Elvis Rexhbeçaj speaks at length about FIFA: For Kosovo, anything is possible

Returning to his roots has been a long journey for Elvis Rexhbeçaj. Although he was born in the village of Gjonaj, as it is known in Kosovo, in 1997, he and his family moved to Germany when he was just two years old. He grew up in his adopted homeland and spent 12 years with Wolfsburg from 2010 to 2022, coming through all the age groups and becoming a first-team player.

Then, in 2022, he moved to Augsburg, but perhaps the biggest change in his life came at the end of last year. With the change in German law allowing dual citizenship, Rexhbeçaj decided he would play for Kosovo and made his international debut in September last year, at the age of 26, playing 90 minutes in a loss to Romania in the Nations League.

With the aim of playing as many matches as possible and leading Kosovo to a global final for the first time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the midfielder sat down with FIFA to discuss these goals, his early life on the international stage, his relationship with coach Franco Foda and much more.

FIFA: You first qualified for Kosovo in September last year in the UEFA Nations League. How long have you been waiting for that moment and how did it happen?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: I had my first contact with Franco Foda at the beginning of last year. As soon as the law was passed allowing German citizens to obtain dual citizenship, there was no doubt that I would play for Kosovo. From that moment on, of course I was ready to make my debut, and I finally managed to do it against Romania in September.

FIFA: How did it feel to line up on your home turf, to appear in front of your people in a home match?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: I've been waiting so long and my family, my girlfriend and what seems like the entire population of my home village were there, all with smiles on their faces, so it was definitely very special. Playing for the club is one thing, but representing your country is something else entirely.

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FIFA: You have a key role in the midfield under Foda. How were those first conversations with him? What instructions did he give you?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: Franco and I had a lively conversation at the beginning and, just from that conversation, I could understand that he really wanted me to be part of the team and had an important role foreseen for me. He described his football philosophy. He also came to watch me at a training session here in Augsburg. Unfortunately, I suffered an injury, which prevented me from joining the national team in the summer. Even then, he left a good impression on me with the way he supported me, which showed me that he was sincere.

FIFA: You helped Kosovo qualify for the Nations League play-offs by finishing second in Group 2 of League C. How satisfied are you with the start of your life on the international stage?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: We were in an exciting but difficult group that also included Romania, who came in first place. We adapted well as a team and took each match one at a time, always looking to get the most out of each match. Looking back, I think we put in some complete and accomplished performances, so we can take heart from that.

FIFA: You will face Iceland in the play-offs in March. How do you assess your chances?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: We want to continue where we left off in the group stage by controlling possession and dictating the game, and ultimately come out victorious to advance to League B. It won't be easy: Iceland is an experienced team and has some world-class players, but we have a chance if we play at the highest possible level.

FIFA: Kosovo's qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup begin in September. What do you think about your group, which pits you against Switzerland, Sweden and Slovenia?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: It's a very even group where any team can beat any other team. We've proven several times that we can maintain a high level against the biggest teams, and if we're at our best and find our rhythm, anything is possible, even for a team like us, who are considered underrated.

FIFA: What will be the team's approach for the qualifiers?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: We want to move forward and we have a clear objective ahead: to reach the World Cup. We will only be able to achieve this goal if we show passion and cooperation as a team, where every player works for each other.

FIFA: What does qualifying for the World Cup mean to you and your country?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: I find it hard to put into words how big this would be for the country and for me personally. I think representing your country in the World Cup, even if it's just once, is the pinnacle of success for any footballer. It would be fantastic, but we know there's still a long way to go.

FIFA: Is there any World Cup edition, or specific match, that you remember?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: I've been following this competition for as long as I can remember, but the tournament that immediately comes to mind is Germany's 2006. I was a kid back then and a World Cup fan; I couldn't believe it when Germany's fantastic journey ended in the semi-finals against Italy. The 2014 tournament, when Die Mannschaft won the title, was undoubtedly amazing as well.

FIFA: Returning to club football, you have been at Augsburg since 2022. How satisfied are you with your development since moving there?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: I am very happy at Augsburg and the move has paid off in every way. I have been a part of the team whenever I have been fit, and I do everything I can to contribute. From a personal point of view, I have remained true to myself and continue to grow. This is helped by the fact that I feel at home here; I have the feeling that I am here for the long term.

FIFA: Augsburg are currently in mid-table in the Bundesliga, but you haven't lost in your last eight games. Based on this run, are you already looking higher up the table?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: We are definitely having a very good period and have created some distance between ourselves and the bottom of the table. However, we have to keep our feet on the ground; things can change at any moment in the Bundesliga, so we cannot allow ourselves to lose focus. We have to stay focused and not get hung up on the table, but take each game as it comes and continue to build on what we have done.

FIFA: What are your personal and team objectives and goals until the end of the season?

Elvis Rexhbecaj: I want to continue to do everything I can to help us achieve success and continue to progress as a team.