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By:
Faton Polisi
- March 25 2026 19: 50
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January 12, 2014 remains one of the most important dates in Kosovo football. Kosovo won the right from FIFA to host international friendly matches.
Just a few weeks later, on March 5, 2014, Kosovo played its first FIFA-recognized friendly match. It drew 0-0 against Haiti, marking a new era.
Kosovo made their qualifying debut on September 5, 2016, four months after joining UEFA and FIFA. They drew 1:1 with Finland.
And the journey of the "Dardans" reaches another point.
On Thursday, Kosovo will play its 100th friendly match since receiving permission from FIFA. It will play against Slovakia in Bratislava.
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Kosovo aims for victory to continue its dream - historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The semi-final match of the World Cup qualifying playoff will be played at 20:45 at the National Stadium in Bratislava.
"It is a special match for every national team that has reached this point in the World Cup qualification race. When we consider how short a time we have achieved such a thing, it certainly makes us all proud," the president of the Kosovo Football Federation, Agim Ademi, told KOHA on Wednesday.
Kosovo played its 99th match, after FIFA permission, against Switzerland in Pristina. The match on November 18 last year was the last of the regular qualifying cycle for the World Cup.
In 99 matches from 2014 onwards, including friendlies, Kosovo has 39 wins, 22 draws and 39 losses.
Greece has been the most frequent opponent. The "Dardans" have faced the Greeks six times.
Kosovo plays against Slovakia for the first time.
"We all know the importance of the match. We know the value of each national team that is in the playoffs. They are valuable teams and each expects victory. We have our ambitions. We already know the opponent. We have the team in shape, in good spirits. We are sorry for the two absences, of captain Amir Rrahmani and midfielder Leon Avdullahu. They are two big absences, but the coach has worked to find their replacements. We travel for victory and expect to enjoy ourselves and the many fans who will be in Bratislava and around the world. I believe in this team, the players, the coaches and the entire staff. It is an extraordinary achievement, but in these last two steps we must give 100 percent to ensure qualification", said Agim Ademi.
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Historic night for Kosovo, World Cup one victory away
If Kosovo scores a victory over Slovakia, the playoff final on March 31 will be played at “Fadil Vokrri”. Tickets have already been sold. There is hope that the match will be a final and not a friendly.
