Albania national under-21 football team

The Albania national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Albania and is controlled by the Football Association of Albania. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which is held every two years.

Albania Under-21

Nickname(s)	Kuqezinjtë (The Red and Blacks) Shpresat e Shqipërisë (Albania's Hopes)
Association	Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit (FSHF)
Confederation	UEFA (Europe)
Head coach	Alban Bushi
Captain	Medon Berisha
Most caps	Shaqir Tafa (24)
Top scorer	Odise Roshi (11)
Home stadium	Elbasan Arena Loro Boriçi Stadium
FIFA code	ALB
First colours Second colours Third colours
First international
Yugoslavia 1–0 Albania  (Thessaloniki, Greece; 25 June 1976)[1]
Biggest win
Albania 7–1 Romania  (Tirana, Albania; April 12, 1978)[2]
Biggest defeat
Germany 8–0 Albania  (Cologne, Germany; March 23, 2001)
UEFA U-21 Championship
Appearances	2 (first in 1984)
Best result	Quarter-finals, 1984
Medal record Albania national under-21 football team Medal record U-21 Balkan Youth Championship 1976–1978 Team 1981 Team

Following the realignment of UEFA's youth competitions in 1976, the Albanian under-21 team was formed.

History

Balkan Youth Championship

Main article: Balkan Youth Championship

Albania Under-21 participated in the Balkan Youth Championship as a succeder^{[clarification needed]} of Under-23 team, in the 1976–78 and 1981 competitions, winning both with finals against Romania and Bulgaria. Notably in 1978, the second leg of the final match against Romania was characterized by a large Albania's win 7–1, which is the largest win ever recorded by Albania U-21.^[3]

1984 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship

Main article: 1984 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship

In 1978 a Competition for the European Under-21 teams was created but the Albania Under-21s didn't participated in first 3 editions and debuted in the competition in the 1984s Championship where they managed to qualify for the first and only time in their history although they were competing for the first time in such tournament. The historic event was the first time any Albanian squad qualified for a Europe or World Championship, and only the fifth time any Albanian squad qualified for the major championships. To this day the team that qualified for that competition are still regarded as the most successful team in Albanian football history. In the qualifying stage they were drawn in a very tough group which included the West Germany, Turkey and Austria. Albania U21 managed to qualify without losing a single game winning both home-away versus Austria (1–2 away & 3–0 home) & Turkey (both 1–0) and managing two very good draws against one of the biggest and best footballing nations, West Germany (both 1–1), heading the group with 10 points, 1 above West Germany. Albania played the quarter finals against Italy, against which it lost twice 0–1 both home and away as Italy advanced to the semifinals losing against England, the eventual champions.

1986–1994

In the 1986 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania came last in group after Poland and Greece, and could not qualify. In the 1988 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania came again last in group after Spain, Romania and Austria. In the 1990 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania came last in group after Sweden, England and Poland. In the 1992 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship managed to precede Iceland as last in the group, but was preceded by Czechoslovakia, France and Spain. In the qualifiers of the 1994 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania preceded bottom team Republic of Ireland, but was preceded by Spain, Germany and Denmark.

1996–2002

In the 1996 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship qualification Albania did not participate. In the qualifiers of the 1998 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania left behind Armenia, but had to trail in the final rankings Germany, Ukraine, and Portugal. In the qualifiers of the 2000 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania trailed Greece, Norway, Georgia, Latvia, and Slovenia and closed at the bottom of the group. In the qualifiers of the 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania came again last behind England, Greece, Germany, and Finland.

2004–2007

In the qualifiers of the 2004 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania had the best result since Euro '84, when it had won the group, as it left two teams behind (Republic of Ireland and Georgia), but was preceded by Switzerland and Russia, and thus failed to qualify to the main tournament. In the qualifiers of the 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania left behind itself Kazakhstan, but was preceded by Denmark, Ukraine, Greece, Turkey, and Georgia. In the qualifiers of the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, in a 3 teams group, Albania came last behind Spain and Slovakia and failed to qualify.

2009–2013

In the qualifiers of the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania was fourth out of 6 teams in the final ranking, leaving behind the Faroe Islands and Azerbaijan, but trailing behind Italy, Croatia and Greece. In the qualifiers of the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania left again behind Azerbaijan but trailed Scotland, Belarus, and Austria in the final rankings. In the qualifiers of the 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship Albania came last trailing behind Russia, Portugal, Poland, and Moldova. However, as a consolation for the first time an Albanian footballer, Armando Sadiku was the top goalscorer of the group. Albania drew in Russia against the famous hosts during that tournament, a noticeable fact. Albania were also able to draw against Portugal in Durrës with 2–2 during this qualifying. Albania suffered close loses against Poland in Grudziądz with 4–3 and to Russia with 0–1 in Durrës respectively.

2015–2019

In the qualification in Group 4 Albania would finish in last place. They were able to beat Hungary with 0–2 away from home.^[4] Albania would also beat notable Austria with 1–3 away from home in the Liebenauer Stadium in Graz.^[5] As a fact Albanian won for the first time in their history more matches away than at home in an Under-21 qualification. In the following 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification Group 4. Albania finished fourth leaving Hungary and Liechtenstein but trailing behind Greece, Israel and eventual Group winners Portugal. securing 12 points in the progress. Albania were able to win three matches in this qualifying. They beat Liechtenstein with 2-0 and away from home with the same result. As well as beating Hungary in Elbasan with 2–1 in fact.^[6] They drew three times once against Israel in Elbasan with 1-1 and away to Hungary with 2-2 and in the derby at home against Greece with 0:0.^[7]

Competitive record

UEFA European Under-23 Championship

The event was classified as a U-23 tournament where at time were played three competitions, 1972, 1974 & 1976.

Main article: Albania national under-23 football team § Competitive record

UEFA European Under-21 Championship record										UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D *	L	GF	GA		Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA
1978	Did not enter									did not enter
1980
1982
1984	Quarter-finals	6th	2	0	0	2	0	2		6	4	2	0	9	3
1986	Did not qualify									4	1	0	3	3	7
1988										6	0	2	4	4	10
1990										6	0	1	5	1	8
1992										7	1	2	4	3	13
1994										8	1	2	5	5	18
1996										did not enter
1998										8	1	1	6	6	19
2000										10	1	4	5	8	21
2002										8	1	1	6	3	19
2004										8	3	1	4	10	10
2006										12	2	3	7	9	27
2007										2	0	1	1	0	3
2009										10	3	3	4	10	13
2011										8	1	1	6	11	20
2013										8	1	2	5	11	18
2015										8	2	0	6	7	15
2017										10	3	3	4	11	20
2019										10	1	4	5	9	17
2021										10	4	2	4	16	21
2023										10	3	1	6	9	17
2025										10	5	1	4	12	17
2027	Qualified as co-hosts									Qualified as co-hosts
Total			2	0	0	2	0	2		169	38	37	94	157	316

Note: The year of the tournament represents the year in which it ends.

Fixtures and results

2023

Azerbaijan  v  Albania

23 March 2023 (2023-03-23) Friendly	Azerbaijan	1–2	Albania	Antalya
15:00	Cəfərov 46'	Report	S. Shpendi 43' Pajaziti 51'	Stadium: Antalya Stadium

Poland  v  Albania

27 March 2023 (2023-03-27) Friendly	Poland	2–0	Albania	Antalya
15:00	Włodarczyk 11', 81'	Report		Stadium: Antalya Stadium

Albania  v  Bulgaria

20 June 2023 (2023-06-20) Friendly	Albania	3–1	Bulgaria	Elbasan
18:30	S. Shpendi 9' Kurtulan 13' Berisha 50'	Report	Stoyanov 23'	Stadium: Elbasan Arena

Armenia  v  Albania

8 September 2023 (2023-09-08) 2025 UEFA Q	Armenia	1–2	Albania	Abovyan
17:00	Tarakhchyan 86'	Report	S. Shpendi 28' Rexhepi 37'	Stadium: Abovyan City Stadium Attendance: 1,200 Referee: Radoslav Gidzhenov (Bulgaria)

Albania  v  Romania

12 September 2023 (2023-09-12) 2025 UEFA Q	Albania	3–2	Romania	Elbasan
18:30	C. Shpendi 63' Berisha 71' Pajaziti 88'	Report	Grameni 47' Borza 58'	Stadium: Elbasan Arena Attendance: 713 Referee: Bulat Saryev (Kazakhstan)

Finland  v  Albania

13 October 2023 (2023-10-13) 2025 UEFA Q	Finland	4–1	Albania	Turku
17:00	Liimatta 4', 6', 48' Ylitolva 90+6'	Report	Pajaziti 80'	Stadium: Veritas Stadion Attendance: 2,247 Referee: Maria Sole Caputi (Italy)

Albania  v  Montenegro

17 October 2023 (2023-10-17) 2025 UEFA Q	Albania	2–0	Montenegro	Rrogozhinë
14:30	Berisha 27' (pen.) S. Shpendi 73'	Report		Stadium: Arena Egnatia Attendance: 512 Referee: Jarred Gavan Gillett (Australia)

Romania  v  Albania

17 November 2023 (2023-11-17) 2025 UEFA Q	Romania	5–0	Albania	Giulești
19:30	Munteanu 7' (pen.) M. Ilie 15' R. Ilie 37' Grameni 55' Danciu 86'	Report		Stadium: Stadionul Rapid-Giulești Attendance: 2,234 Referee: Matthew De Gabriele (Malta)

2024

Albania  v  Finland

22 March 2024 (2024-03-22) 2025 UEFA Q	Albania	0–0	Finland	Tirana
17:00		Report		Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Referee: Michal Očenáš (Slovakia)

Albania  v   Switzerland

26 March 2024 (2024-03-26) 2025 UEFA Q	Albania	1–3	Switzerland	Tirana
17:00	Shpendi 90+3'	Report	Surdez 28' Sanches 59' Keller 76'	Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Referee: Adam Ladebäck (Sweden)

Montenegro  v  Albania

7 June 2024 (2024-06-07) 2025 UEFA Q	Montenegro	1–0	Albania	Podgorica
20:00	Franeta 90+2'	Report		Stadium: Podgorica City Stadium Referee: Jonathan Lardot (Belgium)

Albania  v Liechtenstein U23

11 June 2024 (2024-06-11) Friendly	Albania	4–0	Liechtenstein U23	Durrës
19:00	Pajaziti 37' (pen.) Rashica 42' Maksuti 52' Kurtulan 90+2' (pen.)	Report		Stadium: Niko Dovana Stadium Referee: Florjan Lata (Albania)

Switzerland  v  Albania

6 September 2024 (2024-09-06) 2025 UEFA Q	Switzerland	1–2	Albania	Lausanne
19:30	Surdez 16'	Report	Pajaziti 18', 69'	Stadium: Stade de la Tuilière Referee: Atilla Karaoğlan (Turkey)

Albania  v  Armenia

15 October 2024 (2024-10-15) 2025 UEFA Q	Albania	1–0	Armenia	Tirana
	Aventisian 57' (o.g.)	Report		Stadium: Arena Kombëtare Referee: Kyriakos Athanasiou (Cyprus)

Albania  v  Moldova

15 November 2024 (2024-11-15) Friendly	Albania	1–1	Moldova	Vorë
	Rashica 10' (pen.)	Report	Costin 79'	Stadium: Vora Stadium

Albania  v  Moldova

18 November 2024 (2024-11-18) Friendly	Albania	4–0	Moldova	Vorë
	Rashica 16' Ismaili 54' Rama 87' Daka 90+3'	Report		Stadium: Vora Stadium

2025

Greece  v  Albania

21 March 2025 (2025-03-21) Friendly	Greece	0–0	Albania	Serres
16:00		Report		Stadium: Serres Municipal Stadium

Luxembourg  v  Albania

25 March 2025 (2025-03-25) Friendly	Luxembourg	1–0	Albania	Parc Housen
18:30	Videira 57'	Report		Stadium: Stade Georges Wohlfart

Hungary  v  Albania

5 June 2025 (2025-06-05) Friendly	Hungary	1–2	Albania	Kecskemét
19:30	Drágoner 74'	Report	Dodaj 46' Osmani 76'	Stadium: Széktói Stadion

Turkey  v  Albania

8 June 2025 (2025-06-08) Friendly	Turkey	1–0	Albania	Istanbul
19:00	Kılıçsoy 27'	Report		Stadium: Atatürk Olympic Stadium

Albania  v  Germany

5 September 2025 (2025-09-05) Friendly	Albania	v	Germany	Elbasan
18:30				Stadium: Elbasan Arena

Switzerland  v  Albania

8 September 2025 (2025-09-08) Friendly	Switzerland	v	Albania	Aarau
18:30				Stadium: Stadion Brügglifeld

Players

Current squad

• The following players were called up for the friendly matches against Hungary and Turkey on 5 and 8 June 2025.^[8]
• Caps and goals are correct as of 8 June 2025^[update], after the match against Turkey.
• Players in bold have been called up or have played at least one full international match with national senior team.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
	1GK	Simon Simoni	(2004-07-14) 14 July 2004 (age 21)	13	0	1. FC Kaiserslautern
	1GK	Anxhelo Sina	(2004-01-07) 7 January 2004 (age 21)	4	0	Rio Ave
	1GK	Aron Jukaj	(2005-06-19) 19 June 2005 (age 20)	1	0	Vllaznia
	1GK	Giulio Veliaj	(2005-04-01) 1 April 2005 (age 20)	0	0	Cesena
	2DF	Ermis Selimaj	(2004-05-25) 25 May 2004 (age 21)	12	0	AEK Athens B
	2DF	Elton Fikaj	(2005-10-18) 18 October 2005 (age 19)	8	0	Panathinaikos
	2DF	Arlind Kurti	(2005-01-24) 24 January 2005 (age 20)	6	0	Laçi
	2DF	Zylyf Muça	(2005-03-07) 7 March 2005 (age 20)	4	0	Brescia
	2DF	Ervin Bashi	(2005-07-24) 24 July 2005 (age 20)	4	0	Pro Patria
	2DF	Gabriel Ramaj	(2006-02-09) 9 February 2006 (age 19)	4	0	Atalanta U20
	2DF	Aurel Marku	(2005-01-13) 13 January 2005 (age 20)	1	0	Bylisi
	2DF	Fabjan Përndreca	(2005-12-06) 6 December 2005 (age 19)	1	0	Bylisi
	3MF	Feta Fetai	(2005-05-11) 11 May 2005 (age 20)	7	0	Lokomotiva
	3MF	Dion Ajvazi	(2004-02-10) 10 February 2004 (age 21)	6	0	Hertha BSC II
	3MF	Burak Alili	(2004-02-11) 11 February 2004 (age 21)	4	0	Lafnitz
	3MF	Enes Osmani	(2004-02-13) 13 February 2004 (age 21)	2	1	Sparta Prague B
	3MF	Etnik Brruti	(2004-03-04) 4 March 2004 (age 21)	2	0	Malisheva
	3MF	Gent Elezaj	(2005-04-11) 11 April 2005 (age 20)	2	0	Hammarby TFF
	3MF	Aidon Shehu	(2007-01-01) 1 January 2007 (age 18)	2	0	Hull City U21
	4FW	Erald Maksuti	(2004-05-10) 10 May 2004 (age 21)	7	1	Apolonia
	4FW	Kevin Dodaj	(2005-09-03) 3 September 2005 (age 19)	7	1	Vllaznia
	4FW	Dario Daka	(2004-01-24) 24 January 2004 (age 21)	4	1	Trapani
	4FW	Rrok Toma	(2004-02-27) 27 February 2004 (age 21)	4	0	Teuta
	4FW	Ledjo Tresa	(2005-07-25) 25 July 2005 (age 20)	3	0	Laçi

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
GK	Endri Dema	(2004-04-17) 17 April 2004 (age 21)	2	0	Erzeni	v.  Luxembourg, 25 March 2025
GK	Thomas Brahja	(2005-03-26) 26 March 2005 (age 20)	0	0	Matera	v.  Moldova, 18 November 2024
GK	Arbër Jata	(2004-12-03) 3 December 2004 (age 20)	0	0	Vora	v.  Armenia, 15 October 2024
GK	Renato Beqaj	(2004-06-22) 22 June 2004 (age 21)	0	0	Bylisi	v.  Montenegro, 7 June 2024
DF	Erdin Ismaili	(2005-06-10) 10 June 2005 (age 20)	2	1	Basel U21	v.  Luxembourg, 25 March 2025
DF	Leart Zuka	(2005-08-27) 27 August 2005 (age 19)	1	0	Servette U21	v.  Luxembourg, 25 March 2025
DF	Mateo Çipi	(2004-07-08) 8 July 2004 (age 21)	2	0	Partizani	v.  Moldova, 18 November 2024
DF	Erion Aliji	(2005-12-10) 10 December 2005 (age 19)	2	0	Horn	v.  Moldova, 18 November 2024
DF	Klevis Haxhari	(2005-05-01) 1 May 2005 (age 20)	1	0	New York City II	v.  Moldova, 18 November 2024
DF	Maldini Kacurri	(2005-10-04) 4 October 2005 (age 19)	1	0	Bromley	v.  Moldova, 18 November 2024
DF	Marçelino Preka	(2003-08-02) 2 August 2003 (age 22)	6	0	Partizani	v.  Armenia, 15 October 2024
MF	Gjergji Kote	(2004-08-20) 20 August 2004 (age 20)	2	0	Partizani	v.  Hungary, 5 June 2025INJ
MF	Renaldo Torraj	(2004-07-15) 15 July 2004 (age 21)	5	0	Teuta	v.  Luxembourg, 25 March 2025
MF	Luan Simnica	(2004-01-22) 22 January 2004 (age 21)	2	0	SV Sandhausen	v.  Luxembourg, 25 March 2025
MF	Jordi Jaku	(2006-03-27) 27 March 2006 (age 19)	1	0	Bologna U20	v.  Luxembourg, 25 March 2025
MF	Besar Gugjufi	(2004-05-29) 29 May 2004 (age 21)	2	0	Partizani	v.  Moldova, 18 November 2024
MF	Hajrulla Tola	(2004-07-01) 1 July 2004 (age 21)	1	0	Korabi	v.  Moldova, 18 November 2024
MF	Ermal Meta	(2005-06-20) 20 June 2005 (age 20)	1	0	Tirana	v.  Moldova, 15 November 2024
MF	Leandro Frroku	(2003-09-03) 3 September 2003 (age 21)	4	0	Asteras AKTOR B	v.  Armenia, 15 October 2024
MF	Dejvid Janaqi	(2003-07-21) 21 July 2003 (age 22)	1	0	Skënderbeu	v.  Armenia, 15 October 2024
MF	Klevis Kasa	(2003-08-08) 8 August 2003 (age 22)	0	0	Elbasani	v.  Armenia, 15 October 2024
MF	Rejan Alivoda	(2003-06-05) 5 June 2003 (age 22)	5	0	Kalba	v.   Switzerland, 6 September 2024
MF	Klevi Qefalija	(2003-12-12) 12 December 2003 (age 21)	5	0	Dinamo City	v.  Liechtenstein, 11 June 2024
MF	Behar Ismaili	(2005-04-26) 26 April 2005 (age 20)	9	0	Anderlecht II	v.  Montenegro, 7 June 2024
FW	Ermir Rashica	(2004-03-24) 24 March 2004 (age 21)	11	3	Metalist 1925	v.  Luxembourg, 25 March 2025CLUB
FW	Kevin Zefi	(2005-02-11) 11 February 2005 (age 20)	0	0	Roma U20	v.  Greece, 21 March 2025
FW	Elmedin Rama	(2005-03-25) 25 March 2005 (age 20)	2	1	Pardubice	v.  Moldova, 18 November 2024
FW	Amin Tahiri	(2005-01-11) 11 January 2005 (age 20)	2	0	Tirana	v.  Moldova, 18 November 2024
FW	Arlind Rexhepi	(2003-07-28) 28 July 2003 (age 22)	10	1	Stuttgarter Kickers	v.  Armenia, 15 October 2024
Notes CLUB = It is not part of the current squad after the club has not allowed him to join. INJ = The player is not part of the current squad due to injury.

Coaching staff

Current coaching staff:^[9]

Position	Name
Head coach	Alban Bushi
Assistant coach	Endri Zjarri
Goalkeeping coach	Erion Meta
Athletic coach	Mark Dodaj
Team manager	Denis Lilo
Video analyst	Xhoen Tugu
Team doctor	Mehmet Buzmerxhani
Physiotherapist	Gledi Rexha
Physiotherapist	Edison Koçi
Base materials	Lusjos Sina

Balkan Youth Championship

Balkan Youth Championship record
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1976–1978	Champions	1st	6	3	2	1	12	6
1981	Champions	1st	2	2	0	0	6	2
Total	2 Titles	2/2	8	5	2	1	18	8

*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty shoot-out.

**Gold background colour indicates that the tournament was won.

Honours

Balkan Youth Championship

• Winners (2): 1978, 1981

See also

• Albania national football team
• Albania national under-23 football team
• Albania national under-20 football team
• Albania national under-19 football team
• Albania national under-18 football team
• Albania national under-17 football team
• Albania national under-16 football team
• Albania national under-15 football team
• Albania national football team results
• Albania national youth football team
• Albanian Superliga
• Football in Albania
• List of Albania international footballers