Kosovo national football team

The Kosovo national football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja e futbollit të Kosovës, Serbian: Фудбалска репрезентација Косова, romanized: Fudbalska reprezentacija Kosova) represents Kosovo in international men's football. It is controlled by the Football Federation of Kosovo, the governing body for football in Kosovo.

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Kosovo women's national football team.

Kosovo
Nickname(s)Dardanët (Dardanians)
AssociationFederata e Futbollit e Kosovës (FFK)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachBernard Challandes
CaptainAmir Rrahmani
Most capsAmir Rrahmani (29)
Top scorerVedat Muriqi (8)
Home stadiumFadil Vokrri Stadium
FIFA codeKVX[1]
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 115 (11 June 2020)[2]
Highest114 (October 2019[3])
Lowest190 (July–August 2016[3])
Elo ranking
Current 65 15 (2 April 2020)[4]
Highest62 (October 2019[4])
Lowest122 (June–July 2014)
First international
Biggest win
  • Unofficial
    Kosovo 7–1 Monaco 
    (Cap d'Ail, France; 22 April 2006)
  • Official
     Malta 0–5 Kosovo 
    (Ta' Qali, Malta; 17 November 2018)
Biggest defeat
 Kosovo 0–6 Croatia 
(Shkodër, Albania; 6 October 2016)

History

Pre-independence

First ever match

On 29 November 1942, Kosovo for first time in its history played a friendly match as part of the celebrations for 30th Anniversary of the Independence of Albania against Tirana[a] and the match ended with a 2–0 away defeat and the starting line-up of that match was Mustafa Daci, Ballanca, Ahmet Zaimi, Mazllum Xërxa, Veseli, Hajdar Hamza, Nebil Dylatahu, Ramadan Vraniqi, Dobrica Barbaroga,[b] Bajrami and Henci.[5][6][7]

Yugoslav era
"The reason of this friendly match is that we wanted to face with a team that has the same temperament and character as Albania national team."

—The reasoning of the then head coach of Yugoslavia, Rajko Mitić for the reason for organizing the Kosovo–Yugoslavia match.[7]

Kosovo representative team at 1970s, composed by the best players from Kosovo

On 8 November 1967, Kosovo for first time as autonomous province of SFR Yugoslavia played a friendly match against Yugoslavia and the match ended with a 3–3 home draw and the starting line-up of that match was a mix between Albanian and Serbian players as Milosavlević, Stevanović, Mušikić, Abrashi, S. Džukić, V. Džukić, Brovina, Hatibi, Radović, Prekazi and Pindović, for Yugoslavia this match it was a pre-preparation before the UEFA Euro 1968 qualifying match against Albania. After the match against Yugoslavia, Kosovo in 1975 participated in the Brotherhood and Unity Tournament, which was held in Pristina and Prizren, where won in all four matches of this tournament against Montenegro (2–0), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2–1), Slovenia (2–0) and Macedonia (1–0) and also took first place.[6][7]

As part of Yugoslavia national team
See also: Yugoslavia national football team

Yugoslav squads at international competitions often included players from Kosovo, such as Fadil Vokrri and Stevan Stojanović. Three other footballers from Kosovo, Fahrudin Jusufi, Milutin Šoškić and Vladimir Durković, were part of the Yugoslav team that won the gold medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics and silver medal at the 1960 European Nations' Cup.

After breakup of Yugoslavia

On 20 January 1993, The Football Federation of Kosovo signed a cooperation protocol with the Albanian Football Association and in the framework of this protocol it was decided to play on 14 February a friendly match between Albania and Kosovo, which was the first match of Kosovo following the breakup of Yugoslavia,[8] and this match ended with a 1–3 defeat and the starting line-up of that match was Ahmet Beselica, Ardian Kozniku, Bardhec Seferi, Fadil Berisha, Gani Llapashtica, Genc Hoxha, Isa Sadriu, Kushtrim Munishi, Muharrem Sahiti, Sadullah Ajeti and Selajdin Jerliu.[9]

After Kosovo War
"I am very pleased with the team's performance even though we had predicted a stronger opponent. However, I want to emphasize that our players have been fantastic. The fact that we do not play many international matches may have inspired the players to give it their all this time."

—Opinion of the then coach Muharrem Sahiti after the match against Monaco.[10]

On 7 September 2002, Kosovo for first time after the Kosovo War played a friendly match against Albania and the match ended with a 0–1 home minimal defeat and the starting line-up of that match was Ahmet Beselica, Ardian Kozniku, Arsim Abazi, Besnik Kollari, Fadil Ademi, Faruk Statovci, Ismet Munishi, Mehmet Dragusha, Sunaj Keqi, Xhevdet Llumnica and Zenun Selimi.[11]

One of the most important international matches was a 1–0 win over Saudi Arabia played on 15 June 2007. It was the first time that Kosovo played against a team that has taken part in the FIFA World Cup and the winning goal was scored by Kristian Nushi from the penalty kick on the 84th minute.[12] On 22 April 2006, Kosovo achieved their biggest win, defeating Monaco 7–1. If one included matches played before Kosovo became a FIFA member, this scoreline is their best result yet.[13]

After independence

First match

On 17 February 2010, for the first time since the declaration of independence Kosovo played a friendly match against Albania and the match ended with a 2–3 home defeat. The starting line-up of that match was Anel Rashkaj, Dukagjin Gashi, Enis Zabërgja, Fisnik Papuçi, Ilir Nallbani, Kushtrim Mushica, Liridon Kukaj, Robert Gjeraj, Shpëtim Hasani and Yll Hoxha. This match had a charity character due the profits gathered from this meeting went to those affected by floods in Shkodër.[14]

Efforts for internationalization

On 6 May 2008, after the declaration of independence from Serbia, Kosovo applied for FIFA membership. On 24 October 2008, Kosovo's application was discussed at the FIFA Congress in Zürich, when Kosovo was rejected membership in FIFA and could not play friendly matches as it was deemed it did not comply with article 10 of the FIFA statutes, that only "an independent state recognised by the international community" may be admitted into FIFA.[15] On 22 May 2012. FIFA reversed that decision stating that Kosovo may play other countries in international friendlies according to Article 79 of the FIFA Statutes.[16]

In September 2012, Albania international Lorik Cana, along with Swiss internationals Granit Xhaka, Valon Behrami and Xherdan Shaqiri, all of them with Kosovo Albanian origin, wrote a declaration to FIFA President Sepp Blatter, asking him to allow the Kosovo national team to be allowed to play friendly matches. The declaration was also signed by eight other Albanian footballers, hailing from Kosovo as Ahmed Januzi, Alban Meha, Armend Dallku, Burim Kukeli, Etrit Berisha, Fatmire Bajramaj, Lorik Cana, Mërgim Mavraj and Samir Ujkani.[17] In May 2012. In a meeting held, FIFA decided to allow friendly matches to be played a decision it later revoked following a protest issued by Football Association of Serbia. Some players, especially Kosovo Serbs as Milan Biševac and Miloš Krasić, continued to play for the Serbia. A new meeting was held at FIFA, on 27 and 28 September in which the Kosovo issue was again planned to be discussed, which was then postponed until December.[18][19]

Permitting by FIFA to play friendlies
Kosovo starting line-up in first international friendly against Haiti
(4–3–3)[20][21]

On 13 January 2014, the national team was given permission by FIFA to play against FIFA member associations in international friendlies, with the notable exception of representative teams of countries of the former Yugoslavia. Even club teams would be allowed to play friendlies after a FIFA Emergency Committee meeting. However, it was stipulated that clubs and representative teams of the Football Federation of Kosovo may not display national symbols as flags, emblems, etc. or play national anthems. The go-ahead was given after meetings between the Football Association of Serbia and Sepp Blatter. On 6 February 2013, FIFA gave the permission to play international friendly games against other member associations.[22]

On 5 March 2014, following FIFA's ruling. Kosovo played its first international friendly against Haiti and the match ended in a 0–0 draw.[23][24] Before the match, some players of Kosovo posed with guns at a shooting range, causing a stir in Serbia.[25] On the eve of the match, supporters of Kosovo burned the flag of Serbia.[26] This incident prompted the Football Association of Serbia to request that FIFA revoke Kosovo's right to play international friendlies.[27]

After the match against Haiti, five more games were held with Turkey, Senegal, Oman, Equatorial Guinea and in the end with Albania. The first win in these friendlies was against Oman with a 1–0 home minimal win,[28] while the biggest defeat that was simultaneously also the first defeat was a 1–6 home defeat against Turkey that was playing with players that were the majority from Turkish championship.[29]

Membership in UEFA and FIFA
See also: Membership of Kosovo in international sports federations

In September 2015 at an UEFA Executive Committee meeting in Malta was approved the request from the federation to the admission in UEFA to the next Ordinary Congress to be held in Budapest.[30] On 3 May 2016, at the Ordinary Congress. Kosovo were accepted into UEFA after members voted 28–24 in favor of Kosovo.[31][32]

On 13 May 2016, Kosovo was accepted in FIFA during their 66th congress in Mexico with 141 votes in favour and 23 against.[33]

FIFA ranking history
As of 20 February 2020[3]
Year Rank Pld W D L Win % Ranking Move
Best Worst Best (+) Worst (−)
2020 115 1 0 0 1 000.00 — — — —
2019 114 10 3 4 3 030.00 114 130 6 (June) 1 (November)
2018 131 9 7 2 0 077.78 131 178 24 (August) 1 (January)
2017 177 7 1 0 6 014.29 164 184 9 (November) 6 (April)
2016 165 5 1 1 3 020.00 164 190 22 (September) 1 (November)

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

On 9 June 2016, the UEFA Emergency Panel decided that Kosovo would join Croatia, Finland, Iceland, Turkey and Ukraine in the Group I; and also decided that Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia should not play against Kosovo for security reasons.[34][35] On 5 September 2016, Kosovo made its debut in the FIFA World Cup qualifications with a 1–1 away draw against Finland, with Kosovo's equalizing goal being scored by the newcomer Valon Berisha from a penalty-kick in the 60th minute.[36]

FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos Pld W D L GF GA
1930 Part of  Kingdom of Yugoslavia N/A
1934
1938
1950 Part of  SFR Yugoslavia
1954
1958
1962
1966
1970
1974
1978
1982
1986
1990
1994 Part of  FR Yugoslavia
1998
2002
2006 Part of  Serbia and Montenegro
2010 Not a FIFA member
2014
2018 Did not qualify 6th10019324
2022 To be determined To be determined
2026
Total — 0/1 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 1/1 10 0 1 9 3 24
  • Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks; correct as of 9 October 2017 after the match against  Iceland.[37]

UEFA European Championship

On 2 December 2018, in Dublin, it was decided that Kosovo should be part in Group A of the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying, together with Bulgaria, Czech Republic, England and Montenegro.[38] On 25 March 2019, Kosovo made their debut on UEFA European Championship qualifying with a 1–1 home draw against Bulgaria and the draw goal was scored by Arbër Zeneli on the 61st minute.[39] On 11 June 2019, Kosovo won their first ever qualifying match for a major tournament by defeating Bulgaria 3–2.

UEFA European Football Championship record UEFA European Championship qualifying record
Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pos Pld W D L GF GA
1960 Part of  SFR Yugoslavia N/A
1964
1968
1972
1976
1980
1984
1988
1992
1996 Part of  FR Yugoslavia
2000
2004 Part of  Serbia and Montenegro
2008 Part of  Serbia
2012 Not a FIFA member
2016
2020 To be determined 3rd83231316
2024 To be determined
Total — 0/1 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 1/1 8 3 2 3 13 16
  • Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks; correct as of 17 November 2019 after the match against  England.[40]

UEFA Nations League

On 24 January 2018, in Lausanne, it was decided that Kosovo should be part of League D in Group 3 of the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, together with Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands and Malta.[41][42] On 7 September 2018, Kosovo made their debut in the UEFA Nations League with a 0–0 away draw against Azerbaijan.[43] On 10 September 2018, Kosovo achieved their first win in the UEFA Nations League, which was also the team's first-ever competitive win, a 2–0 home win against the Faroe Islands.[44] Kosovo finished the league unbeaten (with four wins and two draws) and will be promoted to the next tier (C league) for the next edition.

UEFA Nations League record
Season Division Group Pld W D L GF GA P/R RK
2018–19 D 3 642015242nd
2020–21 C 3 To be determined
Total 6 4 2 0 15 2 42nd
  • Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks; correct as of 20 November 2018 after the match against  Azerbaijan.[45]

Non-FIFA Tournament

Kosovo has so far participated in two international tournament for first time was 1975, when Kosovo participated in Brotherhood and Unity Tournament as host, Kosovo won in all four matches of this tournament against Montenegro (2–0), Bosnia and Herzegovina (2–1), Slovenia (2–0) and Macedonia (1–0) and also took first place.[6]

Thirty year after, Kosovo again participated in a tournament held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cyprus Turkish Football Association. Kosovo lost against the host with result 1–0 and won against Sàpmi with result 4–1.[46]

Year Round Pos Pld W D L GF GA Squad
Brotherhood and Unity Tournament Winner 1st 440071 N/A
KTFF 50th Anniversary Cup Runners-up 2nd 210142 Squad
Total Best: Winner 2/2 6 5 0 1 11 3 —

Fixtures and results
Main article: Kosovo national football team results
Further information: Kosovo national football team results (1993–2019) and Kosovo national football team results (2020–present)

2019
7 September UEFA Euro 2020
qualifying		Kosovo 2–1 Czech RepublicPristina, Kosovo
15:00 (UTC+1) Muriqi  20'
Vojvoda  66'		 Report Schick  16' Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 13,000
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
10 September UEFA Euro 2020
qualifying		England 5–3 KosovoSouthampton, England
20:45 (UTC+1) Sterling  8'
Kane  19'
Vojvoda  38' (o.g.)
Sancho  44', 45+1'		 Report V. Berisha  1', 49'
Muriqi  55' (pen.)		 Stadium: St Mary's Stadium
Attendance: 30,155
Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
10 October FriendlyKosovo 1–0 GibraltarPristina, Kosovo
18:00 (UTC+1) Hasani  69' Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 12,142
Referee: Juxhin Xhaja (Albania)
14 October UEFA Euro 2020
qualifying		Kosovo 2–0 MontenegroPristina, Kosovo
20:45 (UTC+1) Rrahmani  10'
Muriqi  35'		 Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 12,494
Referee: Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
14 November UEFA Euro 2020
qualifying		Czech Republic 2–1 KosovoPlzeň, Czech Republic
20:45 (UTC+1) Král  71'
Čelůstka  79'		 Report Nuhiu  50' Stadium: Doosan Arena
Attendance: 10,986
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi (Italy)
17 November UEFA Euro 2020
qualifying		Kosovo 0–4 EnglandPristina, Kosovo
18:00 (UTC+1) Report Winks  32'
Kane  79'
Rashford  83'
Mount  90+1'		 Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 13,000
Referee: Paweł Gil (Poland)

2020
12 January FriendlySweden 1–0 KosovoDoha, Qatar
17:45 (UTC+3) Hedlund  75' Report Stadium: Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium
Attendance: 75
Referee: Mohammed Al-Shammari (Qatar)
3 September 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		Moldova v KosovoChișinău, Moldova
20:45 (21:45, UTC+3) Report Stadium: Zimbru Stadium
6 September 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		Kosovo v GreecePristina, Kosovo
20:45 (UTC+1) Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
8 October[c] UEFA Euro 2020
qualifying play-offs		North Macedonia v KosovoSkopje, North Macedonia
20:45 (UTC+1) Report Stadium: Toše Proeski Arena
11 October 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		Kosovo v SloveniaPristina, Kosovo
20:45 (UTC+1) Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
14 October 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		Greece v KosovoAthens, Grecce
20:45 (21:45, UTC+3) Report Stadium: Athens Olympic Stadium
15 November 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		Slovenia v KosovoLjubljana, Slovenia
20:45 (UTC+1) Report Stadium: Stožice Stadium
18 November 2020–21 UEFA
Nations League		Kosovo v MoldovaPristina, Kosovo
20:45 (UTC+1) Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the friendly match against  Sweden, on 12 January 2020.[47]
All caps and goals as of 12 January 2020 after the match against  Sweden.[48]

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Visar Bekaj (1997-05-24) 24 May 1997 2 0 Prishtina
12 1GK Florjan Smakiqi (1998-08-10) 10 August 1998 0 0 Feronikeli
3 2DF Fidan Aliti (Captain) (1993-10-03) 3 October 1993 21 0 Kalmar
4 2DF Lirim Kastrati (1999-02-02) 2 February 1999 3 0 Bologna
2 2DF Armend Thaqi (1992-10-10) 10 October 1992 2 0 Prishtina
14 2DF Leotrim Bekteshi (1992-04-21) 21 April 1992 1 0 Prishtina
13 2DF Lapidar Lladrovci (1990-12-15) 15 December 1990 1 0 Feronikeli
23 2DF Edison Kqiku (1999-01-16) 16 January 1999 0 0 Gjilani
24 2DF Leard Sadriu (2001-04-22) 22 April 2001 0 0 Shkëndija
5 3MF Herolind Shala (Vice-captain) (1992-01-02) 2 January 1992 17 0 Vålerenga
6 3MF Anel Rashkaj (3rd captain) (1989-08-19) 19 August 1989 11 0 SJK
7 3MF Zymer Bytyqi (1996-09-11) 11 September 1996 2 0 Viking
18 3MF Blendi Baftiu (1998-02-17) 17 February 1998 1 0 Ballkani
20 3MF Rron Broja (1996-04-09) 9 April 1996 1 0 Partizani Tirana
10 3MF Ylldren Ibrahimaj (1995-12-24) 24 December 1995 1 0 Viking
8 3MF Florian Loshaj (1996-08-13) 13 August 1996 1 0 Cracovia
22 3MF Ismet Lushaku (2000-09-22) 22 September 2000 1 0 AFC Eskilstuna
15 3MF Valmir Veliu (2000-06-04) 4 June 2000 1 0 Llapi
19 3MF Albert Dabiqaj (1996-07-10) 10 July 1996 0 0 Feronikeli
25 3MF Albin Krasniqi (2001-06-03) 3 June 2001 0 0 Ferizaj
11 4FW Elba Rashani (1993-05-09) 9 May 1993 12 4 Odd
9 4FW Flamur Kastrati (1994-11-14) 14 November 1994 5 0 Kristiansund
21 4FW Arbër Hoxha (1998-10-06) 6 October 1998 1 0 Ballkani
17 4FW Arb Manaj (1998-07-23) 23 July 1998 1 0 Trepça'89
16 4FW Jetmir Topalli (1998-02-07) 7 February 1998 1 0 Ballkani

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up for the team within the last 12 months and are still available for selection.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Betim Halimi (1996-02-28) 28 February 1996 0 0 Olimpik Donetsk v.  Sweden, 12 January 2020 INJ
GK Samir Ujkani (1988-07-05) 5 July 1988 26 0 Torino v.  England, 17 November 2019
GK Arijanet Muric (1998-11-07) 7 November 1998 10 0 Manchester City v.  England, 17 November 2019
DF Amir Rrahmani (1994-02-24) 24 February 1994 29 5 Hellas Verona v.  England, 17 November 2019
DF Mërgim Vojvoda (1995-02-01) 1 February 1995 24 1 Standard Liège v.  England, 17 November 2019
DF Leart Paqarada (1994-08-10) 10 August 1994 19 1 Sandhausen v.  England, 17 November 2019
DF Florent Hadergjonaj (1994-07-31) 31 July 1994 7 0 Kasımpaşa v.  England, 17 November 2019
DF Ibrahim Drešević (1997-01-24) 24 January 1997 2 0 Heerenveen v.  England, 17 November 2019
DF Arbenit Xhemajli (1998-04-23) 23 April 1998 1 0 Neuchâtel Xamax v.  England, 17 November 2019
DF Mirlind Kryeziu (1997-01-26) 26 January 1997 0 0 Zürich v.  England, 10 September 2019 INJ
MF Milot Rashica (1996-06-28) 28 June 1996 27 4 Werder Bremen v.  England, 17 November 2019
MF Besar Halimi (1994-12-12) 12 December 1994 23 1 Sandhausen v.  England, 17 November 2019
MF Valon Berisha (1993-02-07) 7 February 1993 20 3 Fortuna Düsseldorf v.  England, 17 November 2019
MF Bersant Celina (1996-09-09) 9 September 1996 20 2 Swansea City v.  England, 17 November 2019
MF Edon Zhegrova (1999-03-31) 31 March 1999 17 2 Basel v.  England, 17 November 2019
MF Benjamin Kololli (1992-05-15) 15 May 1992 16 3 Zürich v.  England, 17 November 2019
MF Idriz Voca (1997-05-15) 15 May 1997 10 0 Luzern v.  England, 17 November 2019
MF Florent Hasani (1997-03-30) 30 March 1997 3 1 Diósgyőri v.  England, 17 November 2019
MF Florent Muslija (1998-07-06) 6 July 1998 3 0 Hannover 96 v.  England, 17 November 2019
MF Bernard Berisha (1991-10-21) 21 October 1991 16 0 Akhmat Grozny v.  Montenegro, 14 October 2019 INJ
FW Atdhe Nuhiu (1989-07-29) 29 July 1989 17 3 Sheffield Wednesday v.  England, 17 November 2019
FW Vedat Muriqi (1994-04-24) 24 April 1994 23 8 Fenerbahçe v.  Czech Republic, 14 November 2019 INJ
FW Lirim Kastrati (1999-01-16) 16 January 1999 3 0 Lokomotiva v.  Montenegro, 14 October 2019 U21
Notes
  • INJ = Not part of the current squad due to injury.
  • U21 = Was called up from national U21 squad.

Personnel
Bernard Challandes, the current manager of the Kosovo national football team.

Current technical staff
Position Name
Head coach Bernard Challandes
Assistant coach(es)
Ramush Gashi
Muharrem Sahiti
Genc Hoxha
Fitness coach Thomas Richard
Goalkeeping coach Ahmet Beselica
Physiotherapist(s)
Ismet Shalaj
Zheralldin Durguti
Doctor Murat Berisha
Device manager Sahit Salihi
Team manager Bajram Shala
Technical director Michael Nees
Video analyst Alexander Carra

Kit suppliers

The Kosovo kit has been mostly red and black before declaration of independence with few changes throughout the years and after the independence the kits are mostly blue and yellow. On 5 October 2016, Kosovo signed with Spanish sportswear company Kelme to a four-year contract and was the first official kit suppliers of Kosovo after membership in UEFA and FIFA.[49] On 16 June 2018, Kosovo signed with Swiss sportswear company Fourteen to a four-year contract and becomes the current kit suppliers of Kosovo.[50][51]

Kosovo kit in the first
competitive match
against Finland in
September 2016.
Kit provider Period In matches against
Legea 2014  Haiti
Puma 2014  Turkey and  Senegal
Legea 2014  Oman
Umbro 2015  Equatorial Guinea and  Albania
Puma 2016  Faroe Islands
Kelme 2016–2018 N/A
Fourteen 2018–present

Stadiums

On 12 July 2019, it was announced that a stadium will be built with a capacity of 30,000 seats.[52][53]

As of 17 November 2019
Kosovo national football team home stadiums
Nr. of
matches		 Image Stadium Capacity Location First match Last match Ref
15 Fadil Vokrri Stadium 13,500 Pristina, Kosovo v.  Yugoslavia, 8 November 1967 v.  England, 17 November 2019 [54]
5 Loro Boriçi Stadium 16,000 Shkodër, Albania v.  Croatia, 6 October 2016 v.  Ukraine, 6 October 2017 [d][55]
3 Adem Jashari Olympic Stadium 18,500 Mitrovica, Kosovo v.  Haiti, 5 March 2014 v.  Latvia, 13 November 2017 [56]

Records
Main article: List of Kosovo international footballers

Below are two lists of the top 11 players with the most caps and goals for Kosovo.
Players in bold are still active at international level.

Most capped players
As of 12 January 2020[57]
Milot Rashica is the second most capped player in the history of Kosovo with 27 caps.
Rank Position Name Career Caps Goals
1 DF Amir Rrahmani 2014– 29 5
2 MF Milot Rashica 2016– 27 4
3 GK Samir Ujkani 2014– 26 0
4 DF Mërgim Vojvoda 2017– 24 1
5 FW Vedat Muriqi 2016– 23 8
MF Besar Halimi 2015– 23 1
7 DF Fidan Aliti 2017– 21 0
8 MF Valon Berisha 2016– 20 3
MF Bersant Celina 2014– 20 2
10 DF Leart Paqarada 2014– 19 1
MF Hekuran Kryeziu 2015– 19 0

Top goalscorers
As of 12 January 2020[58]
Vedat Muriqi is the top scorer in the history of Kosovo with 8 goals.
Rank Position Name Career Goals Caps Average
1 FW Vedat Muriqi 2016– 8 23 0.35
2 MF Arbër Zeneli 2016– 7 18 0.39
3 DF Amir Rrahmani 2014– 5 29 0.17
4 MF Milot Rashica 2016– 4 27 0.15
FW Elba Rashani 2015– 4 12 0.33
6 MF Valon Berisha 2016– 3 20 0.15
FW Atdhe Nuhiu 2017– 3 17 0.18
MF Benjamin Kololli 2016– 3 16 0.19
FW Albert Bunjaku 2014–2016 3 6 0.5
10 MF Bersant Celina 2014– 2 20 0.1
MF Edon Zhegrova 2018– 2 17 0.12

Captains
As of 12 January 2020[59]
Samir Ujkani (left) is the most capped player as captain in the history of Kosovo with 23 caps and Anel Rashkaj (right) is the first captain who led Kosovo in the first international match against Haiti.
Rank Position Name Period Caps
As captain Total As captain Total
1 GK Samir Ujkani 2015– 2014– 23 26
2 DF Amir Rrahmani 2019– 2014– 7 29
3 MF Anel Rashkaj 2014 2014– 3 10
4 DF Fidan Aliti 2020– 2017– 1 21
MF Hekuran Kryeziu 2019– 2015– 1 19
MF Herolind Shala 2019– 2016– 1 16
MF Valon Berisha 2018– 2016– 1 20
MF Enis Alushi 2014 2014–2017 1 10
MF Besnik Hasi 2007 2007 1 1
MF Genc Hoxha 1993 1993 1 1

Head-to-head records against other countries
As of 12 January 2019[60]
Opponent Pld W D L GF GA GD Win % Reference
1942–75
Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 100.00 [5][6][7]
Macedonia 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00
Montenegro 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00
Slovenia 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00
 Tirana[a] 1 0 0 1 2 0 +2 000.00
 Yugoslavia 1 0 1 0 3 3 +0 000.00
1993–present
 Albania 5 1 1 3 8 9 −1 020.00 H2H results
 Azerbaijan 2 1 1 0 4 0 +4 050.00 H2H results
 Bulgaria 2 1 1 0 4 3 +1 050.00 H2H results
 Burkina Faso 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00 H2H results
 Croatia 2 0 0 2 0 7 −7 000.00 H2H results
 Czech Republic 2 1 0 1 3 3 +0 050.00 H2H results
 Denmark 1 0 1 0 2 2 +0 000.00 H2H results
 England 2 0 0 2 3 9 −6 000.00 H2H results
 Equatorial Guinea 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00 H2H results
 Faroe Islands 3 2 1 0 5 1 +4 066.67 H2H results
 Finland 2 0 1 1 1 2 −1 000.00 H2H results
 Gibraltar 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Haiti 1 0 1 0 0 0 +0 000.00 H2H results
 Iceland 2 0 0 2 1 4 −3 000.00 H2H results
 Latvia 1 1 0 0 4 3 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Madagascar 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Malta 2 2 0 0 8 1 +7 100.00 H2H results
 Monaco 1 1 0 0 7 1 +6 100.00 N/A
 Montenegro 2 1 1 0 3 1 +2 050.00 H2H results
 Northern Cyprus 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 000.00 N/A
 Oman 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00 H2H results
 Sápmi 1 1 0 0 4 1 +3 100.00 N/A
 Saudi Arabia 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00
 Senegal 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 000.00 H2H results
 Sweden 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 000.00 H2H results
 Turkey 3 0 0 3 2 12 −10 000.00 H2H results
 Ukraine 2 0 0 2 0 5 −5 000.00 H2H results
31 Countries 51 22 9 20 78 75 +3 043.14 All H2H results

See also
Men's
Women's

Notes and references

Notes
  1. ^
    The alternative name of the Albania national team that was used during this match.[7]
  2. ^
    Dobrica Barbaroga was the Albanianized full name of Dobrica Barbarogić by the media of that time, which seems to be expression of peaceful coexistence with national minorities even in Kosovo at that time.[5]
  3. ^
    The North Macedonia v Kosovo match, originally scheduled for 26 March 2020, 20:45 (UTC+1) at the Toše Proeski Arena, Skopje was postponed on 17 March due to the coronavirus.[61] The match was later rescheduled to 8 October 2020.[62]
  4. ^
    After stadiums in Mitrovica and Pristina were under renovation and do not meet UEFA standards.[63] Kosovo played the qualifying matches of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Loro Boriçi Stadium (Albanian: Stadiumi Loro Boriçi), a multi-use stadium in Shkodër, Albania.[64][65]

References
  1. Dryomin, Mark; Tabeira, Martin; Lozano, Carles; Jeffree, Iain (2 June 2016). "FIFA Country Codes". rsssf.com. RSSSF. Kosovo (KVX)
  2. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 11 June 2020. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  3. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking - Associations - Kosovo - Men's". FIFA. Retrieved 24 October 2019.
  4. Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
  5. Besnik Dizdari (12 December 2007). "Besnik Dizdari: Kur në Tiranë lindte Përfaqësuesja e Kosovës...(II)" [Besnik Dizdari: When in Tirana the Kosovo national team was born...(II)]. Zemra Shqiptare (in Albanian).
  6. Besnik Dizdari (15 September 2019). ""Armiqtë" e vërtetë dhe "miqtë" e rremë të Kosovës" [The real "enemies" and false "friends" of Kosovo] (in Albanian). Panorama Sport.
  7. Mendrit Shehu (18 November 2019). "Kosova, kalvari sportiv e miqësorja e harruar me Jugosllavinë" [Kosovo, the sports ordeal and the forgotten friendly with Yugoslavia]. Gazetasi (in Albanian).
  8. "Futbolli 1991–2011, 20 vjet mëvetësim" [Football 1991–2019, 20 years independence] (PDF) (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 2011. pp. Respectively on pages 64 and 65, contain information about cooperation protocol and the match.
  9. "International Matches 1993 – Europe, January–March". RSSSF. 14/02/1993, Tiranë, Dinamo, 14000, Friendly International, ALBANIA–KOSOVA
  10. "Friendly match/Kosovo defeated Monaco by a score of 7-1". AlbaniaSoccer. 22 April 2006. Archived from the original on 22 May 2006.
  11. "Kosova 0:1 Albania". RSSSF. 7 September 2002.
  12. "Fitore historike kunder Arabise - Nushi "sheiku" i Kosovës" [Historic win against Arabia - Nushi "sheik" of Kosovo]. Futbolli.com (in Albanian). 7 September 2002. Archived from the original on 30 November 2007. Emri i Kristian Nushit pa dyshim do të hyjë në historinë e futbollit kosovarë. Në realitet, futbollisti i deritashëm i skuadrës zvicerane, Vill, ka shënuar golin e fitores në minutën e 84-të në ndeshjen miqësore ndërkombëtare ndaj Arabisë Saudite qe perfundoi me rezultatin e ngushte 1:0. Nushi u tregua i saktë nga pika e bardhë, pasi më parë mbrojtësit sauditë rrëzuan brenda zonës Ismet Ramushin dhe gjyqtari pa u hamendur tregoi në pikën e bardhë
  13. "Përfaqësuesja e Kosovës në futboll" [Kosovo national team in football]. Forumi Shqiptar (in Albanian). 22 April 2006. Përfaqësuesja e Kosovës mposhti atë të Monacos me rezultat 7:1
  14. "Miqesore/Kosove - Shqipëri 2-3" [Friendly/Kosovo - Albania 2-3]. AlbaniaSoccer (in Albanian). 17 February 2010.
  15. "FIFA's finances solid". FIFA. 24 October 2008. Archived from the original on 29 October 2008. Retrieved 4 December 2017. An application for affiliation from the Kosovo football association was deemed not to comply with art. 10 of the FIFA Statutes, which stipulates that only "an independent state recognised by the international community" may be admitted. In accordance with the Statutes, Kosovo cannot play any friendly matches
  16. "FIFA ExCo makes reform progress and Audit and Compliance Committee appointment". Media Release. FIFA. 22 May 2012.
  17. "Shaqiri, Xhaka, Cana&Co., deklaratë për Kosovën në FIFA" [Shaqiri, Xhaka, Cana&Co., statement for Kosovo in FIFA]. GazetaShqip (in Albanian). 20 September 2012.
  18. "Cana, Šaćiri, Džaka i Behrami pisali Blateru zbog Kosova" [Cana, Shaqiri, Xhaka dhe Behrami wrote to Blater about Kosovo] (in Serbian). Sportski žurnal. 21 September 2012.
  19. "Vokri: FIFA i UEFA imaju dvostruke standarde" [Vokrri: FIFA and UEFA have double standards] (in Serbian). Sportski žurnal. 4 October 2012.
  20. "Zyrtarizohet 11-shja kosovare" [The Kosovan XI is officialized]. TopSporti (in Albanian). 5 March 2014.
  21. "Kosova - Haiti, luhet historia" [Kosovo - Haiti, the history is played]. TopSporti (in Albanian). 5 March 2014.
  22. "FIFA Circular no.1342" (PDF). FIFA.com. 6 February 2013.
  23. "Kosova e dha provimin, barazoi pa gola me Haitin" [Kosovo passed the exam, draw without goals with Haiti] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 5 March 2014. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  24. "Kosovo footballers draw with Haiti in Mitrovica debut". BBC News. 5 March 2014.
  25. "Kosovo national team cause a stir by posing with guns before first ever international fixture". The Independent. 7 March 2014.
  26. "KM: Zapaljena zastava Srbije" [KM: Burned flag of Serbia] (in Serbian). B92. 5 March 2014.
  27. "FSS traži opoziv FIFA za Kosovo" [FAS seeking revocation of FIFA for Kosovo] (in Serbian). B92. 6 March 2014.
  28. "Kosova shijoi fitoren e parë nën ombrellën e FIFA-s" [Kosovo relish the first victory under FIFA umbrella] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 7 September 2014. Archived from the original on 10 August 2018. Retrieved 10 August 2018.
  29. "Kosova pësoi humbje nga Turqia" [Kosovo suffered losses from Turkey] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 21 May 2014.
  30. "UEFA shqyrton në mars të vitit të ardhshëm anëtarësimin e Kosovës" [UEFA reviews in March next year Kosovo's membership] (in Albanian). Voice of America. 19 September 2015.
  31. "Football Federation of Kosovo joins UEFA". UEFA. 3 May 2016.
  32. "Kosovo accepted as member of Uefa after Congress vote". The Guardian. 3 May 2016.
  33. "Zyrtare: Kosova pranohet në FIFA, jemi të barabartë me të gjitha vendet e botës" [Official: Kosovo is admitted to FIFA, we are equal to all countries in the world] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 13 May 2016.
  34. "Kosovo and Gibraltar assigned to 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying groups". UEFA. 9 June 2016.
  35. "Kosova në Grupin I për kualifikimet e Botërorit 2018" [Kosovo in Group I for 2018 World Cup qualifiers] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 9 June 2016. Archived from the original on 14 June 2018. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
  36. "Debutim fantastik i Kosovës, baras me Finlandën" [Fantastic debut of Kosovo, draw with Finland] (in Albanian). Bota Sot. 5 September 2016.
  37. "Iceland (2–0) Kosovo". eu-football.info. 9 October 2017.
  38. "Kosova në grup me Anglinë, ja deklaratat e presidentit Ademi dhe përzgjedhësit Challandes (Video)" [Kosovo in group with England, statements by president Ademi and selector Challandes (Video)] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 2 December 2018. Fati deshi që Kosova të tërhiqet në Grupin A, grup që përbëhet prej pesë ekipeve dhe aty krahas Kosovës do të jetë edhe gjiganti i futbollit, Anglia, pastaj Republika e Çekisë, Bullgaria dhe Mali i Zi
  39. "Kosova e pafat, debuton me barazim në kualifikimet për Euro 2020" [Unlucky Kosovo debuts with the draw in qualifications for Euro 2020] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 25 March 2019.
  40. "Kosovo (0–4) England". eu-football.info. 17 November 2019.
  41. "UEFA Nations League 2018/19 League Phase draw". UEFA. 24 January 2018. Group D3: Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands, Malta, Kosovo
  42. "Liga e Kombeve, Kosova në Grupin D3" [Nations League, Kosovo in Group D3] (in Albanian). Top Channel. 24 January 2018.
  43. "Kombëtarja A kthehet e pamposhtur, barazon me Azerbajxhanin" [National A team returns unbeaten, draw with Azerbaijan] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 7 September 2018. Archived from the original on 8 September 2018. Retrieved 8 September 2018.
  44. "Kosova e nderon me fitore Fadil Vokrrin, merr kryesimin e Grupit 3 në Ligën D" [Kosovo honors with victory Fadil Vokrri, takes the lead of Group 3 in League D] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 10 September 2018. Archived from the original on 9 October 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2018.
  45. "Kosovo (4–0) Azerbaijan". eu-football.info. 20 November 2018.
  46. "TR Northern Cyprus - 50 Years Anniversary Cup 2005". RSSSF. 4 November 2005.
  47. "Lista e futbollistëve për ndeshjen Kosovë–Suedi" [List of players for the match Kosovo–Sweden] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 24 December 2019.
  48. "Sweden (1–0) Kosovo". eu-football.info. 12 January 2020.
  49. "Nënshkruhet marrëveshja mes FFK-së dhe 'Kelme' për fanellat e Përfaqësueses së Kosovës (Foto/Video)" [Signed the agreement between FFK and 'Kelme' for the kits of Kosovo national football team (Photo/Video)] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 5 October 2016.
  50. "FFK-ja promovoi logon e re dhe sponsorin e ri teknik" [FFK promoted the new logo and the new technical sponsor] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 16 June 2018.
  51. "Zbulohen fanellat e reja të Kosovës për Ligën e Kombeve dhe logo e re e FFK-së" [Revealed the new jersey of Kosovo for the Nations League and the new logo of FFK] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 16 June 2018.
  52. "Nis ndërtimi i stadiumit nacional të Kosovës". Telegrafi. 12 July 2019.
  53. "Prezantohet projekti për stadiumin Kombëtar të Kosovës". Telegrafi. 14 June 2019.
  54. "Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, Pristina". eu-football.info. Only matches from 2014 are included
  55. "Loro Boriçi Stadium, Shkodër". eu-football.info.
  56. "Stadiumi Olimpik Adem Jashari, Mitrovica". eu-football.info.
  57. "Kosovo international footballers of all-time". eu-football.info. Retrieved 17 November 2019.
  58. "Kosovo national football team goalscorers of all-time". eu-football.info. Retrieved 17 November 2019. Only top goalscorers from 2014 are included
  59. "Kosovo international footballers of all-time (captains) by caps as captain". eu-football.info. Retrieved 17 November 2019. Only captains from 2014 are included
  60. "Kosovo national football team match results". eu-football.info. Only matches from 2014 are included
  61. "UEFA postpones EURO 2020 by 12 months". UEFA. 17 March 2020. All UEFA competitions and matches (including friendlies) for clubs and national teams for both men and women have been put on hold until further notice. The UEFA EURO 2020 play-off matches and international friendlies, scheduled for the end of March, will now be played in the international window at the start of June, subject to a review of the situation
  62. "UEFA e ka konfirmuar orarin e ndeshjes Maqedoni e Veriut – Kosovë, zhvillohet në Shkup në muajin tetor" [UEFA confirms schedule of North Macedonia – Kosovo match, takes place in Skopje in October] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 17 June 2020.
  63. "Këto janë 11 stadiumet e Superligës dhe asnjëri nuk i plotëson kushtet (Foto)" [These are the 11 Superleague stadiums and none meet the conditions (Photo)] (in Albanian). Telegrafi. 3 May 2016.
  64. "Loro Boriçi, shtëpia e përkohshme e Kosovës" [Loro Boriçi, the temporary home of Kosovo] (in Albanian). Radio Television of Kosovo. 28 June 2016.
  65. "Loro Boriçi, i rilindur gati për kolaudim (Foto)" [Loro Boriçi, reborn ready for test (Photo)]. Facebook (in Albanian). Edi Rama. 11 August 2016.
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