UEFA held the draw for the new edition of the Nations League in Brussels. Albania will compete in Group C1. The team will face Finland, Belarus and San Marino.

Albania will start its campaign in September 2026. The first group match will take place on September 24–26. The second match is scheduled for September 27–29.

The third group match will be played between September 30 and October 3. The fourth match will follow on October 4–6. Albania will play the fifth match on November 12–14. The final group game is set for November 15–17.

Albania ranks 63rd in the FIFA standings. Finland ranks 75th. Belarus stands 98th. San Marino sits 210th.

Under UEFA rules, group winners secure promotion to League B. Second-placed teams may enter the play-offs, depending on the final format. Albania has a clear objective. The team aims to win the group, return to League B, and keep an alternative path open for EURO 2028 qualification.

The Nations League remains an important competition for European national teams. It directly affects UEFA rankings and provides additional qualification routes for major tournaments.

UEFA has introduced a key change to the international calendar. For the first time, it has merged the September and October windows into one extended period. National teams will play four matches from September 24 to October 6. They will play the final two matches from November 12–17. UEFA adopted this format after long discussions with European clubs to reduce travel demands on players.

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