Albanian Football Association welcomed today’s decision by the UEFA Executive Committee which grants Albania the right to be one of the host countries for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

As one of the host countries, Albania will have for the first time the opportunity to take part in a major international tournament for the U-21.

President of the Albanian Football Association Armand Duka stated that, “This is a very important decision by UEFA, because the 2027 U-21 European Championship will be more than just a football tournament. It will serve as a catalyst to break down barriers, strengthen mutual understanding and create a more positive future for the people of Albania and Serbia, the other co-host country. This tournament will also show what can be achieved when people unite around a common goal, inspired by the power of football.”

President Duka added that, “This will be the biggest sporting event in the history of Albania.”

Albania and Serbia will each host eight participating teams while the grand final match will be played at the “National Arena” in Tirana. In 2022, this 22000-seat stadium also hosted the UEFA Europa Conference League final.

Meanwhile, the other matches of the 2027 European U-21 Championship that will take place in Albania will be played at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodra, “Elbasan Arena” in Elbasan and “Arena Egnatia” in Rrogozhina. /a.f/p.s./