The Albanian national team has scored a 1-0 victory over Serbia in the framework of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Telegraph has kept you informed with the latest news about this match before and after its conclusion.
11/10/2025 23:54- Serbia absolutely refuses to accept defeat by Albania, immediately dismisses coach Pix
Serbia's defeat to Albania appears to have been completely unacceptable to the Serbian Federation.
From what the Serbian media reports "Telegraf.rs", Serbia immediately fired coach Dragan Stojkovic Pixi.
"After the match against Albania in the World Cup qualifiers at the "Dubocica" stadium in Leskovac and the 0:1 loss, Dragan Stojkovic Pixi is no longer the coach of the Serbian national team," their report states, among other things.
11/10/2025 23:49- The hero of the Albanians, Rey Manaj, speaks: We beat them in their home
The Albanian national team has scored a great victory on the road against Serbia as part of the qualifying cycle for the 2026 World Cup.
The only goal that gave the 'Reds' the victory was scored by Rey Manaj in the first half of the match, a lead that Albania managed to miraculously manage until the referee's final whistle.
After the match, Manaj said that this was one of the most beautiful days of his life, while adding that the important thing is that Albania and Kosovo are proud of the national team players.
11/10/2025 23:48- "11 years to win this match", Hysaj speaks after the triumph in Serbia, also comments on the record he broke Lorik Cana
Defender Elseid Hysaj is happy that after 11 years they won against Serbia, but reminded the players that the journey is not over yet.
Albania scored a historic victory in Serbia thanks to Rey Manaj's goal, which he scored with a super volley.
After the match, Hysaj gave a statement to the media, expressing himself happier than ever for this great victory.
11/10/2025 23:46- Myrto Uzuni after the historic victory: For Albania I am ready to die on the field
The Albanian national team has scored a great victory on the road against Serbia as part of the qualifying cycle for the 2026 World Cup.
The only goal that gave the 'Reds' the victory was scored by Rey Manaj in the first half of the match, a lead that Albania managed to miraculously manage until the referee's final whistle.
After the match ended, Rey Manaj briefly spoke to the media, and he excited people with his statement, saying that he is ready to die on the field for Albania.
11/10/2025 23:45- Footage published, Albania's crazy celebration in the locker room after the historic victory over Serbia
A big celebration is taking place in the locker room, after Albania recorded a big victory on the road against Serbia.
Rey Manaj's goal earned the "Red and Blacks" full points in Leskovac, as they move closer to qualifying for the World Cup play-offs.
After the match, the crazy party of the Albanian players immediately began, where the selector Sylvinho and the president Armand Duka were also present.
11/10/2025 23:45 - "Albania shocked Serbia", how the Serbian media experienced the historic victory in Leskovac
The Albanian national team has scored a great victory on the road against Serbia as part of the qualifying cycle for the 2026 World Cup.
The only goal that gave the 'Reds' the victory was scored by Rey Manaj in the first half of the match, a lead that Albania managed to miraculously manage until the referee's final whistle.
This historic victory of Albania was not well received by the Serbian media, which has not been slow to point the finger at those responsible for this defeat.
11/10/2025 23:43- Scandal in Serbia: FFK demands strict punishment from UEFA after anti-Kosovo calls
The Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) has reacted strongly after the ugly scenes that occurred during the Serbia - Albania match, where chants against Kosovo and provocative messages with the Serbian flag on the map of Kosovo were seen in the stands of the Leskovac stadium.
In the official announcement, the FFK strongly condemns these actions, emphasizing that they contradict the spirit of sportsmanship and the principles of respect promoted by UEFA and FIFA.
"These scenes are unfortunately not new in Serbian stadiums, where incitement to hatred and insulting messages towards neighboring countries continue to be repeated without sufficient punishment. Such actions contradict the values that European football represents."
11/10/2025 22:52- Player ratings, Serbia 0-1 Albania: The Reds "conquer" Leskovci
The Albanian national team has scored a great victory on the road against Serbia as part of the qualifying cycle for the 2026 World Cup.
The only goal that gave the 'Reds' the victory was scored by Rey Manaj in the first half of the match, a lead that Albania managed to miraculously manage until the referee's final whistle.
The best player on the field according to Sofascore It was goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha who, for the six saves he made in this match, was rated with a grade of 8.4.
11/10/2025 22:41- WINEEEEEEEEEEEE! Albania triumphs over Serbia in Leskovc
11/10/2025 22:41- 92' Nedim Bajrami fails alone in front of the goalkeeper
11/10/2025 22:25- 77' Rey Manaj and Qazim Laçi leave the game, Mirlind Daku and Nedim Bajrami are included.
11/10/2025 22:10- 62' Armando Broja leaves the game, Arbër Hoxha replaces him
11/10/2025 21:58- 49' Serbia tries to score, Strakosha saves with ease
11/10/2025 21:53- 46' The second half begins
11/10/2025 21:39- 45' First half ends: Serbia 0-1 Albania
11/10/2025 21:36- 45' GOOOOOOOOOOOL! Rey Manaj scores for 1-0 and celebrates with an eagle
11/10/2025 21:30- 40' Albania tries with Kristjan Asllani, but without success
11/10/2025 21:19- 29' Dangerous action by the locals, Albania saves
11/10/2025 21:15- 25' Dusan Vlahovic shoots, but is stopped by Thomas Strakosha
11/10/2025 21:05- 15' Serbian fans start the scandalous chants "Kosovo is Serbia"
11/10/2025 21:01- 11' Albania with the first chance, Rey Manaj shoots off the goal with a header
11/10/2025 20:49- 1' The match begins
11/10/2025 20:44- Albania's national anthem is booed by home fans
11/10/2025 20:16- View from the Albania locker room, the players get ready with Ilir Shaqiri's songs
There is less than an hour left before the duel between the national teams of Albania and Serbia begins.
The 'Reds' will face Serbia in Leskovac as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle.
Before the start of this match, a video from Albania's locker room is already circulating.
11/10/2025 19:56- Only one player from Kosovo in the starting lineup, official Serbia - Albania formations
The Albanian national team is visiting Serbia as part of World Cup qualifiers.
The "Red and Blacks" will play a vital challenge against the Serbs in Leskovac, and coach Sylvinho has decided on a diplomatic formation for the starting 11.
Only Arlind Ajeti from Kosovo will be in Albania's starting lineup, with the Brazilian coach having decided to entrust the attack to the trio of Armando Broja, Rey Manaj and Mryto Uzuni.
11/10/2025 15:56- Statistics of the matches between Albania and Serbia
The Albanian national team has played a total of three matches against Serbia so far.
The Reds have one victory, the Serbs have one victory and one match has ended in a draw.
They removed it to avoid incidents, now the Albanian flag flies at the Leskovac stadium
The Serbian Football Federation has returned the Albanian flag to the "Dubocica" stadium where the match between Serbia and Albania will be played.
The Albanian national team will play today (Saturday) on a trip to Serbia as part of the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
The AFF delegation considers participation in the official lunch organized by the Serbian Federation as a spirit of cooperation
On the eve of the Serbia - Albania match, valid for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, an official lunch organized by the Serbian Football Federation took place in the city of Niš.
The event was attended by the delegation of the Albanian Football Federation, headed by President Armand Duka, while the Serbian side was attended by the President of the Football Federation of Serbia, Dragan Džajić, and several other senior officials of the institution.
Swiss media: Snipers, drone experts and limited ticket sales - Albania vs. Serbia is much more than just football
Swiss media: Snipers, drone experts and limited ticket sales - Albania vs. Serbia is much more than just footballSwiss media nzz.ch has written a long article about how the match between Albania and Serbia this Saturday in the framework of the World Cup qualifiers is seen as more than a football duel and that it is an event with a high political and emotional charge.
According to them, Serbian authorities have prepared strict security measures: hundreds of police, snipers, drone experts and special forces will surround the stadium in the small town of Leskovac, with only 8,100 seats. Albania will not have fans in the stadium, as tickets for the away section were not put on sale at all, in an attempt to avoid a repeat of the 2014 incidents.
Preparations for Serbia-Albania: No taxis near the Albanian National Team hotel, around 5000 police forces to maintain order
The Albanian national team will play today (Saturday) on a trip to Serbia as part of the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches and it is already reported that the organizers have made all preparations for the match to go smoothly.
In the context of the Serie A-Albania match, security measures for the Albanian national team have been increased.
Albania's possible lineup against Serbia - Sylvinho trusts the 'permanents'
The Albanian national team will play today (Saturday) on a trip to Serbia as part of the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
The Reds are guests of the Serbs in the sixth match of Group K, which is expected to take place at the Dubocica Stadium in Leskovac, starting at 20:45.
The Albanian national team coach, Sylvinho, is expected to trust most of the players he has fielded so far in past matches against Serbia, fielding a lineup that is not so popular with the fans.
AFF official asked Serbian journalists not to distort Sylvinho's statements
The Director of Public Relations at the Albanian Federation, Fatjon Kodra, was present at coach Sylvinjo's press conference before the match with Serbia and he asked journalists to quote the red and black national team coach correctly.
The Albanian national team will play today (Saturday) on a trip to Serbia as part of the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
Match day: Albania for a positive result on the road to Serbia
The Albanian national team will play today (Saturday) on a trip to Serbia as part of the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
The Reds are guests of the Serbs in the sixth match of Group K, which is expected to take place at the Dubocica Stadium in Leskovac, starting at 20:45.
Scandalous: The Serbian Federation does not place the Albanian flag in the stadium
The Albanian national team will face Serbia on Saturday at the "Dubocica" stadium.
The last training session under the orders of coach Sylvinho was held in Leskovac on Friday.
The Serbian Football Federation has not yet placed the Albanian flag in the stadium as an identifier for the match. The UEFA flag is also missing so far.
Hysaj before the match against Serbia: We will go in for victory, this could be a final for us
National team captain Elseid Hysaj spoke in emotional tones before the match against Serbia, describing the match as a decisive moment for Albania on the road to qualification.
Albania is preparing for one of the most important challenges of the qualifying phase, against Serbia.
"How is this pre-challenge? To be honest, for me emotionally it's almost the same as before. I'm experiencing it very emotionally, it's a difficult but beautiful feeling. I can't wait to be on the field tomorrow."
Sylvinho declares before the duel against Serbia: We are well prepared, I have confidence in the players
The Albanian national team will face Serbia tomorrow (Saturday), a match valid for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Before this important meeting, selectors Sylvinho and Elseid Hysaj appeared at a press conference.
The Brazilian coach stated that for him, all matches are important, while adding that the team has trained hard for this match.
Albania National Team Arrives in Serbia, Strict Security Measures
The Albanian National Team has landed in Niš, where they will be accommodated in a hotel and then depart for the "Duboçiça" stadium, where they will hold their last training session before Saturday's match.
Albania will face Serbia on Saturday night in the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup.
The Rossoneri expedition left today (Friday) during the day for Serbia, and has already landed in the city of Niš.
The referee of the Champions League final will officiate the Serbia-Albania match
UEFA has officially announced the name of the referee who will officiate the Serbia-Albania match, valid for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and which will take place in Lsekovc.
It is about Istvan Kovacs, a Romanian referee with a lot of experience in European football.
The appointment of Kovacs by the UEFA Referees Committee is seen as a clear signal of the seriousness with which this match, which carries a huge sporting, emotional and political burden, is being treated.
"Only a few players are quality, but not the team" - Duka's statement becomes a hit in the regional media
This weekend, the eyes of the entire region will be on Leskovac, where on Saturday, October 11, Serbia and Albania will face off in a crucial Group K match of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Currently, Albania holds second place with 8 points, one more than Serbia, which has one less game played. A victory in this match would be a giant step for the Rossoneri towards the play-off stage.
The President of the Albanian Football Federation, Armand Duka, has expressed full confidence that Albania can emerge victorious in this challenge. In an interview for the official channel of the Albanian Football Federation, he spoke about the importance of the team's concentration and emotional calm in a match with high tension.
Telegraph journalists predict the Serbia - Albania match and the scorers
What formations would Telegrafi journalists decide for Albania against Serbia: With this 11, we break the "agreement" between the two federations
In the latest episode of the podcast "Arena e Yjeve", produced by Telegrafi, comes an analysis from the sports journalists of Telegrafi's editorial office on the matches that await Kosovo and Albania. This episode is made with the support of official sponsors Golden Eagle and Air Munich.
There was a lengthy discussion about the match between Serbia and Albania, where, among other things, Telegrafi journalists gave their opinions on the starting lineup of the 'Reds and Blacks'.
Broja speaks before the match against Serbia: We are going for victory
The Albanian national team is making final preparations before the match against Serbia that will take place on October 11 in Leskovac.
Armando Broja said that the atmosphere in the team is very good, with the players focused and united to give their best on the field.
The red and black striker emphasized that despite missing the goal, his focus remains on the team and collective success, while adding that Albania has a real chance of achieving the objective and will fight until the end for the dream of the World Cup.
Arlind Ajeti speaks before the match against Serbia
Albanian national team defender Arlind Ajeti spoke before the match against Serbia in the framework of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Albanian national team continues preparations for the match against Serbia, which takes place on Saturday night.
The defender from Kosovo reiterated the message from coach Sylvinho and his teammates, Juljan Shehu and Qazim Laçi, that the team will give its maximum in this important challenge.
Nazmi Gripshi gathers for the first time, ready for the match against Serbia
The recent absences in the Albanian national team also brought a positive surprise, with the invitation to former Balkan footballer, Nazmi Gripshi, for the match against Serbia.
The Albanian Football Federation announced the news on Tuesday afternoon. Gripshi has been called up to replace Adrion Pajzaiti, who is injured, while another player, Ardian Ismajli, left the squad for the same reason.
For the 28-year-old Astana midfielder, this is the first time he has been called up to the Albanian National Team.
Ismajli and Pajaziti are released by Sylvinho, but Serbia also releases two of its players who play in Serie A
Defender Ardian Ismajli and midfielder Adrion Pajaziti have been released from Albania's squad for the matches against Serbia and Jordan, but Serbia has also released goalkeepers Vanja Milikonvic Savic and Ivan Ilic.
The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has announced that both players will not be ready for this month's challenges due to injuries.
"Ismajli and Pajaziti have undergone medical examinations at their respective clubs and after reviewing the tests by the medical staff, it has been concluded that they cannot recover in time for these two challenges," the Albanian Football Association (AFH) announced.
Serbia coach speaks before the match with Albania: Strong opponent, no offensive chants
Serbia and Albania will play in the World Cup qualifiers on Saturday, October 11th.
This challenge is very important for both national teams for second place, which would give them a chance to qualify for the World Championship.
Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic spoke at a press conference about Albania, describing them as a strong opponent.
Laçi and Shehu talk before the match with Serbia: We go to get the three points
On the eve of the qualifying match against Serbia, valid for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, midfielders Qazim Laçi and Juljan Shehu appeared today at a press conference, held at the "Air Albania" stadium.
Both players emphasized the importance of this match and stated that the team will enter the field with the aim of obtaining a positive result.
Julian Shehu said that despite the pressure of this match, all the boys are professional footballers and underlined that the entire team's desire is to continue their journey to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
"I share more than one match with Serbia, I dream of the World Cup" - Sylvinho optimistic about Albania's future
Albania coach Sylvinho believes they can pull off a win against Serbia, but he knows it won't be easy.
Albania will travel to Leskovac to face Serbia, a challenge that will undoubtedly play a key role in qualifying for the World Cup play-offs.
Sylvinho gave a preliminary interview to "TV Klan", where he stated that the players will give everything in the match against the Serbs, but believes that Albania will have the chance.
Ahead of Albania, Serbia is threatened with exclusion from World Cup qualifiers and a two-year suspension
Ahead of Albania, Serbia is threatened with exclusion from World Cup qualifiers and a two-year suspension
The Serbian national team is reportedly being threatened with exclusion from qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, the Serbian Football Federation has announced.
As announced by the FSS, tickets for the most important match in the World Cup qualifiers, namely the tickets for the match with Albania, will not be put on free sale.
Serbian Football Federation: Match with Albania very dangerous, no tickets will be sold
On the eve of the match between Serbia and Albania to be held in Leskovac on October 11, the Serbian Football Federation has made an important announcement for its fans.
They will not sell any tickets even though they have the possibility of having around 6000 people in attendance at this stadium and match for which they received a suspended sentence.
"In accordance with FIFA's assessment, the instructions of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, consultations with UEFA and, above all, the bad experience from the previous match that was interrupted in 2014, and because of this our team remained outside the European Championship, the FSS Emergency Committee made the decision that for the upcoming duel between Serbia and Albania, which will be played on October 11 at the 'Dubočica' stadium in Leskovac, there will be no tickets on sale," their announcement said.
Sylvinho: Serbia 'difficult obstacle', but I believe in my team
Albania will play against Serbia on October 11 at 20:45, at the Leskovac Stadium, the most important challenge of this journey in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
After announcing the list of 25 players, coach Sylvinho appeared today (Friday) at the official press conference at the "House of Football".
The Brazilian coach explained his selections for this group to journalists, while emphasizing that the October 11 match against Serbia is the most difficult and important challenge of the group and the team must be 100% focused.
Sylvinho releases Albania's list for October matches against Serbia and Jordan
The coach of the Albanian National Team, Sylvinho, has published the list of players assembled for the two matches in October, the 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Serbia and the friendly against Jordan.
The red and black coach has called up 25 players and the only new player is Shkëndija Tetovo's player, Klisman Cake. The center-back was previously part of the U-21 National Team and after good performances with Shkëndija, where they also achieved historic qualification in the Conference League, he convinced coach Sylvinho to invite him to the National Team.
The Red and Black National Team's training camp begins on Monday, October 6, in Tirana, where the Red and Blacks will initially prepare for the World Cup qualifying match against Serbia, which will be played on October 11 at the "Gradski stadion Dubočica" stadium in Leskovac, at 20:45 PM.
