Coach Sylvinho led the team through a final training session at Gradski stadion Dubočica following a pre-match press conference.

The Albanian Football Association (FSHF) confirmed that all players are fit and available for selection.

Speaking to the media earlier on Friday, Albania’s head coach Sylvinho stressed the importance of the clash, describing it as a key encounter between the two main rivals competing for a play-off spot.

“Every match is important. Today, absolutely. A month ago it was Latvia – if we hadn’t won, it wouldn’t have made sense. If we win, the next match against Andorra becomes even more decisive. It’s emblematic and exciting, as we saw in Tirana,” he said.

Albania currently sits second in Group K with eight points from five games, just ahead of Serbia on seven points from four games, while England leads with 15 points. The group runner-up advances to the World Cup play-offs.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 local time. A victory for Albania would mark a significant step toward qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, while a Serbian win could reshape the play-off race.

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The Group K fixture will take place on Oct. 11 at 20:45 local time, the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) said on Monday.

The Serbian Football Association requested the venue change, which was approved by UEFA with the agreement of Albania’s federation.

FSHF said the move was prompted by security considerations and the need to ensure the match is played in a controlled, safe environment.

Albania sit on eight points from five matches, while Serbia have seven points from four games in Group K. Their first qualifier, played on June 7 in Tirana’s National Arena, ended in a 0-0 draw.

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After the third round, Albania’s national side currently ranks second with four points following their defeat in an away game against England and victory at home against modest Andorra.

Tonight’s game was first for Serbia in the stage group after the Nations League tournament.

Favourites England top Group K with 9 points, while Latvia ranks third with three points.

Albania created the first move and almost scored in the 11^th minute as Mario Mitaj hit a left-footed shot from outside the box and goalkeeper Petrovic made a good save. Albania increased the pressure and almost opens the scoring at home.

Serbia’s Pavlovic was shown yellow card in the 15^th minute after committing a hard foul on Armando Broja.

In the 19^th minute, Albanian defender Berat Gjimshiti committed a foul on Dusan Vlahovic and was shown a yellow card too.

In the 21^st minute, Serbia wasted a good chance after Vlahovic hit the ball with his left foot and missed the target.

In the 30^th minute, Albania’s striker Broja sprinted on the right side and was violently held by Serbian player. However, referee refused to give a foul.

In the 34^th minute of the first half, Albania almost took the lead when Qazim Laçi hit a right-footed shot from distance and goalkeeper Petrovic made the save.

Albania missed another good chance to open the scoring in the 36^th minute, when Arber Hoxha controlled the ball outside the area and fired a shot with his right foot past the Serbian defence.

Albania missed a penalty awarded by the referee after Elseid Hysaj was fouled inside the box. Forward Rej Manaj missed the target.

In the beginning of the second half, Serbia tried to react after Terzic crossed the ball into the box and Aleksandar Mitrovic headed in from the middle of the box and goalkeeper Strakosha made a good save.

In the 62^nd minute, Rej Manaj left the field to be replaced by Mirlind Daku in the Albanian squad. Albania tried to put pressure back on with changes in the second half and looks to open the scoring after missing a penalty.

In the 72^nd minute, Mirlind Daku gave an excellent pass to Nedim Bajrami, who controlled the ball inside the box, shoot with his right foot and goalkeeper Petrovic made a good save.

Albania pressed again and missed another good chance to open the scoring in the remaining minutes. However, the game headed towards a goalless end.

Official line-ups:

Albania: Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Gjimshiti, Mitaj; Shehu, Asllani, Laçi; Hoxha, Broja, Manaj.

SERBIA: Petrovic, Pavlovic, Milenkovic, Erakovic, Lukic, Maksimovic, Zivkovic, Terzic, Samardzic, Mitrovic, Vlahovic.

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The Federation is committed to ensuring fair, transparent and equal process for the fans wishing to watch the home match against Serbia, scheduled for June 7 at the National Arena in Tirana. The game has generated overwhelming interest from fans.

The application process for all Albanian fans in the country and abroad opened on May 15 and the application window remained opened until May 30. Each applicant was allowed to reserve up to 4 tickets

A UEFA-based model will be employed after the application process, with a random draw set to determine the lucky applicants, who will receive a unique payment link by June 2 for the final purchase of their electronic tickets.

More than 200 000 applications – nearly ten times the 22,500 capacity of the National Arena – have been registered so far, showing incredible interest from the fans for the game. Security verification filters will be applied to make sure that each individual applicant is granted the opportunity to watch the game in the stadium.

Each ticked will be personalized, bearing the holder’s name, a unique code and other details to the ticket to be shown at the stadium’s entrance. The State Police will verify IDs for compatibility with the ticket data. This system helps guarantee security and avoid abuse.

The Albania–Serbia match kicks off at 20:45 on June 7 in Tirana. It will be the third Group K fixture in the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

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Albanian side struggled to keep the host at bay after their early pressure. England controlled and dominated the game from its kickoff and took the lead in the 20^th minute with a goal by debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Albania’s best moment came just before the half-hour mark, when a deflected shot struck the crossbar. But chances were few, as England continued to press and threaten, with Thomas Strakosha making several key saves.

Armando Broja replaced Bajrami in the second half of the game, giving Albanian side more attacking intent as he became a protagonist by creating problems and putting pressure on England’s back line. However, Albania failed to turn the pressure into a goal.

In the 77^th minute, Harry Kane scored England’s second, sealing the result.

Albania will host modest Andorra on Monday, where they’ll target their first points in the tournament.

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Communication Department at the Albanian Football Federation said Monday that whole group of Sylvinho’s selectees took part in today’s training session, whereas forward Jasir Asani initially attended individual training and joined the group later.

All players are physically fit for the game and are available to Brazilian head coach to take on Ukraine in their final group match.

Positive atmosphere prevails in the team and the Red and Blacks are motivated for positive result.

Albania standings UEFA Nations League, League B Group 1:

1- Czech Republic    8 points

2- Georgia               7 points

3- Albania                7 points

4- Ukraine                5 points

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Albania’s Brazilian coach Sylvinho has decided to go for the 4-3-2-1 formation, with Rey Manaj as advanced playmaker.

Albania’s head coach Sylvinho has picked the following line-up: Thomas Strakosha, Elseid Hysaj, Mario Mitaj, Marash Kumbulla, Ardian Ismajli, Ylber Ramadani, Kristjan Asllani, Nedim Bajrami, Rey Manaj, Arbër Hoxha and Jasir Asani.

On his part, Georgia’s coach Willy Sagnol has decided to start the game with the following line-up: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Gvelesiani, Kashia, Dvali; Kakabadze, Chakvetadze, Kochorashvili, Kiteishvili, Lochoshvili; Mikautadze, Kvaratskhelia.

The Red and Blacks will look to build on their momentum following a dramatic comeback victory over Ukraine just three days ago.

Air Albania stadium in Tirana will see full capacity attendance for football fans as all tickets for the 22000-seat capacity stadium have been sold out. National side supporters hope that their team will continue its undefeated streak and secure another crucial victory in the Nations League campaign.

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The Red and Blacks are riding a wave of excitement after their impressive after their impressive victory in the Nations League against Ukraine over the last weekend.

The 2-1 win against a formidable opponent seen as a Group B1 favourite has sparked a renewed sense of optimism among fans and players alike.

Air Albania stadium in Tirana will see full capacity attendance for football fans as all tickets for the 22000-seat capacity stadium have been sold out. Fans hope that their team will continue its undefeated streak and secure another crucial victory in the Nations League campaign.

Albanian Soccer Federation has urged all Albanian fans to go the Air Albania stadium on September 10. The match kicks off on Tuesday at 8:45 pm local time, with Albania eager to extend their unbeaten run and build on their momentum.

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Speaking to the press ahead of the match alongside midfielder Ylber Ramadani, head coach Sylvinho stated that Albania won’t back down at what’s expected to be a highly-fought Nations League clash tomorrow evening.

“These players are fired up. They come to the national team with a hunger to perform. When a player is passionate, they can dig deep. I’m confident in their drive,” Sylvinho stated, adding: We play to win. There’s no other result on our minds and we will fight for every inch. Expect us to fight hard from the first whistle.”

“Ukraine is strong, fast, and dangerous, but we’re prepared to battle for every inch. We’ll play with heart and determination,” he noted.

The Red and Blacks must win to stay competitive in a fiercely contested group that also includes Czech Republic and Georgia, where every point matters.

Albania will play against Ukraine at Prague’s Epet Arena at 20:45 hrs on September 7. Three days later, September 10, the national side will host Georgia at Air Albania stadium at 20:45 hrs.

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Around 50,000 Albanian fans are expected to attend the game against the defending champions Italy.

Dortmund streets and the area around the stadium are covered with Albania’s national flags, and uniforms, while obvious difference in number of supporters compared to Italian fans, whose number is estimated at around 10,000.

Albanian fans have flooded Dortmund’s streets and squares, wearing football team jerseys and waving national flags as they approach to the stadium where the game is set to be played.

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