Albania begins its journey to the 2026 World Cup amidst numerous injuries and absences. For the first two qualifying matches against England and Andorra, coach Sylvinho gathered 26 players, but what stands out are the numerous changes in the team.
Seven players are missing compared to the last squad, in November 2024 for the Nations League matches. The injured Hysaj and Mitaj are not available in defense, while Naser Aliji returns.
In midfield, Keidi Bare is unavailable, who has been in the coach's plans in the last two training sessions, but injury has prevented the red and black colors from playing. The technical choice was to leave out Seferi, Abrashi and Feta.
The two debutants in the National Team are precisely in this department: former Laç player Juljan Shehu, currently part of the Polish team Widzew Lodz, and Etnik Brruti of Malisheva, who have been called up for the first time. In the midfield, the return of Leç star Medon Berisha and Pajaziti.
Injuries have also affected the attack: Daku and Tuci have not been able to be available for the national team. The good news is the return of Armando Broja, while the squad is completed by Manaj, Uzuni, Asani and Muçi, writes A2 CNN.
The Red and Blacks' training camp begins on Monday, March 17. Albania makes its debut in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers at Wembley against England on March 21. The second match is played against Andorra in Tirana on March 24. The national team's other opponents in Group K are Serbia and Latvia.
CHANGES TO THE NATIONAL LIST
Approaches to the 2026 World Cup Absence from the Nations League
Protection Protection
Naser Aliji ElseidHysaj
Mario Mitaj
Midfield Midfield
Medon Berisha AmirAbrashi
Adrion Pajaziti FetaFetai
Etnik Brruti Taulant Seferi Juljan Shehu
Attack Attack
Armando Broja IndritTuci
MirlindDakU (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
