The competition brought together 53 teams from around the globe, with nearly 280 matches played during the event. Albania took part in nine matches, gaining valuable sporting and cultural experience.

Florian Riza, the Albanian Football Association (FSHF) representative accompanying the team, described the participation as both a major challenge and a significant achievement.

“Building a football team is a challenge; building a national team is an even greater one. Building a national team for people with intellectual disabilities is an even bigger challenge,” Riza said.

He said the delegation’s main goals were to ensure a successful trip and provide players with a memorable experience, praising the team’s commitment and passion for the game.

Pamela Ndocaj, FSHF’s social responsibility representative, said the tournament highlighted football’s role in promoting equality, inclusion and social participation.

Beyond the sporting results, she noted that the event offered players a unique opportunity for personal growth, cultural exchange and international engagement.

Albania’s participation in the Genuine Cup marks another step in the development of inclusive football in the country, promoting values of respect, equal opportunity and social inclusion through sport.

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The National Cybersecurity Agency welcomed students and young technology and cybersecurity enthusiasts as they took their first steps toward representing Albania in this international contest.

During this phase, participants will face a series of technical challenges designed to test their knowledge and skills in areas such as cryptography, forensic analysis, penetration testing, and incident management.

Only the top 10 applicants will be selected to form Albania’s national team, which will compete among more than 40 countries in this year’s ECSC edition.

“This initiative is not just a competition but an investment in the country’s digital security future. Albanian youth have extraordinary potential, and this is their chance to showcase it on the European stage,” the Agency announced.

This unique opportunity encourages young people to foster creativity, teamwork, and strengthen their technical abilities in a field vital to the secure digital development of society.

The National Cybersecurity Agency wished success to all participants and encourages active youth involvement in cybersecurity.

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Communication Department at the Albanian Football Federation said that all the selectees have joined the team and they are all fully fit for the game.

The Red and Blacks checked into their hotel as soon as they arrived in London.

The national team will hold a final training session at 7:00 PM on Thursday at Wembley, followed by a press conference with coach Sylvinho and a player at 6:15 PM.

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Whole team headed to the training ground at 12:00 hrs, officially starting preparations for their Group B game against Spain due to be played in Dusseldorf on Monday, March 24.

Press department at the Albanian Football Federation said that players enjoy great physical conditions and suffer no injuries.

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The Sport Centrum Kaiserau, where the team is staying, is decorated with red and black colors, the national colors of Albania, creating a lively atmosphere for the team.

Speaking at a press conference, Abania’s midfielder Ylber Ramadani commented on the fantastic atmosphere prevailing within the red and black camp, the competition within the squad and their first Euro 2024 game against Italy in Dortmund on June 15.

“The atmosphere is overwhelming. We arrived in Germany a day ago and we have a day off today. We were extended an incredible reception upon our landing in Germany. It is really an overwhelming feeling,” Ramadani said.

Lecce ‘s defensive midfielder voiced optimism about the team’s first match against Italy, saying the Red and Blacks will Albania will have to do their best and take their chances against defending champions.

“It is a very special game as we will be playing against Europe’s defending champions. We will enter the pitch trying to do our utmost and take our chances for every possible point. We should give 100% ourselves to succeed in our attempts,” Ramadani said.

The midfielder also said that it was a dream that has come true for him to represent the Albanian nation in this major European tournament.

Albania’s participation at Euro 2024 is only their second appearance in a major tournament and they face an extremely difficult group against defending champions Italy along with Spain and Croatia in Group B. However, their combined efforts have turned Albania into a stern, tough-to-beat squad.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama took to the social media on Tuesday to post images of the festive atmosphere on the stands of Air Albania stadium.

“Incredible exitement after the national side’s milestone achievement, and fully confident that this new squad will surprise us again,” PM Rama said.

With the Air Albania stadium at its full attendance capacity, Albania’s starting lineup included: Strakosha (Goalkeeper), Balliu, Ismajli, Gjimshiti, Mitaj, Asllani, Bare, Bajrami, Uzuni, Asani, Daku.

The game ended in a 0-0 draw, and the Red and Blacks ensured qualification as Group E winners, above the Czech Republic thanks to a superior head-to-head record, becoming one of the 24 national football sides that will compete at next summer’s tournament in Germany.

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The game will be played at the Estadi Nacional on Thursday evening.

All the players called by Albania’s Italian head coach Edoardo Reja for the three first qualifiers took part in the training session, as Etrit Berisha, Federik Veseli and Mario Mitaj joined the squad on Monday evening.

This was the last training session in Barcelona, as the Albanian delegation travelled to Andorra on Wednesday morning, where they will hold a final training session ahead of their first group stage qualifiers.

Reja has included many youngsters in the squad, including midfielder Nedim Bajrami of FC Empoli, defender Mario Mitaj of AEK Athens, midfielders Enis Cokaj and Sherif Kallaku of Lokomotiva Zagreb, and forward Florian Kamberi of Aberdeen.

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