Kosovo and Switzerland played 1:1 at "Fadil Vokrri" and maintained the positions in the table they had before Tuesday night's match.
As expected, Switzerland qualified for next year's World Cup, while Kosovo will play in the World Cup qualification play-off. For Switzerland, it is just another qualification for a major football event. For Kosovo, it is a historic success – for the first time, they will play in the World Cup qualification play-off.
There were interesting and unexpected developments in the match played on the slippery and difficult pitch at the stadium in Pristina.
Before the match started, fireworks were set off, presumably for Kosovo's success in the qualifying campaign. It was a sign that qualifying for the playoffs was considered maximum success and the realization of goals. To qualify directly for the World Cup, Kosovo needed a 6:0 victory on Tuesday. But such a result was not even close.
Shortly after the match started, the fans started booing. And they were heard whenever the Swiss captain, Granit Xhaka, had possession of the ball. It seemed to be a reaction from the fans to a statement by Xhaka regarding the decision of Leon Avdullahu and Albian Hajdari to play for Kosovo. Xhaka had said that Hajdari and Avdullahu were not close to the starting line-up for Switzerland. The statement was interpreted in different ways and caused outrage among the Kosovo fans.
Avdullahu and Hajdari were not on the field or even on the bench. Coach Franco Foda left them free, as they risked missing the World Cup qualification playoff, which will take place in March, with other yellow cards.
The whistles for Xhaka were almost the only development in the first half. Veldin Hoxha had a slightly dangerous shot for Kosovo, while Vedat Muriqi had an inaccurate header. The Swiss tried only in the first minutes, taking advantage of the slippage of the Kosovo players.
The score remained 0:0.
He changed as the second half began.
Ruben Vargas gave Switzerland a 1-0 lead in the 47th minute.
In the 63rd minute, Baton Zabërgja came on for Veldin Hoxha, while Edon Zhegrova came on for Fisnik Asllani. Then, Ilir Krasniqi also got a chance, replacing captain Amir Rrahmani in the 71st minute.
And in the 74th minute, the score was tied at 1:1. Florent Muslija scored with a masterful shot from distance.
Kosovo then looked for the winning goal, but failed.
Andi Zeqiri was also active in Switzerland, and was also booed by the fans.
Switzerland won Group B with 14 points and can start preparing for the World Cup to be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Kosovo finished the group stage with 11 points in second place. They are now eagerly awaiting the playoff draw that will be made on Thursday at 13:00. On March 26, they will play in the playoff semi-finals, while the hopes are that the playoff final, which will take place on March 31, will be secured. Only the four representatives who win the playoff finals will qualify for the World Cup.
Xhaka: The boos at home are the last thing I expected, it hurts
"Blick" has published a text about the boos directed at Granit Xhaka on Tuesday night at "Fadil Vokrri".
The major Swiss newspaper wrote that initially Xhaka was applauded and then booed. The boos were related to his statement about Leon Avdullah and Albian Hajdari, respectively, about their decision to play for Kosovo.
Xhaka spoke about the booing after Kosovo's match with Switzerland. He spoke to Swiss television, SRF.
"The booing is the last thing I expected, especially here at home," Xhaka said.
"Tooth, to be honest. But I have to accept this. I didn't expect this, but it's part of the game. Everything is fine."
Gallapeni: We proved that we are a strong team
Defender Dion Gallapeni said that Kosovo has proven to be a strong team.
"It's an incredible feeling to play for the Kosovo National Team. Today we proved that we are a strong team. We have achieved historic success by qualifying for the playoffs." It's a three-back formation, which has two sides, offensive and defensive. It's a formation that I really like. "My case is also a motivation for other players, who can achieve great things from the Kosovo league," he said.
Zhegrova: We believe we will achieve our goal of qualifying for the World Cup.
Edon Zhegrova has expressed optimism that they can achieve their goal of qualifying for the World Cup.
"It's a pleasure that we have qualified for the playoffs. It's a step, but the next step is the next two games. With the team we have, we believe we will achieve it. It's a special honor when I play for my country. I have always had the support of the fans. It's a dream to be part of Juventus, I still have a lot of work to do. At the moment I'm feeling very good. I'm 100 percent. The club knows it too. I just have to keep working even harder," he said.
Muriqi hopes to rewrite history in March
Kosovo striker Vedat Muriqi is full of hope that history can be written again in March and we can qualify for the World Cup.
"It was a difficult match. The rain hasn't stopped since this morning. I want to thank the fans on behalf of the team. The stadium was full. I thank the fans who have supported us all the time. We also wish them well for the playoffs. It was important for us to keep the positive results. We are happy and now we are looking forward to March. The heavy defeat in Switzerland sobered us up. Then we also changed our tactics and mentality. The team clearly saw that if we continue like this, we can achieve success against any team. Second place and the playoffs is a historic and very big success. I hope we don't stop here. Let's hope we don't have any injuries in the next four months. We can't wait for March and we hope to continue writing history. I am very happy for Fisnik Asllani and Albion Rrahmani. I wish them a lot of success. I repeat, those two will make my name forgotten, with appearances, with goals", said Muriqi after the match with Switzerland.
Muslija: Now we have the playoffs, we hope we get lucky
One of Kosovo's most in-form players, Florent Muslija, has said that the focus is now on the playoffs for the 2026 World Cup, where they hope to have luck.
Muslija was Kosovo's top scorer in the 1:1 draw against Switzerland.
"It's important that we weren't defeated by Switzerland. We proved that we can play against Switzerland. I'm very happy. It's very motivating that we didn't lose to Switzerland. Now we have the playoffs in March and we hope to be lucky. We have shown ourselves as a national team. We all gave our best. We deserved the place we have. We believe that we can still achieve. I have the confidence, I know that I can play and help the team," he said.
Asllani: We are looking forward to March to secure the World Cup
Kosovo striker, Fisnik Asllani, was very pleased with the draw against Switzerland.
Kosovo drew 1:1 at "Fadil Vokrri" with Switzerland in the final match of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Kosovo finished second in the group and will play in the playoffs.
"I am very happy. The whole team has done a very good job. We are very proud, we have achieved an important success. I will return to the club, I will give my best. I want to score more, assist more and we will look for a transfer when the time comes. We have performed very well in the qualifiers. We can't wait for March and to secure the World Cup", said Asllani.
Vojvoda: We wanted to show that we are on the same level as Switzerland
Kosovo defender, Mërgim Vojvoda, said that tonight they wanted to show that they are on the same level as Switzerland, after the 1:1 draw.
"I believe we had a lot of desire to show that we are at the same level as Switzerland, although it is a very strong national team. We deserve the position we are in. The coach has found a good formation. It is fitting for all the players and we have all proven that we can contribute." "We are trying to represent Kosovo as best we can. The more we play in big leagues, the more important it is for the national team. There is still room for us to progress," said Vojvoda.
Xhaka talks about the whistles, reveals he was surprised
Granit Xhaka has spoken about the boos he was subjected to at "Fadil Vokrri" by Kosovo fans.
He said he was surprised.
"I'm surprised to be booed. It hurts, but I have to accept it. I try to just concentrate on football. Unfortunately, it's part of the game. I've always had the support of the Swiss fans, regardless of whether we've played at home or away," Xhaka said.
Switzerland qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a 1:1 draw.
"Everyone who was here can be proud. It's not something you can take for granted. We have qualified for big events for the eighth time in a row. It was important for us that the Kosovars didn't take the euphoria with them. Mentally it's still dangerous knowing that you're not allowed to concede six goals. We were dominant in the first half and until the goal. And of course, Kosovo came back. Overall we had a good campaign," Xhaka stressed.
Kosovo's potential playoff opponents are known
Kosovo will face Poland, Wales, the Czech Republic or Slovakia in the semi-finals of the World Cup qualification playoff.
These four representatives are in the second pot for Thursday's draw.
In the third pot are Ireland, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo.
The semi-finals are on March 26, with Kosovo as the guest.
In the semifinals, the representatives of the first pot will also meet those of the fourth pot.
In the first pot are Italy, Denmark, Turkey and Ukraine. In the fourth pot are Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia and Northern Ireland.
The playoff finals are on March 31st.
The semi-final winners from pots two and three meet the semi-final winners from pots one and four.
The hosts of the playoff finals will be determined by draw.
Super goal from Muslija, Kosovo equalizes
Florent Muslija scored a superb goal to tie the score at 1:1 in Kosovo's match with Switzerland.
Muslija scored with a masterful shot in the 74th minute.
VIDEO:
Florent Muslija 74'
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) November 18, 2025
World Cup Qualification | 🏆 Kosovo 1-1 Switzerlandpic.twitter.com/p6Ef802SaS
Whistles also for Zeqiri
Photo: Getty
Fans at "Fadil Vokrri" have booed Andi Zeqiri, in addition to Granit Xhaka.
Zeqiri was activated as a substitute. And as soon as his name was mentioned by the official announcer, the whistles started.
Earlier in the second half, there were also chants of "Xhaka, Xhaka", in response to the constant boos directed at the midfielder.
Switzerland takes the lead
Switzerland took a 1-0 lead over Kosovo. Ruben Vargas scored in the 47th minute.
No goals in "Fadil Vokrri"
The first half between Kosovo and Switzerland at "Fadil Vokrri" ended goalless.
The match is going evenly.
Kosovo had chances at the end of the first half.
Two cases for Kosovo
Kosovo has started to look dangerous in the match against Switzerland.
In the 37th minute, Veldin Hoxha's shot was not strong enough.
A minute later, Vedat Muriqi missed his header. The score remains 0:0.
Xhaka is booed at "Fadil Vokrri"
Granit Xhaka is being booed every time he touches the ball at the "Fadil Vokrri" stadium.
A section of Kosovo fans are heard constantly booing the Swiss captain.
As the 20th minute of the match progresses, the score is 0:0.
Foda sticks to the same system, makes changes to the lineup
Kosovo will not change its system for the match against Switzerland, although Franco Foda has made changes to the lineup.
He has spared Albian Hajdari in defense and Leon Avdullah in midfield.
He will play instead of Hajdar. Fidan Aliti, while Veldin Hoxha is appearing instead of Avdullah.
Aro Muric returns to the goal.
Kosovo will play with a 5-3-2 formation, the same as in recent matches.
The attack is led by Vedat Muriqi and Fisnik Asllani.
