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By:
Faton Polisi
- April 2, 2026 19:35 am
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The first two World Cup qualifying campaigns were lackluster for Kosovo. Negative results meant that Kosovo's appearances in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup qualifiers went largely unnoticed. But in the third, the "Dardans" exploded. From a painful start to a dramatic end in Pristina, Kosovo's journey was filled with emotions, ups and downs, and results that made the world talk about the Dardanian players.
The culmination of this journey came with Kosovo's appearance in the qualifying playoff for the 2026 World Cup. It captured the attention of the entire world.
Even greater attention was paid after the big victory over Slovakia 4:3 in Bratislava, in the semifinals of the qualifying playoff for the World Cup, which is being held this year in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Kosovo received attention from the football world during the first three days of the week – before, during and after the final match of the World Cup qualifying playoff.
Kosovo lost the match 1:0 to Turkey at the "Fadil Vokrri" stadium in Pristina. And thus, Kosovo's dream of a historic World Cup qualification was dashed on Tuesday.
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Kosovo secured the play-offs after a successful campaign in the regular qualifiers.
At the end of the qualifiers, Kosovo ranked second in the group with Switzerland, Slovenia and Sweden.
"They played with honor and pace. Kosovo put us in a lot of trouble. We were prepared for this because Kosovo has a very high-quality team, but it's unfortunate that only one team can qualify for the World Cup," said Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella after the match.
Montella praised Kosovo even before the match in the press conference.
The selectors of the opposing representatives of Kosovo, Slovakia, Sweden, Slovenia and Switzerland also had appreciation for Kosovo.
"It's extraordinary what Kosovo is achieving," said Switzerland coach Murat Yakin before the match in Pristina against Kosovo, which was the last of the regular qualifying cycle.
There was no shortage of articles from various world media outlets on Thursday, two days after the loss to Turkey. Although not as much as was written on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Among the most commented on was captain Vedat Muriqi, who plays for Mallorca in Spain. Muriqi's influence on Kosovo's rise has been immense. He is arguably Kosovo's top scorer with 32 goals.
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Muriqi also took place on Thursday in various world media.
"Diario de Mallorca" paid attention to the reaction of the Kosovo Football Federation after the insults that a fan made to Vedat Muriqi on social networks, a day after the 1:0 loss to Turkey in the playoff final.
"The Football Federation of Kosovo defends Muriqi after accusations from a fan: He is a symbol," writes the headline of the Spanish newspaper close to Muriqi's club, Mallorca.
Muriqi has already returned to Mallorca. The other Kosovo players have also returned to their clubs. Most of them will most likely be in the June training camp, when many friendlies will be played before the World Cup.
In September, Kosovo plays in League B of the Nations League.
Kosovo is in Group 3 of League B along with Austria, Israel and Ireland.
Kosovo starts on September 24 at home against Ireland. Immediately on September 27, the "Dardans" play on the road against Austria. On October 1 is the match Israel - Kosovo, and on October 4, Kosovo - Austria. The last two matches are in November. On November 14, Kosovo hosts Israel, and on November 17 is the match Ireland - Kosovo.
Kosovo aims to win the group and appear in League A of the Nations League next season.
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But Kosovo's big goal will be to qualify for the 2028 European Football Championship.
"When I signed the contract, the goal was to qualify for the next European Championship. But we have grown and now we will try to qualify for the World Cup," Foda said before the playoff semi-final match against Slovakia.
