US EditionAlbania and Serbia face off in a politically charged World Cup qualifier
- Albania and Serbia faced off in a politically charged World Cup qualifier at Arena Kombtare with over 20,000 supporters present in June 2025.
- The match recalled a catastrophic 2014 Belgrade brawl triggered by a drone carrying an Albanian flag, while deep-rooted tensions over Kosovo fueled the rivalry.
- The game featured a soft penalty awarded to Albania and intense fan engagement, with supporters focusing on player Rey Manaj and queuing at borders and public viewings.
- Nearly half the Albanian squad has origins from Kosovo or neighboring regions, and co-hosting the 2027 men's Under-21 European Championship aims to improve relations despite political sensitivities.
- Serbian President Vucic recently inflamed tensions, but Albanian officials urged fans to see the fixture as a sports festivity and build respect through the game.
34 Articles
34 Articles
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic condemned the anti-Serbian incidents that occurred last night in Tirana on the eve of the football match between the Albanian and Serbian national teams, when the Serbian flag was torn and extremist symbols were promoted.
The World Cup qualifier between Albania and Serbia ended goalless. Many expected the game to be a draw, but that didn't happen despite some interruptions by home fans, who had already angered the Serbians before the match.
The two teams will face off today, Saturday 7/6 at 21:45, in Tirana, for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The American news agency, "Associated Press", has dedicated a long article to the Albania-Serbia match, which will be played tomorrow, Saturday, in Tirana as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. "AP" writes that the match in Tirana is not just about three points, as the echoes of previous matches are impossible to ignore, and a confrontation that is deeply rooted in national identity, which "the organizers are trying at all costs to put aside."
From a sporting and political point of view, it is a explosive game: Albania against Serbia. Fans have now announced drastic measures for the game.
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- 50% of the sources lean Left
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