova,[44] before the team which was halved due to the absences of key players suffered a 1–2 home loss against Greece.[45]

In Kosovo's first ever competitive UEFA Euro play-offs, Kosovo was drawn against North Macedonia.[42] However, Kosovo was eliminated after losing 1–2 to the Macedonians in Skopje.[46] After the elimination in the play-off's semifinals, the Kosovo's setback continues and the year 2020 was ended six losses, two draws and a victory in the last match of the year against Moldova, a victory which secured the attitude even for another season in the League C of the UEFA Nations League.[47]

Team image

Nicknames

The Kosovo national football team has been known or nicknamed as the "Dardanët" ("Dardanians"). In addition to the official nickname, the Kosovo national team had different nicknames in different periods as:

  • "Shqipëria B" ("Albania B") — During the period before 2016, the national teams of Kosovo and Albania have exchanged players with each other, which influenced these two teams to be nicknamed reserve (B) teams of each other, the Kosovo national team was nicknamed Albania B due to many players came to play for Kosovo as they had no space to play for Albania, but the same thing happened with the Albanian national team which was nicknamed Kosovo B due to of the large number of players of Kosovo Albanian descent in its composition.[48]
  • "Ekipi i Kosovës" ("Team Kosovo") — The Kosovo national team during the 2009–10 period was introduced with the nickname that was used as an alternative name in order to avoid possible sanctions by UEFA and FIFA against Kosovo and the opponents that Kosovo played. After Kosovo was allowed on 6 February 2013 by FIFA to play against FIFA member associations in international friendlies,[20] this alternative name was no longer used.
  • "Brazili i Ballkanit" ("Brazil of the Balkans") — The Kosovo national team was nicknamed the Brazil of the Balkans during their fifteen-match unbeaten run during the 2018–19 season.[36][49][50]

Kits and crest

Kosovo kit in the first competitive match against Finland in September 2016.

The Kosovo kit has been mostly red and black before declaration of independence with few changes throughout the years and after the independence the kits are mostly blue and yellow. On 5 October 2016, Kosovo signed with Spanish sportswear company Kelme to a four-year contract and was the first official kit suppliers of Kosovo after membership in UEFA and FIFA.[51] On 23 February 2022, Kosovo signed with Italian sportswear company Erreà to a three-year contract for it to the kit suppliers of Kosovo.[52]

Kit sponsorship

Kit supplier Period Contract
Announcement Duration
Legea 2014 March 2014
Puma 2014 May 2014
Legea 2014 September 2014
Umbro 2015 October 2015 November 2015
Puma 2016 June 2016
Kelme 2016–2018 5 October 2016 2016–2020 (4 years)
Fourteen 2018–2022 16 June 2018 2018–2022 (4 years)
Erreà 2023–present 23 February 2023 2023–2026 (3 years)

Home stadium

Kosovo's home stadium is the Fadil Vokrri Stadium. The stadium capacity is 13,500, which makes it the second largest national stadium in Kosovo. Kosovo's previous national stadium was the Adem Jashari Olympic Stadium which is currently under renovation. Kosovo also used Loro Boriçi Stadium during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign,[53][54] and this happened after the two stadiums in Pristina and Mitrovica at that time were under renovation and do not meet UEFA standards.[55] On 12 July 2019, the construction of Kosovo National Stadium began,[56] and two days later the project of this stadium was presented which would have a capacity of 30,000 seats,[57] but after the presentation, the construction was suspended for political reasons related to the location.[58]

As of 9 September 2023[59]
Kosovo national football team home stadiums
Stadium Capacity Location Pld W D L Win % First match Last match UEFA
category
Ref
Opponent Date Opponent Date
Fadil Vokrri Stadium 13,500 Pristina, Kosovo 35 15 10 10 042.86  Yugoslavia 8 November 1967  Israel 12 November 2023 [60]
Loro Boriçi Stadium 16,000 Shkodër, Albania 5 0 0 5 000.00  Croatia 6 October 2016  Ukraine 6 October 2017 [61]
Adem Jashari Olympic Stadium 18,500 Mitrovica, Kosovo 3 1 1 1 033.33  Haiti 5 March 2014  Latvia 13 November 2017 [62]

Rivalries

Albania

This derby is otherwise known as Brotherly derby (Albanian: Derbi vëllazëror), also known as the Brotherly (Albanian: Vëllazërorja). The documented beginnings of this derby date back to the time during the World War II, respectively on 29 November 1942, where they played a friendly match as part of the celebrations for 30th Anniversary of the Independence of Albania and the match ended with a 2–0 win for Tirana,[a][5][6][4] this derby is back 50 years after the first match, when the Football Federation of Kosovo signed a cooperation protocol with the Albanian Football Association and in the framework of this protocol it was decided to play on 14 February a friendly match between these two national teams,[7] and this match ended with a 3–1 win for Albania.[8]

Media coverage

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2023

16 June Euro 2024 qualifying Kosovo  0–0  Romania Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 12,600
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
19 June Euro 2024 qualifying Belarus  2–1  Kosovo Budapest, Hungary[c]
20:45
Report Muriqi 87' (pen.) Stadium: Szusza Ferenc Stadion[c]
Attendance: 0[c]
Referee: Julian Weinberger (Austria)
9 September Euro 2024 qualifying Kosovo  2–2   Switzerland Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 Muriqi 65', 90+4' Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 12,700
Referee: Jakob Kehlet (Denmark)
12 September Euro 2024 qualifying Romania  2–0  Kosovo Bucharest, Romania
20:45
Report Stadium: Arena Națională
Attendance: 29,982
Referee: Willy Delajod (France)
12 October Euro 2024 qualifying Andorra  0–3  Kosovo Andorra la Vella, Andorra
20:45 Report
Stadium: Estadi Nacional
Attendance: 1,207
Referee: Nick Walsh (Scotland)
12 November[d] Euro 2024 qualifying Kosovo  1–0  Israel Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 Rashica 41' Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 5,245
Referee: Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia)
18 November Euro 2024 qualifying Switzerland  1–1  Kosovo Basel, Switzerland
20:45 Vargas 47' Report Hyseni 82' Stadium: St. Jakob-Park
Attendance: 33,000
Referee: António Nobre (Portugal)
21 November Euro 2024 qualifying Kosovo  0–1  Belarus Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 Report Antilevsky 43' Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 5,026
Referee: Georgi Kabakov (Bulgaria)

2024

22 March Friendly Armenia  0–1  Kosovo Yerevan, Armenia
17:00 Report Rashica 25' Stadium: Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Irakli Kvirikashvili (Georgia)
26 March Friendly Hungary  2–0  Kosovo Budapest, Hungary
19:00
Report Stadium:
Ovidiu Hategan (Romania
)
5 June Friendly Norway  v  Kosovo Oslo, Norway
Report Stadium: Ullevaal Stadion
6 September 2024–25 Nations League Kosovo  v  Romania TBD
20:45 Report
9 September 2024–25 Nations League Cyprus  v  Kosovo Cyprus
20:45 (21:45 UTC+3) Report
15 October 2024–25 Nations League Kosovo  v  Cyprus TBD
20:45 Report

Coaching staff

Franco Foda, the current head coach of Kosovo national football team.

Current coaching staff

Position Name
Head coach Germany Franco Foda
Assistant coach(es) Germany Thomas Kristl
Austria Robert Ibertsberger
Goalkeeping coach Kosovo Ahmet Beselica
Team manager Kosovo Bajram Shala
Sports director Kosovo Muharrem Sahiti
Kosovo Samir Ujkani

Manager history

Muharrem Sahiti has been the manager of the national team in three separate stints.
No. Name Period Record
G W D L Win %
1 Republic of Kosova Ajet Shosholli 1993–2002 1 0 0 1 000.00
2 Kosovo Bylbyl Sokoli 2002–2005 1 0 0 1 000.00
3 Kosovo Muharrem Sahiti 2005–2006 3 2 0 1 066.67
4 Kosovo Edmond Rugova 2006–2009 1 1 0 0 100.00
5 Kosovo Albert Bunjaki 2009–2017 18 3 3 12 016.67
C Kosovo Muharrem Sahiti 2017–2018 1 1 0 0 100.00
6 Switzerland Bernard Challandes
Kosovo Muharrem Sahiti[e]
2018–2021
2020
40 17 8 15 042.50
C Slovenia Primož Gliha 2021–2022 2 0 1 1 000.00
7 France Alain Giresse 2022–2023 14 4 6 4 028.57
8 Slovenia Primož Gliha 2023 6 2 2 2 033.33
9 Germany Franco Foda 2024–present 2 1 0 1 050.00

Players

Current squad

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
12 1GK Arijanet Muric (1998-11-07) 7 November 1998 (age 25) 38 0 England Burnley
1 1GK Visar Bekaj (1997-05-24) 24 May 1997 (age 26) 7 0 Turkey Hatayspor
16 1GK Ilir Avdyli (1990-05-20) 20 May 1990 (age 33) 0 0 Kosovo Llapi

13 2DF Amir Rrahmani (captain) (1994-02-24) 24 February 1994 (age 30) 56 6 Italy Napoli
15 2DF Mërgim Vojvoda (1995-02-01) 1 February 1995 (age 29) 55 2 Italy Torino
3 2DF Fidan Aliti (3rd captain) (1993-10-03) 3 October 1993 (age 30) 54 1 Turkey Alanyaspor
2 2DF Florent Hadergjonaj (1994-07-31) 31 July 1994 (age 29) 33 1 Turkey Alanyaspor
4 2DF Mirlind Kryeziu (1997-01-26) 26 January 1997 (age 27) 11 0 Switzerland Zürich
5 2DF Lumbardh Dellova (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 (age 25) 8 0 Kosovo Ballkani
6 2DF Ilir Krasniqi (2000-04-02) 2 April 2000 (age 24) 6 0 Kosovo Llapi

7 3MF Milot Rashica (1996-06-28) 28 June 1996 (age 27) 55 12 Turkey Beşiktaş
14 3MF Valon Berisha (4th captain) (1993-02-07) 7 February 1993 (age 31) 42 4 Austria LASK
9 3MF Bersant Celina (1996-09-09) 9 September 1996 (age 27) 38 2 Sweden AIK
10 3MF Edon Zhegrova (1999-03-31) 31 March 1999 (age 25) 36 4 France Lille
8 3MF Florent Muslija (1998-07-06) 6 July 1998 (age 25) 25 1 Germany SC Freiburg
23 3MF Zymer Bytyqi (1996-09-11) 11 September 1996 (age 27) 24 1 Turkey Antalyaspor
19 3MF Florian Loshaj (1996-08-13) 13 August 1996 (age 27) 24 0 Turkey İstanbulspor
21 3MF Donat Rrudhani (1999-05-02) 2 May 1999 (age 24) 12 2 Switzerland Lausanne-Sport
22 3MF Blendi Idrizi (1998-05-02) 2 May 1998 (age 25) 8 0 Germany Schalke 04
24 3MF Drilon Hazrollaj (2004-02-19) 19 February 2004 (age 20) 0 0 Kosovo Malisheva

18 4FW Vedat Muriqi (vice-captain) (1994-04-24) 24 April 1994 (age 29) 53 26 Spain Mallorca
11 4FW Elbasan Rashani (1993-05-09) 9 May 1993 (age 30) 28 5 France Clermont
20 4FW Albion Rrahmani (2000-08-31) 31 August 2000 (age 23) 3 0 Romania Rapid București

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. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Mustafë Abdullahu (2004-02-27) 27 February 2004 (age 20) 0 0 Albania Tirana v.  Armenia, 22 March 2024U21
GK Kenan Haxhihamza (1996-12-28) 28 December 1996 (age 27) 0 0 Kosovo Dukagjini v.  Belarus, 21 November 2023

DF Leart Paqarada (1994-08-10) 10 August 1994 (age 29) 31 1 Germany 1. FC Köln v.  Hungary, 26 March 2024INJ
DF Lirim Kastrati (1999-02-02) 2 February 1999 (age 25) 15 0 Poland Widzew Łódź v.  Armenia, 22 March 2024PRE
DF Kreshnik Hajrizi (1999-05-28) 28 May 1999 (age 24) 4 0 Switzerland Lugano v.  Armenia, 22 March 2024PRE
DF Betim Fazliji (1999-04-25) 25 April 1999 (age 24) 22 0 Switzerland St. Gallen v.  Andorra, 12 October 2023INJ
DF Ismajl Beka (1999-10-31) 31 October 1999 (age 24) 1 0 Switzerland Luzern v.  Andorra, 12 October 2023INJ
DF Ibrahim Drešević (1997-01-24) 24 January 1997 (age 27) 25 0 Japan Machida Zelvia v.  Romania, 12 September 2023
DF Valon Zumberi (2002-11-24) 24 November 2002 (age 21) 0 0 Switzerland Schaffhausen v.   Switzerland, 9 September 2023U21
DF Andi Hoti (2003-03-02) 2 March 2003 (age 21) 0 0 Germany 1. FC Magdeburg v.   Switzerland, 9 September 2023U21
DF Amar Gërxhaliu (2002-04-26) 26 April 2002 (age 21) 0 0 Turkey Antalyaspor v.  Belarus, 19 June 2023U21

MF Qëndrim Zyba (2001-02-03) 3 February 2001 (age 23) 4 0 Poland Legia Warsaw v.  Armenia, 22 March 2024PRE
MF Altin Zeqiri (2000-07-18) 18 July 2000 (age 23) 3 1 Turkey Çaykur Rizespor v.  Armenia, 22 March 2024PRE
MF Emir Sahiti (1998-11-29) 29 November 1998 (age 25) 2 0 Croatia Hajduk Split v.  Armenia, 22 March 2024PRE
MF Lindon Emërllahu (2002-12-07) 7 December 2002 (age 21) 2 0 Kosovo Ballkani v.  Armenia, 22 March 2024U21
MF Bernard Berisha (1991-10-21) 21 October 1991 (age 32) 26 1 Russia Akhmat Grozny v.  Belarus, 21 November 2023
MF Meriton Korenica (1996-12-15) 15 December 1996 (age 27) 5 0 Kosovo Ballkani v.  Belarus, 21 November 2023
MF Alban Ajdini (1999-07-09) 9 July 1999 (age 24) 1 0 Switzerland Stade Lausanne Ouchy v.  Belarus, 21 November 2023
MF Arbër Zeneli (1995-02-25) 25 February 1995 (age 29) 33 9 Sweden Elfsborg v.  Romania, 12 September 2023
MF Hekuran Kryeziu (1993-02-12) 12 February 1993 (age 31) 29 0 Unattached v.  Belarus, 19 June 2023

FW Muhamet Hyseni (2001-02-06) 6 February 2001 (age 23) 2 1 Kosovo Llapi v.  Armenia, 22 March 2024PRE
FW Shkelqim Vladi (2000-09-21) 21 September 2000 (age 23) 0 0 Switzerland Lugano v.  Armenia, 22 March 2024PRE
FW Ermal Krasniqi (1998-09-07) 7 September 1998 (age 25) 4 0 Romania Rapid București v.  Belarus, 21 November 2023
FW Jetmir Topalli (1998-02-07) 7 February 1998 (age 26) 6 0 Turkey Manisa v.  Belarus, 19 June 2023

Notes
  • U21 = Was called up from national U21 squad.
  • INJ = Not part of the current squad due to injury.
  • PRE = Preliminary squad/standby.

Records

As of 26 March 2024[75][76]
Players in bold are still active with Kosovo.

Most appearances

Milot Rashica is the joint second-most capped player in the history of Kosovo with 55 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Pos. Career
1 Amir Rrahmani 56 6 DF 2014–present
2 Milot Rashica 55 12 MF 2016–present
Mërgim Vojvoda 55 2 DF 2017–present
4 Fidan Aliti 54 1 DF 2017–present
5 Vedat Muriqi 53 26 FW 2016–present
6 Valon Berisha 42 4 MF 2016–present
7 Bersant Celina 38 2 MF 2014–present
Arijanet Muric 38 0 GK 2018–present
9 Samir Ujkani 36 0 GK 2014–2022
Edon Zhegrova 36 4 FW 2018–present

Top goalscorers

Vedat Muriqi is the top scorer in the history of Kosovo with 26 goals.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Vedat Muriqi 26 53 0.49 2016–present
2 Milot Rashica 12 55 0.22 2016–present
3 Arbër Zeneli 9 33 0.27 2016–present
4 Amir Rrahmani 6 56 0.11 2014–present
5 Elbasan Rashani 5 28 0.18 2015–present
6 Benjamin Kololli 4 24 0.17 2016–present
Edon Zhegrova 4 36 0.11 2018–present
Valon Berisha 4 42 0.1 2016–present
9 Albert Bunjaku 3 6 0.5 2014–2016
Atdhe Nuhiu 3 19 0.16 2017–2020
Besar Halimi 3 34 0.09 2015–2021

Captains

As of 22 March 2024[77]
Samir Ujkani is the joint-most capped player as captain in the history of Kosovo, with 30 appearances.
Anel Rashkaj is the first captain who led Kosovo in the first international match against Haiti.
Rank Pos. Player As captain Total
Career Caps Career Caps
1 DF Amir Rrahmani 2019–present 31 2014–present 57
2 GK Samir Ujkani 2015–2022 30 2014–2022 36
3 DF Fidan Aliti 2020–present 3 2017–present 54
MF Valon Berisha 2018–present 3 2016–present 42
MF Anel Rashkaj 2014 3 2014–2020 14
FW Vedat Muriqi 2022–present 3 2016–present 53
7 MF Herolind Shala 2019–2020 2 2016–2021 27
GK Visar Bekaj 2021–present 2 2015–present 7
9 MF Hekuran Kryeziu 2019–present 1 2015–present 30
MF Florian Loshaj 2021–present 1 2020–present 24
DF Lirim R. Kastrati 2022–present 1 2017–present 15
MF Enis Alushi 2014 1 2014–2017 10
MF Besnik Hasi 2007 1 2007 1
MF Genc Hoxha 1993 1 1993 1

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

On 9 June 2016, the UEFA Emergency Panel decided that Kosovo would join Croatia, Finland, Iceland, Turkey and Ukraine in Group I, and also decided that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia should not play against Kosovo for security reasons.[32][33] On 5 September 2016, Kosovo made its debut in FIFA World Cup qualification with a 1–1 away draw against Finland, with Kosovo's equalizing goal being scored by newcomer Valon Berisha from a penalty kick in the 60th minute.[34] On 2 September 2021, Kosovo achieved their first win in the FIFA World Cup qualifications a 1–0 away win against Georgia.[78]

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 to France 1938 Part of  Kingdom of Yugoslavia Part of  Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Brazil 1950 to Italy 1990 Part of  SFR Yugoslavia Part of  SFR Yugoslavia
United States 1994 to South KoreaJapan 2002 Part of  Yugoslavia Part of  Yugoslavia
Germany 2006 Part of  Serbia and Montenegro Part of  Serbia and Montenegro
South Africa 2010 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Brazil 2014
Russia 2018 Did not qualify 6th 10 0 1 9 3 24
Qatar 2022 5th 8 1 2 5 5 15
CanadaMexicoUnited States 2026 To be determined To be determined
MoroccoPortugalSpain 2030[f]
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2/2 18 1 3 14 8 39
  • Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks; correct as of 14 November 2021 after the match against  Greece.[80]

UEFA European Championship

On 2 December 2018, in Dublin, it was decided that Kosovo should be part in Group A of the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, together with Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Montenegro and 2018 World Cup fourth place finisher England.[40] On 25 March 2019, Kosovo made their debut on UEFA European Championship qualifying with a 1–1 home draw against Bulgaria and the draw goal was scored by Arbër Zeneli on the 61st minute.[81] On 11 June 2019, Kosovo won their first ever qualifying match for a major tournament by defeating Bulgaria 3–2.[82]

UEFA European Championship record Qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos Pld W D L GF GA
1960 to Sweden 1992
Part of  SFR Yugoslavia Part of  SFR Yugoslavia
England 1996 to BelgiumNetherlands 2000 Part of  Yugoslavia Part of  Yugoslavia
Portugal 2004 Part of  Serbia and Montenegro Part of  Serbia and Montenegro
AustriaSwitzerland 2008 Part of  Serbia Part of  Serbia
PolandUkraine 2012 Not a UEFA member Not a UEFA member
France 2016
Europe 2020 Did not qualify 3rd (PO) 9 3 2 4 14 18
Germany 2024 5th 10 2 5 3 10 10
United Kingdom Republic of Ireland 2028 To be determined To be determined
Italy Turkey 2032
Total 0/2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2/2 19 5 7 7 24 28

UEFA Nations League

Kosovo's Nations League record
First match  Azerbaijan 0–0 Kosovo 
(Baku, Azerbaijan; 7 September 2018)
Biggest win  Malta 0–5 Kosovo 
(Ta' Qali, Malta; 17 November 2018)
Biggest defeat
Three matches
Best result 39th place in 2022–23
Worst result 44th place in 2020–21

On 24 January 2018, in Lausanne, it was decided that Kosovo should be part of League D in Group 3 of the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, together with Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands and Malta.[37][38] On 7 September 2018, Kosovo made their debut in the UEFA Nations League with a 0–0 away draw against Azerbaijan.[84] On 10 September 2018, Kosovo achieved their first win in the UEFA Nations League, which was also the team's first-ever competitive win, a 2–0 home win against the Faroe Islands.[85] Kosovo finished the league unbeaten (with four wins and two draws) and will be promoted to the next tier (C league) for the next edition.[39]

UEFA Nations League record
League phase Finals
Season LG Grp Pos. Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK Year Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad
2018–19 D 3 1st 6 4 2 0 15 2 Rise 42nd Portugal 2019 Did not qualify
2020–21 C 3 3rd 6 1 2 3 4 6 Same position 44th Italy 2021
2022–23 C 2 2nd 6 3 0 3 11 8 Same position 39th Netherlands 2023
2024–25 C 2 To be determined 2025
Total 18 8 4 7 30 16 39th Total 0 0 0 0 0 0

Non-FIFA Tournament

Kosovo for first time after the Kosovo War participated in a tournament held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Turkish Football Association. Kosovo lost against the host with result 1–0 and won against Sàpmi with result 4–1.[87]

Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Northern Cyprus KTFF 50th Anniversary Cup Runners-up 2nd 2 1 0 1 4 2 Squad
Total Runners-up 1/1 2 1 0 1 4 2

FIFA ranking history

As of 29 October 2023[3]

  Best ranking   Worst ranking   Best mover   Worst mover

Rank Year Pld W D L Win % Ranking Move
Best Worst Best (+) Worst (−)
  101 2023 10 2 5 3 020.00 101 111 30 (November) 21 (September)
  107 2022 10 4 3 3 040.00 106 109 2 (February) 1 (October)
  111 2021 14 5 2 7 035.71 109 120 6 (September) 4 (October)
117 2020 9 1 2 6 011.11 115 117 0 (February) 1 (October)
115 2019 10 4 3 3 040.00 114 130 6 (June) 1 (November)
  131 2018 9 7 2 0 077.78 131 178 24 (August) 1 (January)
177 2017 7 1 0 6 014.29 164 184 9 (November) 6 (April)
   165 2016 5 1 1 3 020.00 164 190 22 (September) 190 (July)

Head-to-head record

As of 26 March 2024 after the match against Hungary.[74]
Opponent Pld W D L GF GA GD Win % Reference
1993–present
 Albania 6 1 1 4 9 11 −2 016.67 H2H results[6][88][89]
 Andorra 2 1 1 0 4 1 +3 050.00 H2H results
 Armenia 2 1 1 0 3 2 +1 050.00 H2H results
 Azerbaijan 2 1 1 0 4 0 +4 050.00 H2H results
 Bulgaria 2 1 1 0 4 3 +1 050.00 H2H results
 Belarus 2 0 0 2 1 3 −2 000.00 H2H results
 Burkina Faso 2 2 0 0 7 0 +7 100.00 H2H results
 Croatia 2 0 0 2 0 7 −7 000.00 H2H results
 Cyprus 2 2 0 0 7 1 +6 100.00 H2H results
 Czech Republic 2 1 0 1 3 3 +0 050.00 H2H results
 Denmark 1 0 1 0 2 2 +0 000.00 H2H results
 England 2 0 0 2 3 9 −6 000.00 H2H results
 Equatorial Guinea 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00 H2H results
 Faroe Islands 4 2 2 0 5 1 +4 050.00 H2H results
 Finland 2 0 1 1 1 2 −1 000.00 H2H results
 Gambia 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Georgia 2 1 0 1 2 2 +0 050.00 H2H results
 Gibraltar 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Greece 6 0 3 3 3 7 −4 000.00 H2H results
 Guinea 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 000.00 H2H results
 Haiti 1 0 1 0 0 0 +0 000.00 H2H results
 Hungary 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 000.00
 Iceland 2 0 0 2 1 4 −3 000.00 H2H results
 Israel 2 1 1 0 2 1 +1 050.00 H2H results
 Jordan 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 000.00 H2H results
 Latvia 1 1 0 0 4 3 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Lithuania 1 1 0 0 4 0 +4 100.00 H2H results
 Madagascar 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Malta 3 3 0 0 10 2 +8 100.00 H2H results
 Moldova 2 1 1 0 2 1 +1 050.00 H2H results
 Monaco 1 1 0 0 7 1 +6 100.00 H2H results
 Montenegro 2 1 1 0 3 1 +2 050.00 H2H results
 North Macedonia 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 000.00 H2H results
 Northern Ireland 2 1 0 1 4 4 +0 050.00 H2H results
 Northern Cyprus 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 000.00 H2H results
 Oman 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Romania 2 0 1 1 0 2 −2 000.00 H2H results
 San Marino 1 1 0 0 4 1 +3 100.00 H2H results
 Sápmi 1 1 0 0 4 1 +3 100.00
 Saudi Arabia 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Senegal 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 000.00 H2H results
 Slovenia 2 0 0 2 1 3 −2 000.00 H2H results
 Spain 2 0 0 2 1 5 −4 000.00 H2H results
 Sweden 3 0 0 3 0 7 −7 000.00 H2H results
  Switzerland 3 0 3 0 4 4 +0 000.00 H2H results
 Turkey 3 0 0 3 2 12 −10 000.00 H2H results
H2H results*
 Ukraine 2 0 0 2 0 5 −5 000.00 H2H results
47 countries 90 32 20 38 122 123 −1 035.56 All H2H results

See also

Men's

Women's

Notes and references

Notes

  1. ^ a b The alternative name of the Albania national team that was used during this match.[4]
  2. ^ Dobrica Barbaroga was the Albanianized full name of Dobrica Barbarogić by the media of that time, which seems to be expression of peaceful coexistence with national minorities even in Kosovo at that time.[5]
  3. ^
    country's involvement in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belarus are required to play their home matches at neutral venues and behind closed doors until further notice.[66]
  4. COVID-19 and Muharrem Sahiti was named as his replacement for the November 2020 matches,[69] against Albania (2–1 away defeat),[70] Slovenia (2–1 away defeat),[71] and Moldova (1–0 home win).[72]
  5. ^ Additional matches are scheduled to be played in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the first world cup, however they are not considered to be official hosts of the tournament.[79]

References

  1. ^ "Football Federation of Kosovo". Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Archived from the original on 9 June 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 4 April 2024. Retrieved 4 April 2024.
  3. ^ a b c "Men's Ranking". FIFA. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d Mendrit Shehu (18 November 2019). "Kosova, kalvari sportiv e miqësorja e harruar me Jugosllavinë" [Kosovo, the sports ordeal and the forgotten friendly with Yugoslavia]. Gazetasi (in Albanian). Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  5. ^ a b c Besnik Dizdari (12 December 2007). "Besnik Dizdari: Kur në Tiranë lindte Përfaqësuesja e Kosovës...(II)" [Besnik Dizdari: When in Tirana the Kosovo national team was born...(II)]. Zemra Shqiptare (in Albanian). Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  6. ^ a b c Besnik Dizdari (15 September 2019). ""Armiqtë" e vërtetë dhe "miqtë" e rremë të Kosovës" [The real "enemies" and false "friends" of Kosovo] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Archived from the original on 3 August 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
  7. ^ a b "Futbolli 1991–2011, 20 vjet mëvetësim" [Football 1991–2019, 20 years independence] (PDF) (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 2011. pp. Respectively on pages 64 and 65, contain information about cooperation protocol and the match. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 August 2020. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  8. ^
    RSSSF. Archived
    from the original on 4 December 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2023. 14/02/1993, Tiranë, Dinamo, 14000, Friendly International, ALBANIA–KOSOVA
  9. ^ "Friendly match/Kosovo defeated Monaco by a score of 7-1". AlbaniaSoccer. 22 April 2006. Archived from the original on 22 May 2006.
  10. RSSSF. 7 September 2002. Archived
    from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  11. ^ "Fitore historike kunder Arabise - Nushi "sheiku" i Kosovës" [Historic win against Arabia - Nushi "sheik" of Kosovo]. Futbolli.com (in Albanian). 7 September 2002. Archived from the original on 30 November 2007. Emri i Kristian Nushit pa dyshim do të hyjë në historinë e futbollit kosovarë. Në realitet, futbollisti i deritashëm i skuadrës zvicerane, Vill, ka shënuar golin e fitores në minutën e 84-të në ndeshjen miqësore ndërkombëtare ndaj Arabisë Saudite qe perfundoi me rezultatin e ngushte 1:0. Nushi u tregua i saktë nga pika e bardhë, pasi më parë mbrojtësit sauditë rrëzuan brenda zonës Ismet Ramushin dhe gjyqtari pa u hamendur tregoi në pikën e bardhë
  12. ^ "Përfaqësuesja e Kosovës në futboll" [Kosovo national team in football]. Forumi Shqiptar (in Albanian). 22 April 2006. Archived from the original on 25 September 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018. Përfaqësuesja e Kosovës mposhti atë të Monacos me rezultat 7:1
  13. ^ "Miqesore/Kosove - Shqipëri 2-3" [Friendly/Kosovo - Albania 2-3]. AlbaniaSoccer (in Albanian). 17 February 2010. Archived from the original on 7 June 2019. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  14. ^ "FIFA's finances solid". FIFA. 24 October 2008. Archived from the original on 29 October 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2017. An application for affiliation from the Kosovo football association was deemed not to comply with art. 10 of the FIFA Statutes, which stipulates that only "an independent state recognised by the international community" may be admitted. In accordance with the Statutes, Kosovo cannot play any friendly matches
  15. ^ "Shaqiri, Xhaka, Cana&Co., deklaratë për Kosovën në FIFA" [Shaqiri, Xhaka, Cana&Co., statement for Kosovo in FIFA]. GazetaShqip (in Albanian). 20 September 2012. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 11 March 2014.
  16. ^ "Cana, Šaćiri, Džaka i Behrami pisali Blateru zbog Kosova" [Cana, Shaqiri, Xhaka dhe Behrami wrote to Blater about Kosovo] (in Serbian). Sportski žurnal. 21 September 2012. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 24 September 2012.
  17. ^ "Vokri: FIFA i UEFA imaju dvostruke standarde" [Vokrri: FIFA and UEFA have double standards] (in Serbian). Sportski žurnal. 4 October 2012. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2012.
  18. ^ "Zyrtarizohet 11-shja kosovare" [The Kosovan XI is officialized]. TopSporti (in Albanian). 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  19. ^ "Kosova - Haiti, luhet historia" [Kosovo - Haiti, the history is played]. TopSporti (in Albanian). 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  20. ^ a b c "FIFA Circular no.1342" (PDF). FIFA. 6 February 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 June 2019.
  21. ^ "Kosova e dha provimin, barazoi pa gola me Haitin" [Kosovo passed the exam, draw without goals with Haiti] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  22. ^ "Kosovo footballers draw with Haiti in Mitrovica debut". BBC News. 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 12 December 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  23. ^ "Kosovo national team cause a stir by posing with guns before first ever international fixture". The Independent. 7 March 2014. Archived from the original on 14 October 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  24. ^ "KM: Zapaljena zastava Srbije" [KM: Burned flag of Serbia] (in Serbian). B92. 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  25. ^ "FSS traži opoziv FIFA za Kosovo" [FAS seeking revocation of FIFA for Kosovo] (in Serbian). B92. 6 March 2014. Archived from the original on 13 June 2018. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  26. ^ "Kosova shijoi fitoren e parë nën ombrellën e FIFA-s" [Kosovo relish the first victory under FIFA umbrella] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 7 September 2014. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  27. ^ "Kosova pësoi humbje nga Turqia" [Kosovo suffered losses from Turkey] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 21 May 2014. Archived from the original on 12 September 2017. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  28. ^ "UEFA shqyrton në mars të vitit të ardhshëm anëtarësimin e Kosovës" [UEFA reviews in March next year Kosovo's membership] (in Albanian). Voice of America. 19 September 2015. Archived from the original on 16 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
  29. ^ "Football Federation of Kosovo joins UEFA". UEFA. 3 May 2016. Archived from the original on 12 April 2020. Retrieved 12 July 2018.
  30. ^ "Kosovo accepted as member of Uefa after Congress vote". The Guardian. 3 May 2016. Archived from the original on 4 June 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  31. ^ "FIFA welcomes Kosovo, Gibraltar as newest members". www.efe.com. Archived from the original on 28 January 2022. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  32. ^ a b "Kosovo and Gibraltar assigned to 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying groups". UEFA. 9 June 2016. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018.
  33. ^ a b "Kosova në Grupin I për kualifikimet e Botërorit 2018" [Kosovo in Group I for 2018 World Cup qualifiers] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 9 June 2016. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  34. ^ a b "Kosovë brilante, debuton me barazim në kualifikimet e Botërorit 2018" [Brilliant Kosovo, debuts with a draw in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 5 September 2016. Archived from the original on 29 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  35. ^ @DardanianFooty (15 December 2022). "With a total of 700 days unbeaten and a streak of 15 matches without a single defeat, 2018/19 Kosovo deserved its nickname as the "Brazil of the Balkans"" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 5 January 2023 – via Twitter.
  36. ^ a b "Brazil of the Balkans: When fast-rising Kosovo surpassed all expectations". FIFA. 5 April 2023.
  37. ^ a b "UEFA Nations League 2018/19 League Phase draw". UEFA. 24 January 2018. Archived from the original on 10 September 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018. Group D3: Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands, Malta, Kosovo
  38. ^ a b "Liga e Kombeve, Kosova në Grupin D3" [Nations League, Kosovo in Group D3] (in Albanian). Top Channel. 24 January 2018. Archived from the original on 8 September 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  39. ^ a b "Kosova bën histori, kalon në "play-off" për Euro 2020 dhe promovohet në Ligën C" [Kosovo makes history, goes to the "play-off" for Euro 2020 and is promoted to League C] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 20 November 2018. Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  40. ^ a b "Kosova në grup me Anglinë, ja deklaratat e presidentit Ademi dhe përzgjedhësit Challandes (Video)" [Kosovo in group with England, statements by president Ademi and selector Challandes (Video)] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 2 December 2018. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 23 December 2018. Fati deshi që Kosova të tërhiqet në Grupin A, grup që përbëhet prej pesë ekipeve dhe aty krahas Kosovës do të jetë edhe gjiganti i futbollit, Anglia, pastaj Republika e Çekisë, Bullgaria dhe Mali i Zi
  41. ^ "Anglia ndal serinë e shkëlqyeshme të Dardanëve" [England stopped the excellent Dardanian series] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 10 September 2019. Archived from the original on 23 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  42. ^ a b "Dardanët pësojnë humbje në Çeki, ëndrra për kualifikim vazhdon tek Liga e Kombeve" [Dardanians suffer losses in the Czechia, the dream of qualifying continues in the Nations League] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 14 November 2019. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  43. ^ "Kosova në grup me Greqinë, Slloveninë e Moldavinë" [Kosovo in a group with Greece, Slovenia and Moldova] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 3 March 2020. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  44. ^ "Kosova e nis me barazim edicionin e ri në Ligën e Kombeve" [Kosovo starts the new edition of the Nations League with a draw] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 3 September 2020. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  45. ^ "Kosova pëson humbje nga Greqia" [Kosovo suffers losses from Greece] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 6 September 2020. Archived from the original on 24 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  46. ^ "Ëndrra "Euro2020" përfundon, Dardanët pësojnë humbje në Shkup" [The "Euro2020" dream ends, the Dardanians suffer losses in Skopje] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 8 October 2020. Archived from the original on 20 October 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
  47. ^ "Kosova e mbyll me fitore edicionin e Ligës së Kombeve, siguron qëndrimin në Ligën C" [Kosovo closes with a victory the edition of the Nations League, ensures its stay in League C] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 18 November 2020. Archived from the original on 19 January 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  48. ^ Besnik Dizdari (18 November 2015). "Kosova A – "Kosova B" 2–2 ose Kosova – Shqipëria 30–6!" [Kosovo A – "Kosovo B" 2–2 or Kosovo – Albania 30–6!] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport. Archived from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  49. ^ "How Kosovo, 'Brazil of the Balkans', consoled a nation's disappointment". The Telegraph. 29 November 2018. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
  50. ^ "Kosovo: Who are England's next Euro 2020 opponents?". Sky Sports. 10 September 2019. Archived from the original on 22 January 2021. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  51. ^ "Nënshkruhet marrëveshja mes FFK-së dhe 'Kelme' për fanellat e Përfaqësueses së Kosovës (Foto/Video)" [Signed the agreement between FFK and 'Kelme' for the kits of Kosovo national football team (Photo/Video)] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 5 October 2016. Archived from the original on 16 June 2018. Retrieved 16 June 2018.
  52. ^ "FFK lidh marrëveshje me kompaninë e veshjeve sportive 'ERREA'" [FFK signs an agreement with the sportswear company 'ERREA'] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 23 February 2022. Archived from the original on 23 February 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
  53. ^ "Loro Boriçi, shtëpia e përkohshme e Kosovës" [Loro Boriçi, the temporary home of Kosovo] (in Albanian). Radio Television of Kosovo. 28 June 2016. Archived from the original on 29 June 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  54. ^ "Loro Boriçi, i rilindur gati për kolaudim (Foto)" [Loro Boriçi, reborn ready for test (Photo)]. Facebook (in Albanian). Edi Rama. 11 August 2016. Archived from the original on 5 April 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2016.
  55. ^ "Këto janë 11 stadiumet e Superligës dhe asnjëri nuk i plotëson kushtet (Foto)" [These are the 11 Superleague stadiums and none meet the conditions (Photo)] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 3 May 2016. Archived from the original on 25 May 2019. Retrieved 1 July 2016.
  56. ^ "Fillon ndërtimi i stadiumit kombëtar në Kosovë" [The construction of the national stadium in Kosovo begins] (in Albanian). Bota Sot. 12 July 2019. Archived from the original on 2 November 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  57. ^ "U prezantua projekti i Stadiumit Kombëtar" [The National Stadium project was presented] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 14 July 2019. Archived from the original on 20 June 2021. Retrieved 18 February 2021.
  58. ^ "Stadiumi "politik"" ["Political" Stadium] (in Albanian). Koha Ditore. 6 December 2020.
  59. ^ "Kosovo team venues". eu-football.info. Retrieved 9 September 2023. Only matches from 2014 are included
  60. ^ "Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, Pristina". eu-football.info. Retrieved 12 November 2023. Only matches from 2014 are included
  61. ^ "Loro Boriçi Stadium, Shkodër". eu-football.info. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  62. ^ "Stadiumi Olimpik Adem Jashari, Mitrovica". eu-football.info. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  63. ^ ""Shqiponjat fluturojnë të lira në DigitAlb", kuqezinjtë dhe dardanët mbeten në ekranin kampion" ["Eagles fly free on DigitAlb", red and blacks and Dardanians remain on the champion screen] (in Albanian). SuperSport Albania. 17 May 2022. Archived from the original on 18 May 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  64. ^ "RTK i kthen ndeshjet e Kosovës në futboll" [RTK turns Kosovo's matches into football] (in Albanian). Radio Television of Kosovo. 12 March 2024.
  65. ^ "Ndeshjet e kombëtares së Kosovës në Nations League nga qershori në Klan Kosova dhe Art Motion" [Kosovo national team matches in the Nations League from June in Klan Kosova and Art Motion] (in Albanian). Klan Kosova. 25 May 2022. Archived from the original on 6 June 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  66. ^ "Belarus teams to play on neutral ground in UEFA competitions". UEFA. 3 March 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  67. ^ "European Qualifiers match Kosovo v Israel postponed". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  68. ^ "New dates for three UEFA matches involving Israel". UEFA.com. Union of European Football Associations. 22 October 2023. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  69. ^ "Njoftim nga FFK" [Notice from FFK] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 11 November 2020. Archived from the original on 7 September 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  70. ^ "Albania vs Kosovo, 11 November 2020". eu-football.info. Retrieved 11 November 2020.
  71. ^ "Slovenia vs Kosovo, 15 November 2020". eu-football.info. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  72. ^ "Kosovo vs Moldova, 18 November 2020". eu-football.info. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
  73. ^ "Franco Foda publikon listën e Dardanëve për miqësoret kundër Armenisë dhe Hungarisë" [Franco Foda publishes the list of Dardanians for the friendlies against Armenia and Hungary] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 15 March 2024.
  74. ^ a b "Hungary vs Kosovo, 26 March 2024". eu-football.info. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
  75. ^ "Kosovo international footballers of all-time". EU-Football.info. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  76. ^ Mamrud, Roberto. "Kosovo - Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  77. ^ "Kosovan footballers by caps as captain". EU-Football.info. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  78. ^ "Kosova realizon fitoren historike në kualifikimet e Botërorit, e mposht Gjeorgjinë" [Kosovo achieves historic victory in World Cup qualifiers, defeats Georgia] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 2 September 2021. Archived from the original on 2 September 2021. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  79. ^ FIFA. "FIFA Council takes key decisions on FIFA World Cup editions in 2030 and 2034". FIFA. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  80. ^ "Greece vs Kosovo, 14 November 2021". eu-football.info. 14 November 2021.
  81. ^ "Kosova e pafat, debuton me barazim në kualifikimet për Euro 2020" [Unlucky Kosovo debuts with the draw in qualifications for Euro 2020] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 25 March 2019. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2019.
  82. ^ "Amazing Kosovo enjoys historic win in Bulgaria". Football Federation of Kosovo. 10 June 2019. Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  83. ^ "Kosovo vs Belarus, 21 November 2023". EU-Football.info. 21 November 2023.
  84. ^ "Kombëtarja A kthehet e pamposhtur, barazon me Azerbajxhanin" [National A team returns unbeaten, draw with Azerbaijan] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 7 September 2018. Archived from the original on 8 September 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  85. ^ "Kosova e nderon me fitore Fadil Vokrrin, merr kryesimin e Grupit 3 në Ligën D" [Kosovo honors with victory Fadil Vokrri, takes the lead of Group 3 in League D] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 10 September 2018. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
  86. ^ "Kosovo vs Cyprus, 27 September 2022". EU-Football.info. 27 September 2022.
  87. RSSSF. 4 November 2005. Archived
    from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  88. ^ "Encounters between Albania and Kosovo". National-Football-Teams.com. 11 November 2020.
  89. ^ "Albania vs Kosovo | H2H Results". eu-football.info. Retrieved 11 November 2020.

External links