Nickname(s) | Kuqezinjtë (The Red and Blacks) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Association | Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit (FSHF) | |||
Confederation | UEFA | |||
Head coach | Sylvinho | |||
Captain | Berat Gjimshiti | |||
Most caps | Lorik Cana (93) | |||
Top scorer | Erjon Bogdani (18) | |||
Home stadium | Arena Kombëtare | |||
FIFA code | ALB | |||
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FIFA ranking | ||||
Current | 65 (19 December 2024)[1] | |||
Highest | 22 (August 2015[2]) | |||
Lowest | 124 (August 1997[3]) | |||
First international | ||||
Albania 2–3 Yugoslavia (Tirana, Albania; 7 October 1946) | ||||
Biggest win | ||||
Albania 5–0 Vietnam (Bastia Umbra, Italy; 12 February 2003) Albania 6–1 Cyprus (Tirana, Albania; 12 August 2009) Albania 5–0 San Marino (Elbasan, Albania; 8 September 2021) | ||||
Biggest defeat | ||||
Hungary 12–0 Albania (Budapest, Hungary; 24 September 1950) | ||||
European Championship | ||||
Appearances | 2 (first in 2016) | |||
Best result | Group stage (2016, 2024) | |||
Medal record |
The Albania national football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja e futbollit të Shqipërisë) represents Albania in men's international football. It is governed by the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF), the governing body for football in Albania. It is a member of UEFA in Europe and FIFA in global competitions. The team's colours reference two national symbols: the double-headed eagle and the country's tricolor. Their supporters are colloquially referred to as the Tifozat Kuq e Zi (Red and Black Fans).
Since its inception as a team, Albania first collected a major tournament trophy in 1946 with the Balkan Cup, followed by the Malta International Tournament (2000). At the FIFA World Cup, Albania has campaigned to qualify since their entry into FIFA in 1932. The team has reached the group stage of UEFA European Championship twice (2016, 2024). They have competed in the UEFA Nations League since 2018.
Upon its admission into FIFA ranked 124th, Albania ascended to their peak World Ranking of 22nd in 2015. The country plays their home games in the Arena Kombëtare in their capital city, Tirana.