Tirana, October 7 – The Albanian national football team began preparations today for their 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Serbia on October 11 in Leskovac.

Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) President Armand Duka highlighted the match’s importance for the team’s progress. He said he trusts the players and the technical staff led by Sylvinho.

Duka noted that every national team game carries strong emotion. Matches that influence qualification carry even more weight. He explained that the Serbia game is crucial because it offers a chance to reach the play-offs. He added that both he and the players focus solely on sporting objectives.

He said a win would increase the team’s confidence toward the play-off goal. A draw would keep Albania in contention. Duka emphasized that the team aims for three points while acknowledging the match’s difficulty. He described the game as open and said the team has realistic chances for victory.

Regarding the decision to move the match from Belgrade to Leskovac, Duka said it does not give a major advantage or disadvantage. He stressed the importance of optimal playing conditions for the players.

Duka clarified that the match result will not determine the future of coach Sylvinho. Qualification would remove any reason for staff discussions. Failure to qualify might trigger talks, but the game itself will not decide the coach’s fate.

He concluded with optimism, expressing trust in the team’s spirit and cohesion. He acknowledged that the squad lacks extraordinary qualities. However, he affirmed that it has better quality and unity than Serbia, giving him positive expectations.

/a.p./