Albania national football team records and statistics

Statistical records of the Albania national football team From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The following is a list of the Albania national football team's competitive records and statistics. Statistics are updated after each official match and are correct as of 31 March 2026.

Honours and achievements

Major

Regional

Minor

Individual records

Appearances

Most appearances
Main article: List of Albania international footballers
Elseid Hysaj is the most capped player in the history of Albania with 98 caps
A footballer wearing a white jersey and white shorts
Lorik Cana is the second most capped player in the history of Albania with 93 caps.

As of 31 March 2026[1]

More information No., Pos. ...
No. Pos. Name National team career Caps Goals Honours and achievements
1 DF Elseid Hysaj* 2013– 98 2 UEFA Euro 2016 squad
UEFA Euro 2024 squad
2 DF Lorik Cana 2003–2016 93 1 UEFA Euro 2016 squad
3 GK Etrit Berisha* 2012–2024 81 0 UEFA Euro 2016 squad
UEFA Euro 2024 squad
4 MF Altin Lala 1998–2011 79 3
5 MF Klodian Duro 2001–2011 77 6
6 FW Erjon Bogdani 1996–2013 75 18
= MF Ervin Skela 2000–2011 75 13 2000 Rothmans 1st place, gold medalist(s)[2]
8 GK Foto Strakosha 1990–2005 73 0
= DF Ansi Agolli 2005–2017 73 3 UEFA Euro 2016 squad
10 MF Odise Roshi* 2011–2022 71 5 UEFA Euro 2016 squad
= DF Berat Gjimshiti* 2015– 71 1 UEFA Euro 2024 squad
Close
More information Key, * ...
Key
* Still active for the national team[A]
= Player is tied for the number of caps
Close
Longest Albania career span
Orges Shehi, 19 years, 5 September 1998 – 5 September 2017[3][a]
Longest Albania career length
Erjon Bogdani, 16 years 11 months 2 days, 24 April 1996 – 26 March 2013[4][b]
Oldest player[c]
Foto Strakosha, 39 years 10 months 17 days, 9 February 2005, 0–2 vs. Ukraine[5]
Youngest player
Ramën Çepele, 17 years 7 months 21 days, 11 November 2020, 0–2 vs. Kosovo[6][7]
Most consecutive Albania's matches played
Etrit Berisha, 41 (16 October 2012 – 12 November 2016)[8][9]
Most consecutive Albania's matches played by an outfield player
Kristjan Asllani, 28 (16 November 2022 – 10 June 2025)[10][11]
Ervin Skela, 26 (11 October 2003 – 11 October 2006)[12]
Elseid Hysaj, 24 (29 May 2016 – 10 September 2018)[13]
Nedim Bajrami, 23 (27 March 2023 – 21 March 2025)[14]
Most consecutive Albania's matches played in the past millennium
Mirel Josa, 19 (17 October 1984 – 8 March 1989)[15][16]
Most appearances as a substitute
Odise Roshi, 32[17]
Jahmir Hyka, 28[18]
Bekim Balaj, 28[19]
Edmond Kapllani, 24[20]
Alban Bushi, 23[21]
Devi Muka, 23[22]
Most appearances in competitive matches (World Cup, European Championships, Nations League and qualifiers)
Elseid Hysaj (2013–2026), 66[23]
Most appearances at the FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Ervin Skela & Lorik Cana, 28 each[24]
Most appearances at the UEFA European Championship
Elseid Hysaj & Arlind Ajeti – 5 each[25]
Most appearances at the UEFA European Championship qualifying
Foto Strakosha & Altin Lala – 29 each[26]
Most appearances at the UEFA European Championship and UEFA European Championship qualifying
Lorik Cana, 29[27]
Most European Championships part of the squad
Elseid Hysaj, Arlind Ajeti, Etrit Berisha, Amir Abrashi & Naser Aliji – 2 each (2016 & 2024)[28][25]
Most minutes played in European Championship matches
Elseid Hysaj, 450 minutes[28][25]
Arlind Ajeti, 445 minutes[28]
Most UEFA European Championships played in
Elseid Hysaj & Arlind Ajeti, 2 each[28][25]
Most consecutive starts at the UEFA European Championship
Elseid Hysaj & Arlind Ajeti, 5 each[25]
Most appearances as a substitute at the UEFA European Championship
Arbër Hoxha, 3[29][28]
Most UEFA European Championships matches won
14 players, all 1
Most UEFA European Championships points won
Elseid Hysaj & Arlind Ajeti, 4[B] each[25]
Oldest player to feature at a UEFA European Championship match
Orges Shehi, 38 years 8 months 24 days, 19 June 2016, 1–0 vs. Romania[28][25]
Oldest player to play at the UEFA European Championship
Klaus Gjasula, 34 years 6 months 5 days, 19 June 2024, 2–2 vs. Croatia[28][25]
Youngest player to feature at the UEFA European Championship
Medon Berisha, 20 years 238 days, 15 June 2024, 1–2 vs. Italy[28]
Most selections without playing at the European Championship finals
Naser Aliji, 2, 2016 & 2024[28]
Diverse players with many appearances who have not played in a major tournament
Altin Lala, 79 (1998–2011). Played 51 games for FIFA World Cup qualification and UEFA European Championship qualifying, but never managed to qualify for final stages of a major tournament.[30]
Ervin Bulku, 56 (2002–2014). Participated in one match for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying without playing in it, and was not included in the final stages squad.[C][31]
Hamdi Salihi, 50 (2006–2015). Played one time in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying, but was not included in the squad for the final stages.[D][32]
Jahmir Hyka, 47 (2007–2018). Played 38 games from 2007 until 2014, prior to the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, in which he was never invited to participate, neither in the final stages squad. Returned to the national team for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification but did not advance to the final stages.[E][33][18]
Ardian Ismajli, 47 (2018–2026). Played most of UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying games, invited to the Final stages squad but never played. Continued with the national team after Euro 2024.[F][34]
Myrto Uzuni, 47 (2018–2026). Played all UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches, but was not invited to the Final stages squad; continued playing afterward.[G][35]
Marash Kumbulla, 26 (2019–2025). Played once in UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying, included in final squad but never played; continued afterward.[H][36]
Naser Aliji, 19 (2015–2025). Selected for both UEFA Euro 2016 and UEFA Euro 2024 squads but did not play.[37]
Most appearances in the UEFA Nations League
Elseid Hysaj, Thomas Strakosha & Ardian Ismajli, 13[38]
Most appearances at the Balkan Cup
Loro Boriçi, Muhamet Dibra, Aristidh Parapani, Vasif Biçaku, & Sllave Llambi, 10 each.
Most Balkan Cup played in
Loro Boriçi, Muhamet Dibra, Aristidh Parapani, Vasif Biçaku, Sllave Llambi, Rexhep Spahiu, Bahri Kavaja, Giacomo Poselli, Bimo Fakja, & Besim Fagu, 3 each.
Most appearances at the Malta (Rothmans) International Tournament
Rudi Vata, 5[39]
Most Malta (Rothmans) International Tournament played in
Rudi Vata, Arjan Beqaj & Armir Grimaj, 2 each
Most appearances at the Summer Olympics qualifications
Panajot Pano, 4[40]
Most appearances in a calendar year
13 in 2024[41] – Nedim Bajrami,[42] Kristjan Asllani,[11] Jasir Asani,[43] Mario Mitaj[44] & Qazim Laçi[45]
Most consecutive years of appearances
Foto Strakosha, 16, 1990 to 2005 inclusive[46][I]
Most consecutive years of appearances for an outfield player
14 – Altin Rraklli, 1992 to 2005 inclusive,[47] Altin Lala, 1998 to 2011 inclusive,[30] Lorik Cana, 2003 to 2016 inclusive[27] & Elseid Hysaj, 2013 to 2026 inclusive.[23]
Most often teammates appearances
Etrit Berisha & Elseid Hysaj, 59 matches[9][23]
Ervin Skela & Klodian Duro, 58 matches[48][49]
Oldest debutant
Orges Shehi, 33 years 1 month 28 days, 17 November 2010, 0–0 vs. Macedonia[50]
Oldest competitive debutant
Daniel Xhafaj, 30 years 2 months 29 days, 6 June 2007, 0–3 vs. Luxembourg[50]
Oldest competitive debutant reaching dozens of appearances
Klaus Gjasula, 29 (2019–2024); debuted at 29 years 8 months 24 days, 7 September 2019, 0–0 vs. France[50]
Oldest non-competitive debutant reaching dozens of appearances
Besnik Hasi, 43 (2000–2007); debuted at 28 years 10 months 21 days, 15 November 2000, 3–0 vs. Malta[50]
Most matches completed
Lorik Cana, 80, 2003–2016[27]
Most matches as a starter
Lorik Cana, 88, 2003–2016[27]
Elseid Hysaj, 87, 2013–2026[23]
Most consecutive matches as a starter
Etrit Berisha, 79, 16 October 2012 vs Slovenia – 3 June 2024 vs. Liechtenstein[9]
Berat Djimsiti, 65, 29 March 2016 vs. Luxembourg – 31 March 2026 vs. Ukraine[51]
Rudi Vata, 58, 30 May 1990 vs Iceland – 6 June 2001 vs. Germany[39]
Foto Strakosha, 56, 30 May 1990 vs Iceland – 2 April 2003 vs. Bulgaria[46]
Players with all appearances as a starter (Top 10)
Arjan Xhumba, 48, 1989–2003[52]
Hysen Zmijani, 36, 1984–1995[53]
Artur Lekbello, 30, 1984–1995[54]
Panajot Pano, 28, 1963–1973[40]
Muhedin Targaj, 22, 1980–1985[55]
Muhamet Dibra, 20, 1946–1953[56]
Rexhep Spahiu, 20, 1946–1952[57]
Ramazan Rragami, 20, 1965–1973[58]
Sllave Llambi, 19, 1946–1950[59]
Players with all matches completed (Top 5)
Panajot Pano, 28, 1963–1973[40]
Ramazan Rragami, 20, 1965–1973[58]
Sllave Llambi, 19, 1946–1950[59]
Lin Shllaku, 15, 1963–1970[60]
Sabah Bizi, 15, 1967–1976[61]
Players with most matches completed after 1988[d]
Fatbardh Jera, 15, 1985–1990[63]
Adnan Oçelli, 11, 1984–1993[64]
Most appearances against the same opponent
Foto Strakosha, 8 vs. Greece[46][65]
Most appearances against the same opponent by an outfield player
Igli Tare, 7 vs. Georgia[66][67]
Elseid Hysaj, 6 vs. Israel[23][68]
Jahmir Hyka, 5 vs. Macedonia[18][69]
Elseid Hysaj, 5 vs. Poland[23][70]
Myrto Uzuni, 5 vs. Poland[71][70]
Most appearances without featuring in a competitive match[J]
Orges Shehi, 8 (17 November 2010 – 29 March 2016)[K][72]
Fewest appearances in total, having played at the European Championship finals
Shkëlzen Gashi, 17 (14 August 2013 – 5 September 2016) – Was selected in the squad for the UEFA Euro 2016 finals playing once under coach Gianni De Biasi[25][73][e]
Most appearances playing on a winning team
Elseid Hysaj, 41 (98 total appearances)[23]
Most appearances playing on a team that ended up taking a draw
20 – Lorik Cana, (93 total appearances),[27] Klodian Duro (77 total appearances),[49] Ansi Agolli (73 total appearances)[75] & Armend Dallku, 20 (64 total appearances)[76]
Most appearances playing on a team that never took a draw
Mehmet Dragusha, 11 (2003–2005)[77]
Most appearances playing on a team that have the same number of win/loss and goals scored/conceded
Most appearances playing on a losing team
Foto Strakosha, 43 (73 total appearances)[46]
Most appearances by an outfield player playing on a losing team
Altin Lala, 41 (79 total appearances)[30]
Highest positive difference win/loss by an outfield player playing on a team
Jahmir Hyka, 20–14 (47 total appearances)[18]
Highest positive goals difference by an outfield player playing on a team
Amir Abrashi, +11, 59–48, 51 total appearances[78]
Most appearances playing on only a winning team conceding no goal
Roland Zajmi, 4 (1995–2000)[79]
Most appearances without ever playing on a losing team
Arbnor Muja, 5 (2023–2024)[80]
Most appearances without ever playing on a winning team
Fatbardh Jera, 15 (1985–1990)[63]
Most appearances playing on only a losing team
Agim Bubeqi, 6 (1987–1989)[81]
Highest negative win/loss & goal difference by a player
Sulejman Demollari, 5–33, 27–93 (45 total appearances)[82]
Highest negative win/loss & goal difference by a player playing also in current millennium
Altin Rraklli, 12–38, 57–104 (63 total appearances)[47]
Appearances in three different decades
Blendi Nallbani, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s
Arjan Xhumba, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s
Erjon Bogdani, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s
Altin Lala, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s
Arjan Beqaj, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s
Most appearances at one main national stadium[L]
Erjon Bogdani 39 at Qemal Stafa Stadium[90]
Lorik Cana 37 at Qemal Stafa Stadium[27]
Etrit Berisha 13 at Elbasan Arena[9]
Bekim Balaj 13 at Elbasan Arena[19]
Odise Roshi 12 at Elbasan Arena[17]
Etrit Berisha 6 at Loro Boriçi Stadium[9]
Ledian Memushaj 6 at Loro Boriçi Stadium[91]
Ansi Agolli 5 at Loro Boriçi Stadium[75]
Taulant Xhaka 5 at Loro Boriçi Stadium[92]
Berat Djimsiti 5 at Loro Boriçi Stadium[51]
Mërgim Mavraj 5 at Loro Boriçi Stadium[93]
Myrto Uzuni 19 at Air Albania Stadium[71]
Ylber Ramadani 18 at Air Albania Stadium[94]
Qazim Laçi 16 at Air Albania Stadium[45]
First player to debut as a substitute in competitive era (after 1963)
Rifat Ibërshimi, 14 November 1971, 3–0 vs. Turkey[95]
Most appearances as part of the same club
Altin Lala, 75, as part of Hannover 96[30]
Most appearances for an Albanian club
Nevil Dede – 31 with Tirana[96]
Most appearances with only one club
Nevil Dede of Tirana & Taulant Xhaka of Basel, 31[96][92]
First appearance by a player who had never played for an Albanian club
Altin Lala (Borussia Fulda), 21 January 1998, 4–1 vs. Turkey[30]
Club providing the most players in a major tournament squad
2 – Basel[f] Nantes[g], Rijeka[h] at UEFA Euro 2016 and Lecce[i] at UEFA Euro 2024
Club providing the most Albania internationals in total
Partizani Tirana 98[97][98]
Non-Albanian club providing the most Albania internationals in total
Lokomotiva Zagreb 7[99][98]
Club providing the most players in a single match
Starting XI – Partizani Tirana – 9, 12 June 1971 vs. West Germany[100]
Including substitutes – 17 Nëntori Tirana – 7, 30 October 1985 vs. Greece[101]
Albanian clubs providing the most players in a single match during foreigner coaches era
9 November 2022 vs. Qatar, starting XI: 3, Partizani Tirana & Laçi,[102] including substitutes: 5, Partizani Tirana
Albanian club providing the most players in a single unofficial match during foreigner coaches era
Partizani Tirana, 4, 26 October 2022 vs. Saudi Arabia[103]
Albanian club providing the most players in a single match while all other clubs being foreigners
Skënderbeu Korçë, 3, 15 November 2013 vs. Belarus[104]
Non-Albanian club providing the most players in a single match
Starting XI: 3 – Eintracht Frankfurt, 6 September 2003 vs. Georgia[105] – Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, 3 March 2010 vs. Northern Ireland,[106] 27 May 2010 vs. Montenegro[107] & 2 June 2010 vs. Andorra[108] – Basel, 11 October 2015 vs. Armenia[109] – Empoli, 10 June 2022 vs. Israel[110]
Including substitutes: 3 – Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, 27 May 2008 vs. Poland,[111] Zürich, 4 September 2015 vs. Denmark[112] & 11 October 2015 vs. Armenia[109] – Basel, 13 November 2015 vs. Kosovo[113]
Major tournament: 2 – Nantes, Lorik Cana & Ermir Lenjani, 11 June 2016, 0–1 vs. Switzerland[114] & Rijeka, Bekim Balaj & Odise Roshi, 19 June 2016, 1–0 vs. Romania[115] – Lecce, Ylber Ramadani & Medon Berisha, 24 June 2024, 0–1 vs. Spain[116]
Most clubs represented by one player in an Albania career
Klodian Duro (25 April 2001 – 7 October 2011)[49] & Ervin Skela (15 August 2000 – 6 September 2011),[48] 10 each
Most appearances by a player from the second division of a country
Altin Rraklli, 34, 9 September 1992 – 18 February 2004, as part of SC Freiburg in the 1992–93 2. Bundesliga, Hertha BSC, SpVgg Unterhaching and SSV Jahn Regensburg in the 2. Bundesliga.[47][117]
Ledian Memushaj, 29, 9 February 2011 – 28 March 2021, as part of Portogruaro, Carpi and Pescara in the Serie B.[118][91]
Odise Roshi, 28, 15 August 2012 – 16 November 2022, as part of FSV Frankfurt in the 2. Bundesliga, Boluspor and Sakaryaspor in the TFF 1. Lig.[17][119]
Edmond Kapllani, 27, 18 August 2004 – 8 June 2014, as part of Karlsruher SC, FC Augsburg, TuS Koblenz, SC Paderborn 07 and FSV Frankfurt in the 2. Bundesliga.[20][120]
Adrian Aliaj, 23, 20 August 2003 – 11 October 2006, as part of Rot-Weiß Oberhausen in the 2. Bundesliga, Brest in the 2005–06 Ligue 2 and Solin in the 2006–07 Croatian Second Football League.[121][122]
Ervin Skela, 23, 15 August 2000 – 12 October 2010, as part of Chemnitzer FC, SV Waldhof Mannheim, Eintracht Frankfurt and TuS Koblenz, all in the 2. Bundesliga.[48][123]
Frédéric Veseli, 22, 6 October 2017 – 27 September 2022, as part of Empoli, Salernitana and Benevento in the Serie B.[124][125]
Altin Lala, 21, 19 August 1998 – 17 April 2002, as part of Hannover 96 in the 2. Bundesliga.[30][126]
Keidi Bare, 18, 7 September 2019 – 25 March 2024, as part of Málaga and Espanyol in the Segunda División.[127][128]
Klaus Gjasula, 18, 4 September 2020 – 27 March 2023, as part of Hamburger SV in the 2020–21 2. Bundesliga and SV Darmstadt 98 in the 2021–22 2. Bundesliga and 2022–23 2. Bundesliga.[129][130]
Qazim Laçi, 16, 7 September 2020 – 29 March 2022, as part of Ajaccio in the Ligue 2.[45][131]
Myrto Uzuni, 9, 24 September 2022 – 19 November 2024, as part of Granada in the Segunda División.[132][71]
Arlind Ajeti, 5, 31 March 2021 – 26 March 2026, as part of Reggiana in the Serie B & Bodrum in the TFF 1. Lig.[133][134]
Anis Mehmeti, 4, 27 March 2023 – 31 March 2026, as part of Bristol City and Ipswich Town in the EFL Championship.[135][136]
Most appearances by a player from the second division of Albania
Arjan Xhumba, 1, 29 January 1992, vs. Greece, as part of Shqiponja Gjirokastër in the 1991–92 Kategoria e Dytë.[52][137]
Most appearances by a player from 3 different non-top divisions of a country
Florian Myrtaj, 25, 5 January 2002 – 1 March 2006, as part of Teramo in the Serie D, Cesena in the Serie C, Verona and Catanzaro in the Serie B.[138][139]
Most appearances by a player from the third division of a country
Rey Manaj, 12, 4 September 2020 – 8 June 2021, as part of Barcelona B[M] in the Segunda División B, third tier of Spanish football
Ilir Shulku, 10, 19 August 1998 – 9 October 1999, as part of Eintracht Nordhorn in the 1998–99 Regionalliga, third tier of German football[143][144]
Most appearances by a player from the fourth division of a country
Florian Myrtaj, 4, 5 January 2002 – 17 April 2002, as part of Teramo in the Serie D, fourth tier of Italian football.[138][139]
Ramën Çepele, 1, 11 November 2020, 0–2 vs. Kosovo, as part of Hannover 96 II in the 2020–21 Regionalliga, fourth tier of German football.[145][7]
Most appearances by a player from the fifth division of a country
Zamir Shpuza, 3, 29 March 1997 – 7 June 1997, as part of SC Viktoria 06 Griesheim in the 1996–97 NRW-Liga, fifth tier of German football.[146][147]
Most appearances by a player from a youth team
Maldini Kacurri, 1, 4 September 2025, as part of Arsenal U-21 in the Professional Development League, youth league of English football.[148][149][150]
Appearances under the most managers
10,[151] Erjon Bogdani, (24 April 1996 – 26 March 2013), Neptun Bajko (1 app.), Astrit Hafizi (11), Medin Zhega (7), Sulejman Demollari (3), Giuseppe Dossena (2), Hans-Peter Briegel (13), Otto Barić (13), Slavko Kovačić (caretaker) (2), Arie Haan (6), Josip Kuže (16), Džemal Mustedanagić (caretaker) (2) and Gianni De Biasi (8).[N] Altin Haxhi (30 November 1995 – 14 October 2009), Neptun Bajko (3), Astrit Hafizi (17), Medin Zhega (9), Sulejman Demollari (2), Giuseppe Dossena (2), Hans-Peter Briegel (22), Otto Barić (13) and Slavko Kovačić (caretaker) (1).[O]
Most appearances under the same manager
Etrit Berisha, 43 (27 May 2012 – 16 November 2016), under Gianni De Biasi[9]
Most appearances under the same manager by outfield players
Andi Lila, 39 (29 February 2012 – 11 June 2017), under Gianni De Biasi[152]
Odise Roshi, 39 (29 February 2012 – 11 June 2017), under Gianni De Biasi[17]
Ansi Agolli, 38 (29 February 2012 – 24 March 2017), under Gianni De Biasi[75]
Appearances under a single manager
Shkëlzen Gashi, 17 (14 August 2013 – 5 September 2016), under Gianni De Biasi[73]
Edgar Çani, 16 (29 February 2012 – 12 November 2016), under Gianni De Biasi[153]
Lorenc Trashi, 15 (14 October 2019 – 12 November 2021), under Edoardo Reja[154]
Most appearances as a substitute without ever starting a game
Enkeleid Dobi, 6, 30 November 1995 – 12 February 2003[155]
Most consecutive appearances without completing a full game
Jasir Asani, 16[P], 27 March 2023 – 7 September 2024[43]
Most appearances for an outfield player without ever scoring
Andi Lila, 70, 21 November 2007 – 2 November 2018[152]
Longest gap between appearances for a defender
Tefik Osmani, 6 years 6 months 12 days, 17 August 2005, 2–1 vs. Azerbaijan – 29 February 2012, 1–2 vs. Georgia[156][Q]
Longest gap between appearances for a midfielder
Iljaz Çeço, 5 years 11 months 19 days, 25 October 1964, 0–2 vs. Netherlands – 14 October 1970, 0–3 vs. Poland[157]
Longest gap between appearances for a midfielder in new millennium
Ervin Bulku, 4 years 9 months 21 days, 17 April 2002, 0–2 vs. Andorra – 7 February 2007, 0–1 vs. Macedonia[158][R]
Longest gap between appearances for a striker
Sefedin Braho, 6 years 10 months, 3 November 1973, 1–4 vs. East Germany – 3 September 1980, 2–0 vs. Finland[159]
Pair of brothers playing in the same match
Haxhi Ballgjini and Shyqyri Ballgjini, 2 September 1981, 1–2 vs. Finland[S]
Migjen Basha and Vullnet Basha, 14 August 2013, 2–0 vs. Armenia[T]
Relatives[162]
Sllave Llambi (b. 1919) 19 caps, 1946–1950 & Pavllo Bukoviku (b. 1939) 5 caps, 1963–1965 – Uncle & nephew
Zyhdi Barbullushi (b. 1926) 1 cap, 1947 & Ardian Barbullushi (b. 1968) 2 caps, 1990–1992 – Log
Zihni Gjinali (b. 1926) 12 caps, 1948–1952 & Frederik Gjinali (b. 1942) 1 cap, 1967 – Log
Sabri Peqini (b. 1926) 3 caps, 1950–1952 & Kastriot Peqini (b. 1974) 11 caps, 1992–1993 – Log
Enver Ibërshimi (b. 1939) 1 cap, 1963 & Rifat Ibërshimi (b. 1950) 8 caps, 1971–1976 – Log
Artur "Tushe" Lekbello (b. 1966) 30 caps, 1987–1996 & Artur Shkëlqim Lekbello (b. 1958) 2 caps, 1987 – Cousins
Muhamet Vila (b. 1928) 3 caps, 1952–1953 & Arben Vila (b. 1961) 2 caps, 1984–1985[163] – Father & Son
Pavllo Bukoviku (b. 1939) 5 caps, 1963–1965 & Millan Baçi (b. 1955) 7 caps, 1976–1981 – Uncle & nephew
Panajot Pano (born 1939) 28 caps, 1963–1973 & Ledio Pano (born 1968) 9 caps, 1987–1996 – Father & Son
Ali Mema (b. 1943) 14 caps, 1963–1967 & Ardian Mema (b. 1971) 8 caps, 1995–1998 – Father & Son – Sulejman Mema (b. 1955) 1 cap, 1983 – Their nephew[164]
Gani Xhafa (b. 1946) 4 caps, 1967–1973 & Erion Xhafa (b. 1982) 3 caps, 2006–2007 – Father & Son — Cousins with Uran Xhafa (b. 1951) 1 cap, 1981 & Fjodor Xhafa (b. 1977) 1 cap, 2002 – Father & Son[165]
Agim Janku (b. 1949) 1 cap, 1971 & Mikel Janku (b. 1941) 9 caps, 1964–1967 – Brothers[166] – Foto Janku (b. 1919) 1 cap, 1946 & Stivian Janku (b. 1997) 2 caps, 2022 – Log
Haxhi Ballgjini (b. 1958) 15 caps, 1976–1985 & Shyqyri Ballgjini (b. 1954) 2 caps, 1981 – Brothers
Kreshnik Çipi (b. 1960) 8 caps, 1980–1992 & Geri Çipi (b. 1976) 34 caps, 1995–2005 – "Uncle & nephew[167]
Foto Strakosha (b. 1965) 73 caps, 1990–2004 & Thomas Strakosha (b. 1995) 45 caps, 2016–2025 – Father & Son – Andrea Marko (b. 1956) 5 caps, 1980–1985 – Their cousin
Besnik Prenga (b. 1969) 73 caps, 1992–1994 & Herdi Prenga (b. 1994) 2 caps, 2018 – Father & Son
Xhevahir Kapllani (b. 1974) 5 caps, 1993–1996 & Edmond Kapllani (b. 1982) 41 caps, 2004–2014 – Brothers
Klodian Duro (b. 1977) 77 caps, 2001–2011 & Albert Duro (b. 1978) 5 caps, 1999–2000 – Cousins
Armando Sadiku (b. 1991) 39 caps, 2012–2023 & Taulant Xhaka (b. 1991) 1 cap, 2014–2019 – Cousins
Migjen Basha (b. 1987) 34 caps, 2013–2019 & Vullnet Basha (b. 1990) 1 cap, 2013 – Brothers
Klaus Gjasula (b. 1989) 29 caps, 2019–2024 & Jürgen Gjasula (b. 1985) 2 caps, 2013 – Brothers
Tedi Cara (b. 2000) 2 caps, 2022 & Mario Dajsinani (b. 1998) 3 caps, 2022–2025 – Cousins
Starting XI based on appearances[1]
More information No., Position ...
No. Position Player Caps Years
1 Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha 81 2012–2024
4 Right back Elseid Hysaj 98 2013–2026
5 Central defence Lorik Cana 93 2003–2016
6 Central defence Berat Gjimshiti 71 2015–2026
7 Left back Ansi Agolli 73 2005–2017
2 Defensive midfield Andi Lila 70 2007–2018
3 Defensive midfield Altin Lala 79 1998–2011
10 Side midfield Klodian Duro 77 2001–2011
8 Side midfield Odise Roshi 71 2011–2022
11 Offensive midfield Ervin Skela 75 2000–2011
9 Forward Erjon Bogdani 75 1996–2013
Close

Goals

Most goals

As of 26 March 2026, the players with the most goals for Albania[168] are:

More information No., Name ...
No. Name Goals Caps Average National team career
1 Erjon Bogdani 18 75 0.24 1996–2013
2 Alban Bushi 14 67 0.21 1995–2007
3 Ervin Skela 13 75 0.17 2000–2011
= Sokol Cikalleshi* 13 60 0.22 2014–2024
5 Armando Sadiku* 12 39 0.31 2012–2023
6 Altin Rraklli 11 63 0.17 1992–2005
= Hamdi Salihi 11 50 0.22 2006–2015
= Rey Manaj* 11 44 0.25 2015–
9 Igli Tare 10 68 0.15 1997–2007
= Sokol Kushta 10 31 0.32 1987–1996
Close

* Active players

First unofficial goal
Qamil Teliti, 22 August 1946, 5–0 vs. Montenegro[168]
First official goal
Pal Mirashi, 7 October 1946, 2–3 vs. Yugoslavia[169]
Most competitive goals
Erjon Bogdani 11 (4 in 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification, 1 in UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying, 3 in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification, 2 in UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying & 1 in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification)[90]
Most goals by a substitute
4 – Erjon Bogdani,[90] Myrto Uzuni[71] & Armando Broja[170]
Oldest goalscorer
Erjon Bogdani, 35 years 10 months 23 days, 6 February 2013, 1–2 vs. Georgia[90]
Youngest goalscorer
Haxhi Ballgjini, 18 years 4 months 19 days, 3 November 1976, 3–0 vs. Algeria[171]
Youngest competitive goalscorer
Medin Zhega, 19 years 3 months 1 day, 2 May 1965, 0–1 vs. Switzerland[172]
Youngest goalscorer in unofficial matches of the new millennium
Rey Manaj, 18 years 8 months 20 days, 13 November 2015, 2–2 vs. Kosovo[141]
Youngest competitive goalscorer of the new millennium
Armando Broja, 19 years 11 months 26 days, 5 September 2021, 1–0 vs. Hungary[170]
Oldest debutant scoring on his debut
Bajram Fraholli, 28 years 1 month 26 days, 9 November 1996, 1–1 vs. Armenia.[50]
Fastest goal
Nedim Bajrami, 23 seconds, 15 June 2024, 2–0 vs. Italy, UEFA Euro 2024.[173]
Fastest goal by a substitute
Rey Manaj, 12 seconds, 13 November 2015, 2–2 vs. Kosovo.[174][141]
Fastest goal at the old Qemal Stafa Stadium
Jahmir Hyka, 46 seconds, 20 August 2008, 2–0 vs. Liechtenstein.[175]
First goal by a substitute
Kolec Kraja, 15 September 1957, 2–3 vs. China.[176]
Second goal by a substitute
Mahir Halili, 21 January 1998, 4–1 vs. Turkey.[177]
First competitive goal by a substitute
Devi Muka, 4 September 1999, 3–3 vs. Latvia, UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying.[22]
Scoring in most consecutive Albania matches
Adrian Aliaj, 5 matches.[121]
Scoring in most consecutive competitive appearances
Sokol Cikalleshi, 4 matches, 14 October 2019, 4–0 vs. Moldova (UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying) – 18 November 2020, 3–2 vs. Belarus (2020–21 UEFA Nations League C).[178]
Scoring in most consecutive Albania matches in the same tournament
3 – Sokol Cikalleshi (UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying),[179] Armando Broja (2022 FIFA World Cup qualification),[180] and Nedim Bajrami (UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying).[14]
Goals in three separate decades
Erjon Bogdani, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s.[90]
Most goals at the old Qemal Stafa Stadium
Erjon Bogdani, 12[90]
Most goals at the new Air Albania Stadium
Rey Manaj, 4[141]
Sokol Cikalleshi, 3[178]
Jasir Asani, 3[43]
Nedim Bajrami, 3[42]
Most goals at the UEFA European Championship
Armando Sadiku, Nedim Bajrami, Qazim Laçi & Klaus Gjasula – 1 each[25]
Most goals at a single UEFA European Championship
Armando Sadiku, Nedim Bajrami, Qazim Laçi & Klaus Gjasula – 1 each[25]
Most UEFA European Championship scored in
Armando Sadiku (2016), Nedim Bajrami (2024), Qazim Laçi (2024) & Klaus Gjasula (2024) – 1 each[25]
Most goals at the UEFA European Championship and qualifying
Nedim Bajrami, 4[25][26]
Oldest goalscorer at the UEFA European Championship
Klaus Gjasula, 34 years, 6 months, 5 days, 19 June 2024, 2–2 vs. Croatia
Youngest goalscorer in a UEFA European Championship
Armando Sadiku, 25 years, 23 days, 19 June 2016, 1–0 vs. Romania
Fastest goal by a substitute at the UEFA European Championship
Klaus Gjasula, after 23 minutes, 19 June 2024, 2–2 vs. Croatia[25]
First goal in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match
Panajot Pano, 30 October 1963, 1–0 vs. Denmark[26]
Most goals in UEFA European Championship qualifying
Edmond Kapllani & Sokol Cikalleshi, 5[26]
Most goals in a single UEFA European Championship qualifying
Edmond Kapllani, 5, UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying[20][26]
First goal in a UEFA European Championship match
Armando Sadiku, 19 June 2016, 1–0 vs. Romania[181]
Most goals in FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Erjon Bogdani, 8[24][90]
First goal in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match
Robert Jashari, 7 May 1965, 1–4 vs. Northern Ireland, 1966 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group 5[182]
Most goals in a single FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign
Erjon Bogdani, 4, 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification[24][90]
First goal in a FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off match
Arbër Hoxha, 26 March 2026, 1–2 vs. Poland, 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification second round (semi-finals)[183]
First goal in a UEFA Nations League match
Taulant Xhaka, 7 September 2018, 1–0 vs. Israel[38][184]
Most goals in the UEFA Nations League
Sokol Cikalleshi, 4[38][178]
Most goals in a single UEFA Nations League
Sokol Cikalleshi, 4, 2020–21 UEFA Nations League C[178][38]
First goal in a Balkan Cup
Pal Mirashi, 7 October 1946, 1–1 vs. Yugoslavia.[185]
Most goals at the Balkan Cup
Loro Boriçi,[186] & Pal Mirashi,[187] – 3 each.
Most goals at a single Balkan Cup
2 – Loro Boriçi,[186] Pal Mirashi,[187] & Qamil Teliti,[188]
Most Balkan Cups scored in
2 – Loro Boriçi, 1946 & 1947[186]; Qamil Teliti, 1946 & 1948[188]
Most consecutive Balkan Cups scored in
2 – Loro Boriçi, 1946 & 1947[186]
First goal in a Malta (Rothmans) International Tournament match
Ilir Shulku, 6 February 1998, 1–1 vs. Malta.[189]
Most goals at the Malta (Rothmans) International Tournament
Bledar Kola, 2[190][191]
Most goals at a single Malta (Rothmans) International Tournament
Bledar Kola, 2[190][191]
Most goals at the Summer Olympics qualifications
Medin Zhega & Panajot Pano, 1 each.[172][40]
First goal in a Summer Olympics qualifications match
Medin Zhega, 18 April 1971, 1–2 vs. Romania.[192]
Most goals at the Bahrain Shoot Soccer Tournament
Indrit Fortuzi, 1[193] (7 January 2002, 1–1 vs. Finland)[194]
Most goals scored in a calendar year
5 – Edmond Kapllani in 2007[195][20] & Armando Sadiku in 2016[196][197]
Most consecutive years of scoring
Ervin Skela 8, 2003–2010[48]
Most competitive goals scored against the same opponent
3 – Sokol Kushta vs Moldova,[198][199] Bledar Kola vs Germany,[190][200] Igli Tare vs Georgia,[66][67] Edmond Kapllani vs Luxembourg,[20][201] Sokol Cikalleshi vs Belarus[202] and Moldova[178][199] & Rey Manaj vs Andorra[141][203]
Most goals scored against the same opponent in competitives and friendlies
Erjon Bogdani, 3 vs Malta[90][204]
Most goals by a midfielder
Ervin Skela, 13[48]
Most goals by a defender
Adrian Aliaj, 8[121]
Most goals from a penalty kick
Ervin Skela, 4[48]
Most goals from a penalty kick in a single match
Ervin Skela & Bledar Kola, 2 each[48][190]
Most goals on debut
2 – Xhelal Juka & Qamil Teliti, both scoring on 22 September 1946, 5–0 vs. Montenegro[188][205]
Most appearances, scoring in every match
1 – Xhelal Juka (2 goals), Ruzhdi Bizhuta, Genc Tomori[206]
Most goalscorers in a match
5, 12 August 2009, 6–1 vs. Cyprus, Ervin Skela (2), Erjon Bogdani, Klodian Duro, Ansi Agolli & Emiljano Vila[207]
5, 8 September 2021, 5–0 vs. San Marino, Rey Manaj, Qazim Laçi, Armando Broja, Elseid Hysaj & Myrto Uzuni[208]
Most goals with an Albanian club
Ilir Përnaska, 5 with Dinamo Tirana[209]
Most goals with a non-Albanian club
Hamdi Salihi, 8 with Rapid Wien[210]
Most goals by a player from the second division of a country
Adrian Aliaj, 8, scored between 11 October 2003 – 4 September 2004, as part of Rot-Weiß Oberhausen in the 2. Bundesliga, and on 1 March 2006, 2–1 vs Lithuania as part of Brest in the 2005–06 Ligue 2.[121][122]
Ervin Skela, 4, scored between 25 April 2001 with Chemnitzer FC – 11 June 2003 with Eintracht Frankfurt & 3 March 2010 with TuS Koblenz, all 3 clubs in the 2. Bundesliga.[48][123]
Altin Rraklli, 3, scored on 17 February 1993, 1–2 vs. Northern Ireland, as part of SC Freiburg in the 1992–93 2. Bundesliga and two times on 21 January 1998, 4–1 vs. Turkey, as part of SpVgg Unterhaching in the 1997–98 2. Bundesliga.[47][117]
Igli Tare, 3, scored between 11 October 1997 – 5 June 1999, as part of Fortuna Düsseldorf in the 2. Bundesliga.[66][211]
Edmond Kapllani, 3, scored in 5 days between 2–6 June 2007, 2–0 & 3–0 vs. Luxembourg as part of Karlsruher SC in the 2006–07 2. Bundesliga.[20][120]
Sokol Cikalleshi, 3, scored between 7 September – 14 October 2019, 4–0 vs. Moldova as part of Akhisar Belediyespor in the 2019–20 TFF First League.[178][212]
Alban Meha, 2, scored respectively on 26 March 2013, 4–1 vs. Lithuania and then on 5 March 2014, 2–0 vs. Malta as part of SC Paderborn 07 in the 2. Bundesliga.[213][214]
Armando Sadiku, 2, scored respectively on 7 September 2012, 3–1 vs. Cyprus as part of Lugano and then on 5 September 2016, 2–1 vs. Macedonia as part of Zürich, both clubs in the Swiss Challenge League.[215][197]
Rey Manaj, 2, scored respectively on 14 October 2019, 4–0 vs. Moldova and then on 14 November 2019, 2–2 vs. Andorra, being part of Albacete in the Segunda División.[141][142]
Keidi Bare, 2, scored respectively on 14 October 2019, 4–0 vs. Moldova and then on 4 September 2020, 2–0 vs. Belarus, being part of Málaga in the Segunda División.[127][128]
Qazim Laçi, 1, scored on 8 September 2021, 5–0 vs. San Marino as part of Ajaccio in the Ligue 2[131][45]
Myrto Uzuni, 1, scored on 24 September 2022, 1–2 vs. Israel as part of Granada in the Segunda División[132][71]
Bekim Balaj, 1, scored on 26 October 2022, 1–1 vs. Saudi Arabia as part of Ankara Keçiörengücü in the TFF 1. Lig[216][19]
Most goals by a player from the third division of a country
Rey Manaj, 3, 4 September 2020 – 8 June 2021, as part of Barcelona B in the Segunda División B, third tier of Spanish football.[M]
Youngest player to score a brace
Ilir Përnaska, 20 years 6 months 7 days, 14 November 1971, 3–0 vs. Turkey[209]
Youngest player to score a brace in unofficial matches
Xhelal Juka, 20 years 5 months 17 days, 22 September 1946, 5–0 vs. Montenegro[205]
First player to score a brace in official (friendly) matches
Loro Boriçi, 7 October 1946, 2–3 vs. Yugoslavia[186]
First player to score a brace in unofficial matches
Qamil Teliti, 22 September 1946, 5–0 vs. Montenegro[188]
Youngest player to score a brace in a competitive match
Bledar Kola, 24 years 8 months 1 day, 2 April 1997, 2–3 vs. Germany[190]
Youngest player to score a brace in a FIFA World Cup qualifiers match
Bledar Kola, 24 years 8 months 1 day, 2 April 1997, 2–3 vs. Germany[190]
Youngest player to score a brace in a UEFA European Championship qualifying match
Edmond Kapllani, 24 years 10 months 6 days, 6 June 2007, 0–3 vs. Luxembourg[20]
Youngest player to score a brace in a UEFA Nations League match
Sokol Cikalleshi, 30 years 3 months 22 days, 18 November 2020, 3–2 vs. Belarus[38][178]
Longest gap between goals
Altin Haxhi, 8 years 9 months 14 days, 19 August 1998, 2–3 vs. Cyprus – 2 June 2007, 2–0 vs. Luxembourg[217]
Longest gap between goals in previous century
Panajot Pano, 8 years and 15 days, 30 October 1963, 1–0 vs. Denmark – 14 November 1971, 3–0 vs. Turkey[40]
Missed penalties
Altin Rraklli, 2 April 1997 vs. Germany, 14th minute[47]
Klodian Duro, 29 March 2003 vs. Russia, 18th minute[49]
Ervin Skela, 18 February 2004 vs. Sweden, 90th minute[218]
Ervin Skela, 17 October 2007 vs. Bulgaria, 90th minute[48]
Sokol Cikalleshi, 20 June 2023 vs. Faroe Islands, 32nd minute[178]
Rey Manaj, 7 June 2025 vs. Serbia, 45th minute[219]
Most own goals
Agustin Kola, 22 September 1982, 5–0 vs. Austria,[220] Hysen Zmijani, 30 March 1991, 5–0 vs. France,[221] Nevil Dede, 11 October 2006, 2–1 vs. Netherlands,[222] Mërgim Mavraj, 29 March 2015, 2–1 vs. Armenia[223] & Klaus Gjasula, 19 June 2024, 2–2 vs. Croatia[130][224] all 1
Most own goals at the UEFA European Championship
Klaus Gjasula, 19 June 2024, 2–2 vs. Croatia[130][224]
Hat-tricks

None[225]

Goalkeeping

Most clean sheets
Etrit Berisha, 36[9]
Longest unbeaten streak
Arjan Beqaj, 552 minutes
Least number of goals conceded in a single UEFA European Championship by a starting goalkeeper
Etrit Berisha, 3[9]
Most clean sheets in a single UEFA European Championship
Etrit Berisha, 1[9]
Most consecutive clean sheets in UEFA European Championship qualifying
Arjan Beqaj, 4
Longest unbeaten streak at the UEFA European Championship
Etrit Berisha, 174 minutes[9]
Longest unbeaten streak in UEFA European Championship qualifying matches
Arjan Beqaj, 451 minutes
Longest unbeaten streak in UEFA European Championship and qualifying matches
Thomas Strakosha, 240 minutes[226]
Most consecutive clean sheets in FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Thomas Strakosha, 3[226]
Longest unbeaten streak in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches
Thomas Strakosha, 388 minutes[226]
Most consecutive clean sheets in the UEFA Nations League
Etrit Berisha, 2[9]
Thomas Strakosha, 2[226]
Longest unbeaten streak in the UEFA Nations League
Etrit Berisha, 227 minutes[9]
Thomas Strakosha, 211 minutes[226]
Most penalty kicks saved
Perlat Musta and Samir Ujkani, 2
Most penalty kicks saved in FIFA World Cup qualifying
1 – Ilion Lika, Alban Hoxha and Thomas Strakosha[227]
Most penalty kicks saved in UEFA European Championship qualifiers
Perlat Musta, 2
Most penalty kicks saved in a single match
Samir Ujkani, 2, 29 February 2012, vs. Georgia
Youngest goalkeeper to feature in a match
Qemal Vogli, 17 years 7 months 26 days, 25 May 1947, vs. Romania[6]
Youngest goalkeeper to start in a competitive match
Blendi Nallbani, 17 years 10 months 27 days, 26 April 1989, vs. England[6]
Most matches completed by a goalkeeper
Etrit Berisha, 71, 2012–2024[9]
Most matches as a starter by a goalkeeper
Etrit Berisha, 80, 2012–2024[9]
Most appearances, all as a starter, by a goalkeeper
Thomas Strakosha, 43, 2017–2025.[226]
Perlat Musta, 23, 1981–1993.[228]
Longest gap between appearances for a goalkeeper
Sulejman Maliqati, 7 years 7 months 7 days, 24 September 1950, 0–12 vs. Hungary – 1 May 1958, 1–1 vs. East Germany.[229]
Longest gap between appearances for a goalkeeper in the competitive era (after 1963)
Perlat Musta, 6 years 27 days, 29 April 1987, 0–1 vs. Austria – 26 May 1993, 1–2 vs. Republic of Ireland.[228]
Most appearances by a goalkeeper from the second division of a country
Foto Strakosha, 11, 4 September 1991 – 11 November 1992 as part of Ethnikos Piraeus and 20 August 2003 – 15 November 2003 as part of Ethinikos Asteras, both in the Beta Ethniki.[230][46]
Etrit Berisha, 7, 11 October 2020 – 28 March 2021 as part of SPAL in the Serie B.[9][231]
Most appearances by a goalkeeper from the third division of a country
Samir Ujkani, 3, 12 August 2009 – 14 October 2009 as part of Novara in the 2009–10 Lega Pro Prima Divisione, third tier of Italian football.[232][233]
Most appearances by a goalkeeper playing on a team that have scored and conceded the same number of goals
Arjan Beqaj, 47 goals (43 total appearances)[234]

Coaching

Most manager appearances on the Albania bench
Gianni De Biasi, 52[235]
Most UEFA European Championship appearances as a manager
Gianni De Biasi & Sylvinho, all 3[151]

Captains

Main article: List of Albania national football team captains
First captain
Loro Boriçi, 22 August 1946, 5–0 vs. Montenegro
Most appearances as captain
Lorik Cana, 41[27]
Most appearances as captain as a goalkeeper
Etrit Berisha, 22[9]
Most appearances as captain at the UEFA European Championship
Berat Djimsiti, 3[51]
Ansi Agolli, 2[75][U]
Longest serving captain
Loro Boriçi, 1946–1953

List of captaincy periods of the various captains throughout the years.[237]

Disciplinary

Most yellow cards
Lorik Cana, 26[238]
Most red cards
Edvin Murati, 3[239]
First player to be sent off at a UEFA European Championship
Lorik Cana, double-yellow, 11 June 2016, vs. Switzerland[240]

Team records

Venue most played in
Qemal Stafa Stadium, 131[241]
Largest victory
5–0 vs. Vietnam, 12 February 2003[242]
6–1 vs. Cyprus, 12 August 2009[207]
5–0 vs. San Marino, 9 September 2021[243]
Largest unofficial victory
5–0 vs. Montenegro, 22 September 1946[244]
Largest UEFA European Championship victory
1–0 vs. Romania, 19 June 2016
Largest defeat
0–12 vs. Hungary, 24 September 1950[243]
Largest UEFA European Championship defeat
0–2 vs. France, 15 June 2016
Most total goals in a single match
0–12 vs. Hungary, 24 September 1950[243]
Most consecutive victories
5, 9 September 2025 vs Gibraltar – 13 November 2025 vs Andorra[243][245][246]
4, achieved 3 times
9 October 1999 vs. Georgia – 10 February 2000 vs. Malta[247]
3 March 2010 vs. Northern Ireland – 11 August 2010 vs. Uzbekistan[248]
11 November 2020 vs. Kosovo – 3 March 2021 vs. Andorra[249]
Most consecutive defeats
10, 8 March 1989 vs. England – 1 May 1991 vs. Czechoslovakia[243]
Most consecutive matches without victory
25, 27 February 1985 vs. Greece – 1 May 1991 vs. Czechoslovakia[243]
Most consecutive matches without defeat
8, achieved thrice: 14 November 2009 vs. Estonia – 8 October 2010 vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina,[250][248] 17 June 2023 vs. Moldova – 20 November 2023 vs. Faroe Islands[251] & 24 March 2025 vs Andorra – 13 November 2025 vs Andorra[246][245]
Most consecutive draws
3, achieved twice: 23 May 1948 vs. Hungary – 23 October 1948 vs. Romania[252] & 15 October 2008 vs. Portugal – 11 February 2009 vs. Malta[248]
Most consecutive matches without a draw
18, 8 March 1989 vs. England – 9 September 1992 vs. Northern Ireland[243]
Most consecutive matches with at least one Albanian goal scored
8, 10 September 2003 vs. Georgia – 4 September 2004 vs. Greece[243]
Most consecutive matches with no goals conceded
5, achieved twice: 24 March 2007 vs. Slovenia – 22 August 2007 vs. Malta[248] & 3 March 2010 vs. Northern Ireland – 11 August 2010 vs. Uzbekistan[243]

Competition records

FIFA World Cup

More information FIFA World Cup record, Qualification record ...
FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Italy 1934 to Chile 1962 Did not participate Did not participate
England 1966 Did not qualify 4th6015212
Mexico 1970 Entry not accepted[253] Entry not accepted
West Germany 1974 Did not qualify 4th6105313
Argentina 1978 Did not participate Did not participate
Spain 1982 Did not qualify 4th8107422
Mexico 1986 3rd612369
Italy 1990 4th6006315
United States 1994 7th12129626
France 1998 6th10118720
South Korea Japan 2002 5th8107514
Germany 2006 5th124171120
South Africa 2010 5th10145613
Brazil 2014 5th10325911
Russia 2018 3rd104151013
Qatar 2022 3rd106041212
Canada Mexico United States 2026 2nd
R2 P.O		942387
Spain Portugal Morocco 2030[j] To be determined To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total — 0/23 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 14/23 123 28 16 79 92 207
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UEFA European Championship

Main article: Albania at the UEFA European Championship
More information UEFA European Championship record, Qualifying record ...
UEFA European Championship record Qualifying record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
France 1960 Did not participate Did not participate
Spain 1964 Did not qualify R16430174
Italy 1968 3rd4013012
Belgium 1972 4th611459
Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia 1976 to Italy 1980 Did not participate Did not participate
France 1984 Did not qualify 5th8026414
West Germany 1988 4th6006217
Sweden 1992 5th7106221
England 1996 5th102261016
Belgium Netherlands 2000 5th10145814
Portugal 2004 4th82241115
Austria Switzerland 2008 5th122551218
Poland Ukraine 2012 5th10235714
France 2016 Group stage18th310213Squad 2nd8422105
Europe 2020 Did not qualify 4th104151614
Germany 2024 Group stage21st301235Squad 1st8431124
United Kingdom Republic of Ireland 2028 To be determined To be determined
Italy Turkey 2032
Total Group stage 2/17 6 1 1 4 4 8 — 14/17 111 26 26 59 100 177
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More information First match, Biggest win ...
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UEFA Nations League

More information UEFA Nations League record, League phase** ...
UEFA Nations League record
League phase** Finals
Season L&G Pos. Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK Year Pos. Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
2018–19 C1 3rd410318Same position34th Portugal 2019 Did not qualify
2020–21 C4 1st632184Rise35th Italy 2021
2022–23 B2 3rd402246Same position27th Netherlands 2023
2024–25 B1 4th621346Decrease29th Germany 2025
2026–27 C1 To be determined 2027
2028–29 To be determined 2029
Total 20 6 5 9 17 24 27th Total — — — — — — — —
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*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.
**League stage played home and away. Flag shown represents host nation for the finals stage.

Summer Olympics

More information Olympic Games record, Qualification record ...
Olympic Games record Qualification record
Year Result Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
United Kingdom 1908 to Germany 1936 Team did not exist Team did not exist
United Kingdom 1948 to Italy 1960 Did not participate Did not participate
Japan 1964 Did not qualify PR 200202
Mexico 1968 Did not participate Did not participate
West Germany 1972 Did not qualify PO 200224
Canada 1976 to South Korea 1988 Did not participate Did not participate
Since Spain 1992 See Albania national under-23 team See Albania national under-23 team
Total — 0/2 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 2/2 4 0 0 4 2 6
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Other tournaments

  Champions    Runners-up    Third place     Tournament played fully or partially on home soil  

More information Year, Ranking ...
Year Ranking Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Balkan Cup
Albania 1946 Winner 1st320164Squad
1947 Fifth place 5th4004213 Squad
1948 Fifth place 5th 312010 Squad
Malta Malta International Tournament
1998 Third place 3rd302136 Squad
2000 Winner 1st330050 Squad
Bahrain Bahrain Shoot Tournament
2002[255][256] Third place 3rd302114 Squad
Total Best: Winner 6/6 19 6 6 7 18 27 —
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Medal Table Overview

See also: Albania national football team results
More information Overview, Event ...
Overview
Event 1st place 2nd place 3rd place
World Cup 000
UEFA European Championship 000
UEFA Nations League 000
Summer Olympics 000
Mediterranean Games 000
Balkan Cup 100
Malta International Tournament 101
Bahrain Shoot Tournament 001
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FIFA rankings

As of 19 January 2026[257]

  Best Ranking    Worst Ranking    Best Mover    Worst Mover  

More information Rank, Year ...
Albania's FIFA world rankings
Rank Year Pld Best Worst
Rank Move Rank Move
632026163Increase 068Decrease 0
6320251061Increase 468Decrease 3
6520241364Increase 267Decrease 2
622023959Increase 368Decrease 3
6620221165Increase 169Decrease 1
6620211263Increase 369Decrease 3
662020766Increase 369Decrease 3
662019961Increase 266Decrease 4
602018956Increase 260Decrease 3
622017951Increase 971Decrease 12
4920161235Increase 549Decrease 10
 382015722Increase 1563Decrease 7
 582014945Increase 2570Decrease 16
572013837Increase 1671Decrease 13
632012958Increase 1797Decrease 10
7420111150Increase 2375Decrease 14
652010958Increase 1397Decrease 7
962009978Increase 398Decrease 11
 812008773Increase 19102Decrease 18
8020071166Increase 1188Decrease 12
872006662Increase 2088Decrease 13
8220051082Increase 793Decrease 4
862004886Increase 594Decrease 5
8920031186Increase 13101Decrease 5
932002992Increase 497Decrease 5
962001774Increase 196Decrease 6
722000872Increase 1394Decrease 6
831999883Increase 1595Decrease 2
1061998897Increase 14109Decrease 8
 11619977113Increase 8124Decrease 4
 1161996590Increase 6116Decrease 12
911995887Increase 13106Decrease 6
1001994593Increase 9113Decrease 11
921993791Increase 193Decrease 6
8619928686
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Head-to-head record

As of 31 March 2026 after the match against Ukraine.
Key
Positive balance (more Wins)
Neutral balance (Wins = Losses)
Negative balance (more Losses)
More information Opponent, Pld ...
Opponent Pld W D L GF GA GD Win % Reference
 Algeria[V] 2 1 1 0 4 1 +3 50% H2H results
H2H results*
 Andorra 9 7 1 1 15 4 +11 77.77% H2H results
 Argentina 1 0 0 1 0 4 −4 0% H2H results
 Armenia 6 4 1 1 10 5 +5 66.6% H2H results
 Austria 7 0 0 7 2 19 −17 0% H2H results
 Azerbaijan 6 4 1 1 8 4 +4 66.6% H2H results
 Bahrain 1 0 0 1 0 3 −3 0% H2H results
 Belarus 7 3 2 2 10 10 0 42.8% H2H results
 Belgium 2 1 0 1 3 3 0 50% H2H results
 Bosnia and Herzegovina 5 1 2 2 4 5 −1 20% H2H results
 Bulgaria 14 3 4 7 10 17 −7 21.4% H2H results
 Cameroon 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0% H2H results
 Chile 1 0 0 1 0 3 –3 0% H2H results
 China 2 0 1 1 3 4 −1 0% H2H results
H2H results*
 Croatia 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0% H2H results
 Cuba 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0% H2H results
 Cyprus 6 2 2 2 12 7 +5 33.3% H2H results
 Czech Republic[W] 10 3 2 5 11 16 −5 30% H2H results
 Denmark 10 1 3 6 4 19 −15 10% H2H results
 East Germany 3 0 1 2 2 7 −5 0% H2H results
 England 8 0 0 8 1 23 −22 0% H2H results
 Estonia 4 1 3 0 3 1 +2 25% H2H results
 Faroe Islands 2 1 1 0 3 1 +2 50% H2H results
 Finland 7 2 1 4 6 8 −2 28.5% H2H results
 France 9 1 1 7 4 20 −16 11.1% H2H results
 Georgia 17 4 4 9 14 24 −10 23.5% H2H results
 Germany[X] 14 0 1 13 10 38 −28 0% H2H results
 Gibraltar 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100% H2H results
 Greece[Y] 15 6 3 6 16 13 +3 50% H2H results
 Hungary 8 2 1 5 2 19 −17 25% H2H results
 Iceland 9 3 2 4 11 12 −1 33.3% H2H results
 Iran 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100% H2H results
 Israel 6 2 0 4 6 9 −3 33.3% H2H results
 Italy 5 0 0 5 2 9 −5 0% H2H results
 Jordan 2 1 1 0 4 2 +2 50% H2H results
 Kazakhstan 4 3 1 0 6 2 +4 75% H2H results
 Kosovo 7 5 1 1 13 9 +1 71% H2H results[259][260][261]
 Latvia 7 1 6 0 8 7 +1 14.28% H2H results
 Liechtenstein 4 4 0 0 6 0 +9 100% H2H results
 Lithuania 6 2 1 3 7 7 0 33.3% H2H results
 Luxembourg 7 3 1 3 8 7 +1 42.8% H2H results
 North Macedonia 10 2 4 4 7 12 −5 20% H2H results
 Malta 8 5 2 1 14 3 +11 62.5% H2H results
 Mexico 1 0 0 1 0 4 −4 0% H2H results
 Moldova 7 5 2 0 15 3 +12 71.4% H2H results
 Montenegro 3 3 0 0 9 2 +7 100% H2H results
1946 match
 Morocco 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0% H2H results
 Netherlands 4 0 0 4 1 7 −6 0% H2H results
 Northern Ireland 9 2 2 5 5 13 −8 22.2% H2H results
 Norway 5 1 2 2 5 6 −1 20% H2H results
 Poland 16 2 3 11 11 22 −11 12.5% H2H results
 Portugal 7 1 1 5 5 13 −8 14.2% H2H results
 Qatar 3 2 0 1 5 3 +2 66.6% H2H results
 Republic of Ireland 4 0 1 3 2 6 −4 0% H2H results
 Romania[Z] 19 3 3 13 12 45 −33 15.7% H2H results
H2H results*
 Russia 2 1 0 1 4 5 −1 50% H2H results
 Scotland 2 0 0 2 0 6 −6 0% H2H results
 San Marino 4 4 0 0 13 0 +13 100% H2H results
 Saudi Arabia 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0% H2H results
 Serbia[AA] 9 2 2 5 8 15 −7 22.2% H2H results
 Slovenia 7 1 2 4 2 6 −4 14.2% H2H results
 Spain 9 0 0 9 3 32 −28 0% H2H results
 Sweden 6 1 1 4 5 11 −6 16.6% H2H results
  Switzerland 7 0 1 6 4 12 −8 0% H2H results
 Turkey 12 4 2 6 14 13 +1 33.3% H2H results
 Ukraine 9 1 1 7 7 17 −10 11.1% H2H results
 Uzbekistan 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100% H2H results
 Vietnam 1 1 0 0 5 0 +5 100% H2H results
 Wales 4 1 2 1 2 3 −1 25% H2H results
69 nations40711685206393601−20728.4%All H2H results
Close
Notes
  1. [A]
    Players who are still active for the national team are players who have not retired from international football and are, subsequently, eligible to be called up.
  2. [B]
    Hysaj and Ajeti both participated in the matches where Albania took points: a 1–0 win against Romania on 19 June 2016 & a 2–2 draw against Croatia on 19 June 2024
  3. [C]
    Ervin Bulku was invited in almost all eight games valid for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying Group I and participated only once on the bench on 29 March 2015 against Armenia. However he was not included in the pre-eleminary 27-man squad by coach Gianni De Biasi for the UEFA Euro 2016 finals.
  4. [D]
    Hamdi Salihi participated in seven out of eight games valid for the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying Group I playing once as a substitute on 29 March 2015 against Armenia. However he was not included in the pre-eleminary 27-man squad by coach Gianni De Biasi for the UEFA Euro 2016 finals.
  5. [E]
    Jahmir Hyka debuted in the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying and played 38 matches until the start of the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying, in which Albania advanced but Hyka was not invited. Returned for the 2018 World Cup qualifiers playing six matches and scoring once, but the team did not advance.
  6. [F]
    Ardian Ismajli played six of eight qualifying games; invited to UEFA Euro 2024 finals but remained an unused substitute; continued to be a regular in later campaigns.
  7. [G]
    Myrto Uzuni played all six of eight qualifying games as starter; not included in pre-final squad by coach Sylvinho; continued in 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B.
  8. [H]
    Marash Kumbulla played one qualifying match; invited to UEFA Euro 2024 finals but unused; remained regular for national team.
  9. [I]
    Foto Strakosha's record is based on appearing in at least one match in each of the years stated. Erjon Bogdani played for Albania between 1996 and 2013 but had no appearances in 1997 (playing for under-21 and under-23 teams) and in 2004 (injured), giving him only 9 consecutive years of playing at least one match, far below Strakosha's record, although the total 16 calendar years played is also notable.
  10. [J]
    'Competitive matches' include World Cup, European Championship and qualifiers. Several players appeared dozens of times for Albania during period from 22 September 1946 – 1 May 1958, but all before their first competitive match in June 1963.
  11. [K]
    Orges Shehi was selected in the squad for the UEFA Euro 2016 finals, but did not played any minute during the competition; also, he served as a backup for fellow Etrit Berisha almost whole time under coach Gianni De Biasi. He featured in only friendlies and testing matches.
  12. [L]
    Albania's primary home stadium was Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana, serving as the national team's main venue from 1946 until November 2013.[83] The stadium was closed after failing to meet international standards required for official competitions organized by UEFA.[84] It was later demolished to make way for a new national stadium on the same site.[85] During the interim period, the national team used Ruzhdi Bizhuta Stadium in Elbasan as a temporary home venue. Renovation began in February 2014, and it was reopened as Elbasan Arena ahead of the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying Group I campaign, hosting Albania's home matches in the tournament.[86] Following the inauguration of Elbasan Arena, the Albanian Football Federation initiated the renovation and expansion of Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër,[87] completed in August 2016 for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. Albania split its home matches between the two renovated stadiums, as Loro Boriçi Stadium was shared with the newly recognized Kosovo national team, a practice that continued through the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying Group H campaign.[88] In the final match of the Euro 2020 qualifying, Albania inaugurated Air Albania Stadium (originally Arena Kombëtare), which has served as the team's main home stadium since its opening.[89]
  13. [M]
    Rey Manaj won 12 caps, scoring 3 goals for Albania as regular part of Barcelona B during the 2019–20 and 2020–21 Segunda División B; while having also a professional contract with the Barcelona A team he had not debuted in any of the squad's matches these seasons, except being once on the bench in a 2019–20 La Liga game. He then became a regular part of the A-team and participated from the bench in the first three 2021–22 La Liga matches in August before being sold by the club.[140][141][142]
  14. [N]
    Two other players also appeared under eight full managers. Foto Strakosha (30 May 1990 – 9 February 2005), Agron Sulaj (1 app.), Bejkush Birçe (9), Neptun Bajko (12), Astrit Hafizi (21), Medin Zhega (11), Sulejman Demollari (1), Giuseppe Dossena (2) and Hans-Peter Briegel (20). Altin Lala (21 January 1998 – 11 October 2011), Astrit Hafizi (13 apps.), Medin Zhega (9), Sulejman Demollari (3), Giuseppe Dossena (2), Hans-Peter Briegel (23), Otto Barić (11), Arie Haan (8) and Josip Kuže (9), but under only one caretaker Slavko Kovačić (2). Instead, Arjan Beqaj (21 January 1998 – 10 August 2011) also participated in Albanian squads under ten different managers but did not earn a cap under Giuseppe Dossena; he earned caps under Astrit Hafizi (4), Medin Zhega (6), Sulejman Demollari (3), Hans-Peter Briegel (5), Otto Barić (11), Slavko Kovačić (caretaker) (2), Arie Haan (5), Josip Kuže (5) and Džemal Mustedanagić (caretaker) (2).
  15. [O]
    Arjan Xhumba (15 November 1989 – 12 February 2003) also appeared under eight full managers, Shyqyri Rreli (1 app.), Bejkush Birçe (1), Neptun Bajko (12), Astrit Hafizi (16), Medin Zhega (10), Sulejman Demollari (4), Giuseppe Dossena (2) and Hans-Peter Briegel (1). He also participated in Albanian squads managed by Agron Sulaj but did not earn a cap.
  16. [P]
    Jasir Asani started and was substituted off in his 16 matches from his debut onwards.
  17. [Q]
    Tefik Osmani appeared under coach Hans-Peter Briegel 6 times in 2005 and was called up later by Gianni De Biasi in early 2012 to earn another 6 caps.
  18. [R]
    Ervin Bulku appeared under coach Sulejman Demollari and caretaker Mirel Josa 3 times in 2002, then was called up later in 2007 by Otto Barić and earned further caps until 2015.
  19. [S]
    This was the first and only time in Albanian history that a set of brothers played at the same time in a match, as both brothers started and completed the whole game.[160]
  20. [T]
    This was the second time in history that a pair of brothers played in the same match after the Ballgjini brothers. However, unlike the first pair, the Basha brothers did not play at the same time: the elder, Migjen, started the match and was substituted in the 65th minute, while the younger, Vullnet, entered from the bench in the 76th minute.[161]
  21. [U]
    Agolli served as Albania's acting captain at UEFA Euro 2016 after Lorik Cana was sent off in the opening match against Switzerland. He captained the team in the next fixture and again in the final group match against Romania, with Cana beginning the latter game on the bench.[236]
  22. [V]
    Includes match against the Algeria Olympic team.
  23. [W]
    Includes matches against Czechoslovakia.
  24. [X]
    Includes matches against West Germany.
  25. [Y]
    Includes awarded matches at the Euro 1964 qualifying.[258]
  26. [Z]
    Includes matches against the Romania Olympic team at 1971 Mediterranean Games qualifying.
  27. [AA]
    Includes matches against Yugoslavia.

Notes

  1. [a]
    The career span is measured from Shehi's first inclusion in an international matchday squad in 1998 to his last squad inclusion in 2017. He did not make his on-field debut until 2010, and his total appearances were limited, with several years between caps.
  2. [b]
    Career length is calculated from Bogdani's first to last appearance, with regular participation and no extended gaps as in Shehi's case.
  3. [c]
    Indicates the player's age at their last match.
  4. [d]
    Before 1988, substitutions in international football were generally permitted only in cases of injury. From 1988 onwards, the Laws of the Game allowed tactical substitutions (initially two per match), which increased the likelihood of players being substituted and therefore reduced the number of matches completed.[62]
  5. [e]
    This record is subject to change. Medon Berisha, who participated in Euro 2024 and currently has only 4 appearances for Albania, is still active and may increase his total in the future.[74] Meanwhile, Shkëlzen Gashi has retired from football, making his current total a fixed reference point for “fewest appearances at the European Championship finals” among retired players.
  6. [f]
    The players in question were Taulant Xhaka & Naser Aliji
  7. [g]
    Lorik Cana & Ermir Lenjani
  8. [h]
    Odise Roshi & Bekim Balaj
  9. [i]
    Ylber Ramadani & Medon Berisha
  10. [j]
    Additional matches are scheduled to be played in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the first world cup, however they are not considered to be official hosts of the tournament.[254]

References

External links

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