Albania coach Sylvinho has published on Friday the list of players with whom he is seeking historic success - a place in the qualifying playoff for the 2026 World Cup.
Albania has never played in the World Cup qualification playoffs, while it has a good chance of appearing in this stage for the 2026 World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
For the matches with Andorra and England, the Brazilian coach has relied on confirmed names. Ardian Ismajli has returned from the defense, while Marash Kumbulla is missing again. Adrion Pajaziti has returned to midfield, while Indrit Tuci competes in attack with Armando Broja, Rey Manaj, Myrto Uzuni and Mirlind Daku.
The Reds gather in Barcelona on Monday, while on November 13th from 20:45 is the Andorra - Albania match. On November 16th from 18:00 on "Air Albania" is the Albania - England match.
England has already secured qualification for the World Cup from Group K. The race for second place, which leads to the play-offs, remains open. Albania and Serbia are in the race, but Albania is in a significantly more favorable position.
With two rounds to go, Albania is second with 11 points, one more than Serbia. The Rossoneri's schedule is also more convenient.
While Albania is the big favorite against Andorra on November 13, Serbia plays a very difficult match with England at “Wembley”. England has won all the matches so far and will try to end the qualifying campaign with a victory. In case of victory of Albania against Andorra and England against Serbia, Albania secures the second position. And consequently the match of November 16 Albania – England will be festive, while the match of Serbia – Latvia will have no value.
Albania has played in the European Championship twice, in 2016 and 2024. But it has not come close to the World Cup so far. This gathering is very much hoped to bring it closer to the global event.
