Albania national football team

The Albania national football team is the national football team of Albania and is controlled by the Football Association of Albania. It has never advanced to the finals of any major international competition.

Although long considered one of the weakest footballing sides in Europe, Albania have occasionally managed to hold their own against more illustrious opponents. In the 1968 European Championship qualifiers, they managed a 0-0 draw against West Germany, which eventually eliminated West Germany from qualification as Yugoslavia could beat its neighbour twice. During that era, Albania boasted arguably its greatest ever footballer, Panajot Pano.

It wasn't until the 1986 World Cup qualifiers that it would achieve notable results with a 2-2 draw away to Poland and a 3-1 win over eventual semi-finalists Belgium.

The qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup saw Albania forced to play some home games on neutral venues owing to civil unrest at home. However, they were able to hold their own against Germany, losing 3-2 at home and 4-3 away in the final game. The 2004 European Championship and 2006 World Cup qualifiers have seen Albania's results improve markedly, which the latter included a 2-1 opening victory against European Champions Greece.

Famous players

World Cup record

1930 to 1962 - Did not enter
1966 - Did not qualify
1970 - Did not enter
1974 - Did not qualify
1978 - Did not enter
1982 to 2006 - Did not qualify

European Championship record

1960 - Did not enter
1964 to 1972 - Did not qualify
1976 - Did not enter
1980 to 2004 - Did not qualify

European national football teams | Football in Albania

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Famous players

World Cup record

European Championship record