Kosovo national football team

The Kosovo national football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja e futbollit të Kosovës; Serbian: Фудбалска репрезентација Косова, romanized: Fudbalska reprezentacija Kosova) represents Kosovo in international men's football. It is controlled by the Football Federation of Kosovo, the governing body for football in Kosovo.

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Kosovo women's national football team.

Kosovo
Nickname(s)Dardanët (Dardanians)
AssociationFederata e Futbollit e Kosovës (FFK)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachBernard Challandes
CaptainAmir Rrahmani
Most capsAmir Rrahmani (34)
Top scorerVedat Muriqi (10)
Home stadiumFadil Vokrri Stadium
FIFA codeKVX[1]
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 117 (10 December 2020)[2]
Highest114 (October 2019[3])
Lowest190 (July–August 2016[3])
First international
Biggest win
Biggest defeat
 Kosovo 0–6 Croatia 
(Shkodër, Albania; 6 October 2016)

History

First ever match

On 29 November 1942, Kosovo for first time in its history played a friendly match as part of the celebrations for 30th Anniversary of the Independence of Albania against Tirana[a] and the match ended with a 2–0 away defeat and the starting line-up of that match was Mustafa Daci, Ballanca, Ahmet Zaimi, Mazllum Xërxa, Veseli, Hajdar Hamza, Nebil Dylatahu, Ramadan Vraniqi, Dobrica Barbaroga,[b] Bajrami and Henci.[4][5][6]

Yugoslav era
"The reason of this friendly match is that we wanted to face with a team that has the same temperament and character as Albania national team."

—The reasoning of the then head coach of Yugoslavia, Rajko Mitić for the reason for organizing the Kosovo–Yugoslavia match.[6]

On 8 November 1967, Kosovo for first time as autonomous province of SFR Yugoslavia played a friendly match against Yugoslavia and the match ended with a 3–3 home draw and the starting line-up of that match was a mix between Albanian and Serbian players as Milosavlević, Stevanović, Mušikić, Abrashi, S. Džukić, V. Džukić, Brovina, Hatibi, Radović, Prekazi and Pindović, for Yugoslavia this match it was a pre-preparation before the UEFA Euro 1968 qualifying match against Albania. After the match against Yugoslavia, Kosovo in 1975 participated in the Brotherhood and Unity Tournament, which was held in Pristina and Prizren, where won in all four matches of this tournament against Montenegro (2–0), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2–1), Slovenia (2–0) and Macedonia (1–0) and also took first place.[5][6]

As part of Yugoslavia national team
See also: Yugoslavia national football team

Yugoslav squads at international competitions often included players from Kosovo, such as Fadil Vokrri and Stevan Stojanović. Three other footballers from Kosovo, Fahrudin Jusufi, Milutin Šoškić and Vladimir Durković, were part of the Yugoslav team that won the gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics and silver medal at the 1960 European Nations' Cup.

After breakup of Yugoslavia

On 20 January 1993, The Football Federation of Kosovo signed a cooperation protocol with the Albanian Football Association and in the framework of this protocol it was decided to play on 14 February a friendly match between Albania and Kosovo, which was the first match of Kosovo following the breakup of Yugoslavia,[7] and this match ended with a 1–3 defeat and the starting line-up of that match was Ahmet Beselica, Ardian Kozniku, Bardhec Seferi, Fadil Berisha, Gani Llapashtica, Genc Hoxha, Isa Sadriu, Kushtrim Munishi, Muharrem Sahiti, Sadullah Ajeti and Selajdin Jerliu.[8]

After Kosovo War
"I am very pleased with the team's performance even though we had predicted a stronger opponent. However, I want to emphasize that our players have been fantastic. The fact that we do not play many international matches may have inspired the players to give it their all this time."

—Opinion of the then coach Muharrem Sahiti after the match against Monaco.[9]

On 7 September 2002, Kosovo for first time after the Kosovo War played a friendly match against Albania and the match ended with a 0–1 home minimal defeat and the starting line-up of that match was Ahmet Beselica, Ardian Kozniku, Arsim Abazi, Besnik Kollari, Fadil Ademi, Faruk Statovci, Ismet Munishi, Mehmet Dragusha, Sunaj Keqi, Xhevdet Llumnica and Zenun Selimi.[10]

One of the most important international matches was a 1–0 win over Saudi Arabia played on 15 June 2007. It was the first time that Kosovo played against a team that has taken part in the FIFA World Cup and the winning goal was scored by Kristian Nushi from the penalty kick on the 84th minute.[11] On 22 April 2006, Kosovo achieved their biggest win, defeating Monaco 7–1. If one included matches played before Kosovo became a FIFA member, this scoreline is their best result yet.[12]

First match

On 17 February 2010, for the first time since the declaration of independence Kosovo played a friendly match against Albania and the match ended with a 2–3 home defeat. The starting line-up of that match was Anel Rashkaj, Dukagjin Gashi, Enis Zabërgja, Fisnik Papuçi, Ilir Nallbani, Kushtrim Mushica, Liridon Kukaj, Robert Gjeraj, Shpëtim Hasani and Yll Hoxha. This match had a charity character as the profits gathered from this meeting went to those affected by floods in Shkodër.[13]

Efforts for internationalization

On 6 May 2008, after the declaration of independence from Serbia, Kosovo applied for FIFA membership. On 24 October 2008, Kosovo's application was discussed at the FIFA Congress in Zürich, when Kosovo was rejected membership in FIFA and could not play friendly matches as it was deemed it did not comply with article 10 of the FIFA statutes, that only "an independent state recognised by the international community" may be admitted into FIFA.[14] On 22 May 2012. FIFA reversed that decision stating that Kosovo may play other countries in international friendlies according to Article 79 of the FIFA Statutes.[15]

In September 2012, Albania international Lorik Cana, along with Swiss internationals Granit Xhaka, Valon Behrami and Xherdan Shaqiri, all of them with Kosovo Albanian origin, wrote a declaration to FIFA President Sepp Blatter, asking him to allow the Kosovo national team to be allowed to play friendly matches. The declaration was also signed by eight other Albanian footballers, hailing from Kosovo as Ahmed Januzi, Alban Meha, Armend Dallku, Burim Kukeli, Etrit Berisha, Fatmire Bajramaj, Lorik Cana, Mërgim Mavraj and Samir Ujkani.[16] In May 2012. In a meeting held, FIFA decided to allow friendly matches to be played a decision it later revoked following a protest issued by Football Association of Serbia. Some players, especially Kosovo Serbs as Milan Biševac and Miloš Krasić, continued to play for the Serbia. A new meeting was held at FIFA, on 27 and 28 September in which the Kosovo issue was again planned to be discussed, which was then postponed until December.[17][18]

Permitting by FIFA to play friendlies
Kosovo starting line-up in first international friendly against Haiti
(4–3–3)[19][20]

On 13 January 2014, the national team was given permission by FIFA to play against FIFA member associations in international friendlies, with the notable exception of representative teams of countries of the former Yugoslavia. Even club teams would be allowed to play friendlies after a FIFA Emergency Committee meeting. However, it was stipulated that clubs and representative teams of the Football Federation of Kosovo may not display national symbols as flags, emblems, etc. or play national anthems. The go-ahead was given after meetings between the Football Association of Serbia and Sepp Blatter. On 6 February 2013, FIFA gave the permission to play international friendly games against other member associations.[21]

On 5 March 2014, following FIFA's ruling. Kosovo played its first international friendly against Haiti and the match ended in a 0–0 draw.[22][23] Before the match, some players of Kosovo posed with guns at a shooting range, causing a stir in Serbia.[24] On the eve of the match, supporters of Kosovo burned the flag of Serbia.[25] This incident prompted the Football Association of Serbia to request that FIFA revoke Kosovo's right to play international friendlies.[26]

After the match against Haiti, five more games were held with Turkey, Senegal, Oman, Equatorial Guinea and in the end with Albania. The first win in these friendlies was against Oman with a 1–0 home minimal win,[27] while the biggest defeat that was simultaneously also the first defeat was a 1–6 home defeat against Turkey that was playing with players that were the majority from Turkish championship.[28]

Membership in UEFA and FIFA
See also: Membership of Kosovo in international sports federations

In September 2015 at an UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Malta was approved the request from the federation to the admission in UEFA to the next Ordinary Congress to be held in Budapest.[29] On 3 May 2016, at the Ordinary Congress. Kosovo were accepted into UEFA after members voted 28–24 in favor of Kosovo.[30][31]

On 13 May 2016, Kosovo was accepted in FIFA during their 66th congress in Mexico with 141 votes in favour and 23 against.[32]

Debut in World Cup qualification and nearly successful first Euro attempt

Kosovo began to make their debut in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, where Kosovo was drawn with Croatia, Finland, Iceland, Turkey and Ukraine.[33][34] The Kosovars created its first major surprise, holding host Finland to a 1–1 draw,[35] but it turned to be the lone point of Kosovo in the qualification, as the team lost the remaining games and finished last.

Following the failure to qualify for 2018 FIFA World Cup, Kosovo participated in the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League D sharing group with Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands and Malta,[36][37] where the Kosovars topped their group undefeated to reach the country's first-ever playoffs in its attempt to qualify for UEFA Euro 2020.[38] After the successful Nations League, Kosovo entered the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, where they shared group A with Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Montenegro and 2018 World Cup fourth place finisher England.[39] As the dark horse of the qualification, Kosovo however created a major phenomenon, managed to beat Bulgaria, Montenegro and especially, a shock home win over the Czechs to take the second place behind England,being 15 Matches and on that Time nearly two Years without Defeat winning 11 of these 15 Matches. The game against England away even saw the Kosovars took an early lead in the surprise, even though they were unable to protect it and fell 3–5 away.Ending the Longest Unbeaten Run in the Albanian football history of Kosovo.[40] In the decisive match against the Czechs away, which Kosovo needed a win to directly qualify for the first time, Kosovo gained a shock lead, but failed to protect it again as they lost 1–2 and could only participate in the playoff,[41] but this remained to be Kosovo's greatest success up to date.

Setback

After successfully obtained a playoff position, Kosovo headed to the 2020–21 UEFA Nations League C, being drawn with Greece, Moldova and Slovenia.[42] After impressive performance in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, Kosovo was tipped favorably to promote to League B. Yet, Kosovo began the Nations League with a disappointing 1–1 away draw to Moldova,[43] before the team which was halved due to the absences of key players suffered a 1–2 home loss against Greece.[44]

In Kosovo's first ever competitive UEFA Euro play-offs, Kosovo was drawn against North Macedonia.[41] However, Kosovo was eliminated after losing 1–2 to the Macedonians in Skopje.[45]

FIFA ranking history
As of 18 November 2020[3]

  Best Ranking   Worst Ranking   Best Mover   Worst Mover

Rank Year Pld W D L Win % Ranking Move
Best Worst Best (+) Worst (−)
115 2020 9 1 2 6 011.11 To be determined
  114 2019 10 4 3 3 040.00 114 130 6 (June) 1 (November)
  131 2018 9 7 2 0 077.78 131 178 24 (August) 1 (January)
177 2017 7 1 0 6 014.29 164 184 9 (November) 6 (April)
   165 2016 5 1 1 3 020.00 164 190 22 (September) 190 (July)

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

On 9 June 2016, the UEFA Emergency Panel decided that Kosovo would join Croatia, Finland, Iceland, Turkey and Ukraine in the Group I; and also decided that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia should not play against Kosovo for security reasons.[33][34] On 5 September 2016, Kosovo made its debut in the FIFA World Cup qualifications with a 1–1 away draw against Finland, with Kosovo's equalizing goal being scored by the newcomer Valon Berisha from a penalty-kick in the 60th minute.[35]

FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos Pld W D L GF GA
1930 Part of  Kingdom of Yugoslavia
1934
1938
1950 Part of  SFR Yugoslavia
1954
1958
1962
1966
1970
1974
1978
1982
1986
1990
1994 Part of  FR Yugoslavia
1998
2002
2006 Part of  Serbia and Montenegro
2010 Not a FIFA member
2014
2018 Did not qualify 6th10019324
2022 To be determined TBD000000
2026 To be determined
Total — 0/1 0 0 0 0 0 0 — — 10 0 1 9 3 24
  • Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks; correct as of 9 October 2017 after the match against  Iceland.[46]

UEFA European Championship

On 2 December 2018, in Dublin, it was decided that Kosovo should be part in Group A of the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, together with Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Montenegro and 2018 World Cup fourth place finisher England.[39] On 25 March 2019, Kosovo made their debut on UEFA European Championship qualifying with a 1–1 home draw against Bulgaria and the draw goal was scored by Arbër Zeneli on the 61st minute.[47] On 11 June 2019, Kosovo won their first ever qualifying match for a major tournament by defeating Bulgaria 3–2.[48]

UEFA European Championship record UEFA European Championship qualifying
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos Pld W D L GF GA
1960 Part of  SFR Yugoslavia
1964
1968
1972
1976
1980
1984
1988
1992
1996 Part of  FR Yugoslavia
2000
2004 Part of  Serbia and Montenegro
2008 Part of  Serbia
2012 Not a UEFA member
2016
2020 Did not qualify 3rd93241418
2024 To be determined To be determined
Total — 0/1 0 0 0 0 0 0 — — 9 3 2 4 14 18

UEFA Nations League

On 24 January 2018, in Lausanne, it was decided that Kosovo should be part of League D in Group 3 of the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, together with Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands and Malta.[36][37] On 7 September 2018, Kosovo made their debut in the UEFA Nations League with a 0–0 away draw against Azerbaijan.[50] On 10 September 2018, Kosovo achieved their first win in the UEFA Nations League, which was also the team's first-ever competitive win, a 2–0 home win against the Faroe Islands.[51] Kosovo finished the league unbeaten (with four wins and two draws) and will be promoted to the next tier (C league) for the next edition.[38]

UEFA Nations League record
Season LG GP Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK
2018–19 D 3 642015242nd
2020–21 C 3 61234644th
2022–23 C To be determined
Total 12 5 4 3 19 8 42nd
  • Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks; correct as of 18 November 2020 after the match against  Moldova.[52]

Non-FIFA Tournament

Kosovo has so far participated in two international tournaments for first time was 1975, when Kosovo participated in the Brotherhood and Unity Tournament as host, Kosovo won in all four matches of this tournament against Montenegro (2–0), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2–1), Slovenia (2–0) and Macedonia (1–0) and also took first place.[5] Thirty years after, Kosovo again participated in a tournament held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Turkish Football Association. Kosovo lost against the host with result 1–0 and won against Sàpmi with result 4–1.[53]

Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Brotherhood and Unity Tournament Winners 1st 440071 —
KTFF 50th Anniversary Cup Runners-up 2nd 210142 Squad
Total Winners 2/2 6 5 0 1 11 3 —

Fixtures and results
For all past match results of the national team, see single-season articles and the team's results page.

2020
3 September 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		 Moldova  1–1  Kosovo Parma, Italy[c]
20:45 (CEST; UTC+02:00) Nicolaescu  20' Report Kololli  71' Stadium: Stadio Ennio Tardini[c]
Attendance: 0
Referee: Kai Erik Steen (Norway)
6 September 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		 Kosovo  1–2  Greece Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 (CEST; UTC+02:00) B. Berisha  82' Report Limnios  2'
Siovas  51'		 Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Pavel Královec (Czech Republic)
8 October[d] UEFA Euro 2020
qualifying play-offs		 North Macedonia  2–1  Kosovo Skopje, North Macedonia
20:45 (CEST; UTC+02:00) Kololli  16' (o.g.)
Velkovski  33'		 Report Hadergjonaj  29' Stadium: Toše Proeski Arena
Attendance: 0
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
11 October 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		 Kosovo  0–1  Slovenia Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 (CEST; UTC+02:00) Report Vučkić  22' Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Andrew Madley (England)
14 October 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		 Greece  0–0  Kosovo Athens, Grecce
20:45 (CEST; UTC+03:00) Report Stadium: Athens Olympic Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Roi Reinshreiber (Israel)
11 November Friendly
(Brotherly derby)		 Albania  2–1  Kosovo Elbasan, Albania
16:00 (CET; UTC+01:00) Balaj  31'
Uzuni  65'		 Report
Report (UEFA)		 Muriqi  85' (pen.) Stadium: Elbasan Arena
Attendance: 0
Referee: Hüseyin Göçek (Turkey)
15 November 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		 Slovenia  2–1  Kosovo Ljubljana, Slovenia
20:45 (CET; UTC+01:00) Kurtić  63'
Iličić  90+4' (pen.)		 Report Muriqi  58' Stadium: Stožice Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Bartosz Frankowski (Poland)
18 November 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		 Kosovo  1–0  Moldova Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 (CET; UTC+01:00) Kastrati  31' Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 0
Referee: Roomer Tarajev (Estonia)

2021
24 March Friendly Kosovo  v  Lithuania Pristina, Kosovo
Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
28 March 2022 FIFA World
Cup qualification		 Kosovo  v  Sweden Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 Report (FIFA)
Report (UEFA)		 Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
31 March 2022 FIFA World
Cup qualification		 Spain  v  Kosovo Seville, Spain
20:45 Report (FIFA)
Report (UEFA)		 Stadium: Estadio de La Cartuja
2 September 2022 FIFA World
Cup qualification		 Georgia  v  Kosovo Tbilisi, Georgia
18:00 (20:00; UTC+4) Report (FIFA)
Report (UEFA)		 Stadium: Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena
5 September 2022 FIFA World
Cup qualification		 Kosovo  v  Greece Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 Report (FIFA)
Report (UEFA)		 Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
8 September 2022 FIFA World
Cup qualification		 Kosovo  v  Spain Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 Report (FIFA)
Report (UEFA)		 Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
9 October 2022 FIFA World
Cup qualification		 Sweden  v  Kosovo Solna, Sweden
18:00 Report (FIFA)
Report (UEFA)		 Stadium: Friends Arena
12 October 2022 FIFA World
Cup qualification		 Kosovo  v  Georgia Pristina, Kosovo
20:45 Report (FIFA)
Report (UEFA)		 Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
14 November 2022 FIFA World
Cup qualification		 Greece  v  Kosovo Athens, Grecce
20:45 (21:45; UTC+2) Report (FIFA)
Report (UEFA)		 Stadium: Athens Olympic Stadium

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the friendly match against  Albania and 2020–21 UEFA Nations League matches against  Slovenia and  Moldova, on 11, 15 and 18 November 2020.[54] All caps and goals as of 18 November 2020 after the match against  Moldova.[55]

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Samir Ujkani (Vice-captain) (1988-07-05) 5 July 1988 28 0 Torino
12 1GK Arijanet Muric (1998-11-07) 7 November 1998 16 0 Willem II
16 1GK Visar Bekaj (1997-05-24) 24 May 1997 2 0 Tirana
13 2DF Amir Rrahmani (Captain) (1994-02-24) 24 February 1994 34 5 Napoli
15 2DF Mërgim Vojvoda (1995-02-01) 1 February 1995 31 1 Torino
3 2DF Fidan Aliti (1993-10-03) 3 October 1993 29 0 Zürich
2 2DF Florent Hadergjonaj (1994-07-31) 31 July 1994 15 1 Kasımpaşa
20 2DF Ibrahim Drešević (1997-01-24) 24 January 1997 7 0 Heerenveen
4 2DF Armend Thaqi (1992-10-10) 10 October 1992 3 0 Ballkani
9 3MF Bersant Celina (1996-09-09) 9 September 1996 27 2 Dijon
14 3MF Valon Berisha (3rd captain) (1993-02-07) 7 February 1993 26 3 Reims
5 3MF Herolind Shala (1992-01-02) 2 January 1992 23 0 Unattached
6 3MF Hekuran Kryeziu (4th captain) (1993-02-12) 12 February 1993 23 0 Zürich
22 3MF Edon Zhegrova (1999-03-31) 31 March 1999 22 2 Basel
10 3MF Anel Rashkaj (1989-08-19) 19 August 1989 15 0 Örgryte
8 3MF Florent Hasani (1997-03-30) 30 March 1997 8 1 Diósgyőr
18 4FW Vedat Muriqi (1994-04-24) 24 April 1994 26 10 Lazio
21 4FW Atdhe Nuhiu (1989-07-29) 29 July 1989 19 3 APOEL
11 4FW Elba Rashani (1993-05-09) 9 May 1993 18 4 BB Erzurumspor
7 4FW Lirim Kastrati (1999-01-16) 16 January 1999 9 1 Dinamo Zagreb
19 4FW Mirlind Daku (1998-01-01) 1 January 1998 1 0 Ballkani

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for the team within the last 12 months and are still available for selection.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
DF Betim Fazliji (1999-04-25) 25 April 1999 1 0 St. Gallen v.  Slovenia, 15 November 2020FIFA
DF Leart Paqarada (1994-08-10) 10 August 1994 23 1 St. Pauli v.  Albania, 11 November 2020CLUB
DF Bajram Jashanica (1990-09-25) 25 September 1990 7 0 Ballkani v.  Greece, 6 September 2020
DF Arbenit Xhemajli (1998-04-23) 23 April 1998 1 0 Sunderland v.  Moldova, 3 September 2020INJ
DF Mirlind Kryeziu (1997-01-26) 26 January 1997 0 0 Zürich v.  Moldova, 3 September 2020CLUB
MF Bernard Berisha (1991-10-21) 21 October 1991 18 1 Akhmat Grozny v.  Moldova, 18 November 2020SUSP
MF Milot Rashica (1996-06-28) 28 June 1996 28 4 Werder Bremen v.  Albania, 11 November 2020CLUB
MF Benjamin Kololli (1992-05-15) 15 May 1992 20 4 Zürich v.  Albania, 11 November 2020SUSP
MF Idriz Voca (1997-05-15) 15 May 1997 10 0 Ankaragücü v.  Albania, 11 November 2020INJ
MF Florent Muslija (1998-07-06) 6 July 1998 4 0 Hannover 96 v.  Albania, 11 November 2020INJ
MF Florian Loshaj (1996-08-13) 13 August 1996 2 0 Cracovia v.  Albania, 11 November 2020PRE
MF Arbër Zeneli (1995-02-25) 25 February 1995 22 7 Reims v.  Greece, 14 October 2020INJ
MF Besar Halimi (1994-12-12) 12 December 1994 24 1 Sandhausen v.  Greece, 6 September 2020INJ
MF Rron Broja (1996-04-09) 9 April 1996 1 0 Partizani Tirana v.  Greece, 6 September 2020
FW Valmir Sulejmani (1996-02-01) 1 February 1996 3 0 Hannover 96 v.  Albania, 11 November 2020PRE
FW Andi Zeqiri (1999-06-22) 22 June 1999 0 0 Brighton & Hove Albion v.  Moldova, 3 September 2020FIFA
Notes
  • FIFA = It is not available after FIFA did not permit him to play for Kosovo due to problems with documentation.[56][57]
  • CLUB = It is not part of the current squad after the club has not allowed him to join.
  • INJ = It is not part of the current squad due to injury.
  • SUSP = It is not available in next match due to red card suspension.
  • PRE = Preliminary squad.

Personnel
Bernard Challandes (left) is the current head coach of Kosovo and Muharrem Sahiti (right) is the current first assistant coach of Kosovo who in the eventual absence of the head coach plays his role.

Current technical staff
Position Name
Head coach Bernard Challandes
Assistant coach(es)
Muharrem Sahiti
Ramush Gashi
Genc Hoxha
Fitness coach Thomas Richard
Goalkeeping coach Ahmet Beselica
Physiotherapist(s)
Ismet Shalaj
Zheralldin Durguti
Doctor Murat Berisha
Device manager Sahit Salihi
Team manager Bajram Shala
Technical director Michael Nees

Kit suppliers
Kosovo kit in the first competitive match against Finland in September 2016.

The Kosovo kit has been mostly red and black before declaration of independence with few changes throughout the years and after the independence the kits are mostly blue and yellow. On 5 October 2016, Kosovo signed with Spanish sportswear company Kelme to a four-year contract and was the first official kit suppliers of Kosovo after membership in UEFA and FIFA.[58] On 16 June 2018, Kosovo signed with Swiss sportswear company Fourteen to a four-year contract and becomes the current kit suppliers of Kosovo.[59][60]

Kit provider Period In matches against
Legea 2014  Haiti
Puma 2014  Turkey and  Senegal
Legea 2014  Oman
Umbro 2015  Equatorial Guinea and  Albania
Puma 2016  Faroe Islands
Kelme 2016–2018 N/A
Fourteen 2018–present

Stadiums

On 12 July 2019, it was announced that a stadium will be built with a capacity of 30,000 seats.[61][62]

As of 18 November 2020
Kosovo national football team home stadiums
Nr. of
matches		 Image Stadium Capacity Location First match Last match Ref
18 Fadil Vokrri Stadium 13,500 Pristina, Kosovo v.  Yugoslavia, 8 November 1967 v.  Moldova, 18 November 2020 [63]
5 Loro Boriçi Stadium 16,000 Shkodër, Albania v.  Croatia, 6 October 2016 v.  Ukraine, 6 October 2017 [e][64]
3 Adem Jashari Olympic Stadium 18,500 Mitrovica, Kosovo v.  Haiti, 5 March 2014 v.  Latvia, 13 November 2017 [65]

Records
Main article: List of Kosovo international footballers

Below are two lists of the top 11 players with the most caps and goals for Kosovo.
Players in bold are still active at international level.

Most capped players
As of 14 November 2020[66]
Mërgim Vojvoda is the second most capped player in the history of Kosovo with 31 caps.
Rank Pos. Name Career Caps Goals
1 DF Amir Rrahmani 2014– 34 5
2 DF Mërgim Vojvoda 2017– 31 1
3 DF Fidan Aliti 2017– 29 0
4 MF Milot Rashica 2016– 28 4
GK Samir Ujkani 2014– 28 0
6 MF Bersant Celina 2014– 27 2
7 FW Vedat Muriqi 2016– 26 10
MF Valon Berisha 2016– 26 3
9 MF Besar Halimi 2015– 24 1
10 DF Leart Paqarada 2014– 23 1
MF Hekuran Kryeziu 2015– 23 0

Top goalscorers
As of 14 November 2020[67]
Vedat Muriqi is the top scorer in the history of Kosovo with 8 goals.
Rank Pos. Name Career Goals Caps Average
1 FW Vedat Muriqi 2016– 10 26 0.38
2 MF Arbër Zeneli 2016– 7 22 0.32
3 DF Amir Rrahmani 2014– 5 34 0.15
4 MF Milot Rashica 2016– 4 28 0.14
FW Elba Rashani 2015– 4 18 0.22
MF Benjamin Kololli 2016– 4 20 0.2
7 MF Valon Berisha 2016– 3 26 0.12
FW Atdhe Nuhiu 2017– 3 19 0.16
FW Albert Bunjaku 2014–2016 3 6 0.5
10 MF Bersant Celina 2014– 2 27 0.07
MF Edon Zhegrova 2018– 2 22 0.09

Captains
As of 14 November 2020[68]
Samir Ujkani (left) is the most capped player as captain in the history of Kosovo with 23 caps and Anel Rashkaj (right) is the first captain who led Kosovo in the first international match against Haiti.
Rank Pos. Name Period Caps
As captain Total As captain Total
1 GK Samir Ujkani 2015– 2014– 25 28
2 DF Amir Rrahmani 2019– 2014– 10 34
3 MF Anel Rashkaj 2014 2014– 3 14
4 MF Herolind Shala 2019– 2016– 2 23
5 DF Fidan Aliti 2020– 2017– 1 29
MF Hekuran Kryeziu 2019– 2015– 1 23
MF Valon Berisha 2018– 2016– 1 20
MF Enis Alushi 2014 2014–2017 1 10
MF Besnik Hasi 2007 2007 1 1
MF Genc Hoxha 1993 1993 1 1

Head-to-head records against other countries
As of 18 November 2020[69]
Opponent Pld W D L GF GA GD Win % Reference
1993–present
 Albania 6 1 1 4 9 11 −2 016.67 H2H results
 Azerbaijan 2 1 1 0 4 0 +4 050.00 H2H results
 Bulgaria 2 1 1 0 4 3 +1 050.00 H2H results
 Burkina Faso 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00 H2H results
 Croatia 2 0 0 2 0 7 −7 000.00 H2H results
 Czech Republic 2 1 0 1 3 3 +0 050.00 H2H results
 Denmark 1 0 1 0 2 2 +0 000.00 H2H results
 England 2 0 0 2 3 9 −6 000.00 H2H results
 Equatorial Guinea 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00 H2H results
 Faroe Islands 3 2 1 0 5 1 +4 066.67 H2H results
 Finland 2 0 1 1 1 2 −1 000.00 H2H results
 Gibraltar 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Greece 2 0 1 1 1 2 −1 000.00 H2H results
 Haiti 1 0 1 0 0 0 +0 000.00 H2H results
 Iceland 2 0 0 2 1 4 −3 000.00 H2H results
 Latvia 1 1 0 0 4 3 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Madagascar 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Moldova 2 1 1 0 2 1 +1 050.00 H2H results
 Malta 2 2 0 0 8 1 +7 100.00 H2H results
 Monaco 1 1 0 0 7 1 +6 100.00 N/A
 Montenegro 2 1 1 0 3 1 +2 050.00 H2H results
 North Macedonia 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 000.00 H2H results
 Northern Cyprus 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 000.00 N/A
 Oman 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Sápmi 1 1 0 0 4 1 +3 100.00 N/A
 Saudi Arabia 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00
 Senegal 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 000.00 H2H results
 Sweden 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 000.00 H2H results
 Slovenia 2 0 0 2 1 3 −2 000.00 H2H results
 Turkey 3 0 0 3 2 12 −10 000.00 H2H results
H2H results*
 Ukraine 2 0 0 2 0 5 −5 000.00 H2H results
31 Countries 59 23 11 25 84 85 −1 038.98 All H2H results

See also
Men's
Women's

Notes and references

Notes
  1. ^
    The alternative name of the Albania national team that was used during this match.[6]
  2. ^
    Dobrica Barbaroga was the Albanianized full name of Dobrica Barbarogić by the media of that time, which seems to be expression of peaceful coexistence with national minorities even in Kosovo at that time.[4]
  3. ^
    The two matches between Kosovo and Moldova will be played on neutral venues as there are no diplomatic relations between the two countries.[70]
  4. ^
    The North Macedonia v Kosovo match, originally scheduled for 26 March 2020, 20:45 (UTC+1) at the Toše Proeski Arena, Skopje was postponed on 17 March due to the coronavirus.[71] The match was later rescheduled to 8 October 2020.[72]
  5. ^
    After stadiums in Mitrovica and Pristina were under renovation and do not meet UEFA standards.[73] Kosovo played the qualifying matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Loro Boriçi Stadium (Albanian: Stadiumi Loro Boriçi), a multi-use stadium in Shkodër, Albania.[74][75]

References
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  2. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 10 December 2020. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  3. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking - Associations - Kosovo - Men's". FIFA. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  4. Besnik Dizdari (12 December 2007). "Besnik Dizdari: Kur në Tiranë lindte Përfaqësuesja e Kosovës...(II)" [Besnik Dizdari: When in Tirana the Kosovo national team was born...(II)]. Zemra Shqiptare (in Albanian).
  5. Besnik Dizdari (15 September 2019). ""Armiqtë" e vërtetë dhe "miqtë" e rremë të Kosovës" [The real "enemies" and false "friends" of Kosovo] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport.
  6. Mendrit Shehu (18 November 2019). "Kosova, kalvari sportiv e miqësorja e harruar me Jugosllavinë" [Kosovo, the sports ordeal and the forgotten friendly with Yugoslavia]. Gazetasi (in Albanian).
  7. "Futbolli 1991–2011, 20 vjet mëvetësim" [Football 1991–2019, 20 years independence] (PDF) (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 2011. pp. Respectively on pages 64 and 65, contain information about cooperation protocol and the match.
  8. "International Matches 1993 – Europe, January–March". RSSSF. 14/02/1993, Tiranë, Dinamo, 14000, Friendly International, ALBANIA–KOSOVA
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  12. "Përfaqësuesja e Kosovës në futboll" [Kosovo national team in football]. Forumi Shqiptar (in Albanian). 22 April 2006. Përfaqësuesja e Kosovës mposhti atë të Monacos me rezultat 7:1
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  14. "FIFA's finances solid". FIFA. 24 October 2008. Archived from the original on 29 October 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2017. An application for affiliation from the Kosovo football association was deemed not to comply with art. 10 of the FIFA Statutes, which stipulates that only "an independent state recognised by the international community" may be admitted. In accordance with the Statutes, Kosovo cannot play any friendly matches
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  23. "Kosovo footballers draw with Haiti in Mitrovica debut". BBC News. 5 March 2014.
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  25. "KM: Zapaljena zastava Srbije" [KM: Burned flag of Serbia] (in Serbian). B92. 5 March 2014.
  26. "FSS traži opoziv FIFA za Kosovo" [FAS seeking revocation of FIFA for Kosovo] (in Serbian). B92. 6 March 2014.
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  28. "Kosova pësoi humbje nga Turqia" [Kosovo suffered losses from Turkey] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 21 May 2014.
  29. "UEFA shqyrton në mars të vitit të ardhshëm anëtarësimin e Kosovës" [UEFA reviews in March next year Kosovo's membership] (in Albanian). Voice of America. 19 September 2015.
  30. "Football Federation of Kosovo joins UEFA". UEFA. 3 May 2016.
  31. "Kosovo accepted as member of Uefa after Congress vote". The Guardian. 3 May 2016.
  32. "Zyrtare: Kosova pranohet në FIFA, jemi të barabartë me të gjitha vendet e botës" [Official: Kosovo is admitted to FIFA, we are equal to all countries in the world] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 13 May 2016.
  33. "Kosovo and Gibraltar assigned to 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying groups". UEFA. 9 June 2016.
  34. "Kosova në Grupin I për kualifikimet e Botërorit 2018" [Kosovo in Group I for 2018 World Cup qualifiers] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 9 June 2016. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  35. "Kosovë brilante, debuton me barazim në kualifikimet e Botërorit 2018" [Brilliant Kosovo, debuts with a draw in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 5 September 2016.
  36. "UEFA Nations League 2018/19 League Phase draw". UEFA. 24 January 2018. Group D3: Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands, Malta, Kosovo
  37. "Liga e Kombeve, Kosova në Grupin D3" [Nations League, Kosovo in Group D3] (in Albanian). Top Channel. 24 January 2018.
  38. "Kosova bën histori, kalon në "play-off" për Euro 2020 dhe promovohet në Ligën C" [Kosovo makes history, goes to the "play-off" for Euro 2020 and is promoted to League C] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 20 November 2018.
  39. "Kosova në grup me Anglinë, ja deklaratat e presidentit Ademi dhe përzgjedhësit Challandes (Video)" [Kosovo in group with England, statements by president Ademi and selector Challandes (Video)] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 2 December 2018. Fati deshi që Kosova të tërhiqet në Grupin A, grup që përbëhet prej pesë ekipeve dhe aty krahas Kosovës do të jetë edhe gjiganti i futbollit, Anglia, pastaj Republika e Çekisë, Bullgaria dhe Mali i Zi
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  41. {"Dardanët pësojnë humbje në Çeki, ëndrra për kualifikim vazhdon tek Liga e Kombeve" [Dardanians suffer losses in the Czechia, the dream of qualifying continues in the Nations League] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 14 November 2019.
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  43. "Kosova e nis me barazim edicionin e ri në Ligën e Kombeve" [Kosovo starts the new edition of the Nations League with a draw] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 3 September 2020.
  44. "Kosova pëson humbje nga Greqia" [Kosovo suffers losses from Greece] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 6 September 2020.
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  55. "Kosovo (1–0) Moldova". eu-football.info. 18 November 2020.
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  57. "Një futbollist i Kosovës nuk mund të luaj ndaj Sllovenisë dhe Moldavisë, nuk ka kompletuar dokumentacionin" [One Kosovo footballer can not play against Slovenia and Moldova, has not completed the documentation]. GazetaOlle (in Albanian). 10 November 2020.
  58. "Nënshkruhet marrëveshja mes FFK-së dhe 'Kelme' për fanellat e Përfaqësueses së Kosovës (Foto/Video)" [Signed the agreement between FFK and 'Kelme' for the kits of Kosovo national football team (Photo/Video)] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 5 October 2016.
  59. "FFK-ja promovoi logon e re dhe sponsorin e ri teknik" [FFK promoted the new logo and the new technical sponsor] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 16 June 2018.
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  73. "Këto janë 11 stadiumet e Superligës dhe asnjëri nuk i plotëson kushtet (Foto)" [These are the 11 Superleague stadiums and none meet the conditions (Photo)] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 3 May 2016.
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