Nickname(s) | Dardanët (Dardanians) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Association | Federata e Futbollit e Kosovës (FFK) | |||
Confederation | UEFA (Europe) | |||
Head coach | Afrim Tovërlani | |||
Captain | Rotation | |||
Most caps | Valon Zumberi (16) | |||
Top scorer | Florent Hasani (3) | |||
Home stadium | Fadil Vokrri Stadium | |||
FIFA code | KOS[1] | |||
| ||||
First international | ||||
![]() ![]() (Le Bouveret, Switzerland; 12 June 2013) | ||||
Biggest win | ||||
![]() ![]() (Andorra la Vella, Andorra; 6 June 2019) | ||||
Biggest defeat | ||||
![]() ![]() (Le Bouveret, Switzerland; 15 June 2013) |
The Kosovo national under-21 football team (Albanian: Kombëtarja e futbollit të Kosovës nën 21 vjeç; Serbian: Фудбалска репрезентација Косова до 21. године, romanized: Fudbalska reprezentacija Kosova do 21. godine) is the national under-21 football team of Kosovo and is controlled by the Football Federation of Kosovo. The team is considered to be the feeder team for the Kosovo national team.
History
Permitting by FIFA to play friendlies
On 6 February 2013, FIFA gave the permission to play international friendly games against other member associations.[2] Whereas, on 13 January 2014, there was a change of this permit that forbade Kosovo to play against the national teams of the countries of the former Yugoslavia. Club teams were also allowed to play friendlies and this happened 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.
Membership in UEFA and FIFA
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.[3] On 3 May 2016, at the Ordinary Congress. Kosovo were accepted into UEFA after members voted 28–24 in favor of Kosovo.[4][5] Ten days later, Kosovo was accepted in FIFA during their 66th congress in Mexico with 141 votes in favour and 23 against.[6]
2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifications
On 26 January 2017, in Nyon, it was decided that Kosovo should be part in Group 5 of the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification, together with Azerbaijan, Germany, Israel, Norway and Republic of Ireland.[7] On 25 March 2017, Kosovo made his debut on UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifications with a 1–0 away defeat in against Republic of Ireland.[8] On 29 July 2017, UEFA confirmed that the match in which Kosovo had lost with a deep score 0–5 against Norway was given as a 3–0 victory for Kosovo, this happened after in that match for Norway had played Kristoffer Ajer who was suspended.[9] This match for Kosovo was the first victory in a qualifying match for a major tournament. Kosovo would secure another dramatic win against Norway at home with 3–2 by two goals from Enis Bytyqi and one from Florent Hasani, that was Kosovo's first home win in their history at this competition.[10]
2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifications
On 11 December 2018, in Nyon, it was decided that Kosovo should be part in Group 3 of the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification, together with Albania, Andorra, Austria, England and Turkey.[11] Before the start of this qualifying cycle, Kosovo in March 2019 played two friendly matches in Antalya with Turkmenistan which won with a narrow score of 3–2,[12] and with Malta which won with a minimum score of 1–0,[13] in the composition of Kosovo was the players who would potentially be part of the national team during the qualifying cycle. On 6 June 2019, Kosovo started the qualifying cycle against Andorra which they defeated with a deep score 4–0 and this match is their best result yet.[14] Kosovo would follow this great result after beating Turkey at home with 3-1 showing a great display. Also leading the qualifying table, for the first time in their history.[15] Success wouldn't follow as Kosovo than lost a string of five matches in the process in which they only scored two goals.[16] Against Albania losing away with 2-1 in Elbasan.[17] Kosovo would secure their third win against Andorra at home with a close 1-0 win. Their last match ended in a devastating loss against Turkey in Istanbul with 3-0 their seventh loss in total. Kosovo finished their Qualifying in 5th place with nine points, only above Andorra, but trailing behind Turkey, Albania, Austria and Group winners England.[18]
Competitive record
UEFA European Under-21 Championship
On 26 January 2017, in Nyon, it was decided that Kosovo should be part in Group 5 of the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification, together with Azerbaijan, Germany, Israel, Norway and Republic of Ireland.[19] On 25 March 2017, Kosovo made his debut on UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifications with a 1–0 away defeat in against Republic of Ireland.[20]
UEFA European Under-21 Championship record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | ||
1978 to 1992 | Part of ![]() |
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Part of ![]() | |||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Part of ![]() | |||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() |
Not a UEFA member | |||||||||||||||||
![]() |
Could not enter | |||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() |
did not qualify | 5th | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 12 | ||||||||||
![]() ![]() |
5th | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 9 | 20 | |||||||||||
![]() ![]() |
4th | 9 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 13 | |||||||||||
Total | — | 0/23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2/15 | 29 | 9 | 6 | 15 | 33 | 57 |
Non-FIFA Tournament
Kosovo U21 has so far only participated in one international tournament in Valais Youth Cup, a two-day international football tournament. In which they finished in fourth place. Their first match was against Ghana in which they lost.
Year | Round | Pos | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Squad |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
Fourth place | 4th | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | Squad |
Total | — | 1/1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | — |
Fixtures and results
2023
24 March Friendly | Moldova ![]() | 0–0 | ![]() | Belek, Turkey |
14:00 | Report | Stadium: Cornelia Deluxe Resort Training Camp Referee: Mazlum Doğan (Turkey) |
27 March Friendly | Turkey ![]() | 4–2 | ![]() | Alanya, Turkey |
19:00 | Yıldırım ![]() Yıldız ![]() Tagir ![]() |
Report | Emërllahu ![]() |
Stadium: Kırbıyık Holding Stadium Referee: Ömer Faruk Turtay (Turkey) |
20 June UEFA Euro 2025 qualification | Kosovo ![]() | 2–0 | ![]() | Pristina, Kosovo |
20:00 | Llugiqi ![]() Hoti ![]() |
Report | Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium Attendance: 2,000 Referee: Joey Kooij (Netherlands) |
8 September UEFA Euro 2025 qualification | Poland ![]() | 3–0 | ![]() | Płock, Poland |
20:00 | Mosór ![]() Rakoczy ![]() |
Report | Stadium: Stadion im. Kazimierza Górskiego Attendance: 6,265 Referee: Lothar D'hondt (Belgium) |
12 September UEFA Euro 2025 qualification | Kosovo ![]() | 0–3 | ![]() | Pristina, Kosovo |
19:00 | Report | Moukoko ![]() Kleine-Bekel ![]() |
Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium Attendance: 1,950 Referee: Mikkel Redder (Denmark) |
17 October UEFA Euro 2025 qualification | Bulgaria ![]() | 1–1 | ![]() | Sofia, Bulgaria |
17:30 | Sorakov ![]() |
Report | Tahiri ![]() |
Stadium: Stadion Aleksandar Shalamanov Attendance: 358 Referee: Jan Petrik (Czech Republic) |
17 November UEFA Euro 2025 qualification | Kosovo ![]() | 2–2 | ![]() | Podujevo, Kosovo |
13:00 |
|
Report | Stadium: Zahir Pajaziti Stadium Attendance: 200 Referee: Patrik Kolarić (Croatia) |
21 November UEFA Euro 2025 qualification | Kosovo ![]() | 3–1 | ![]() | Podujevo, Kosovo |
13:00 | Report |
|
Stadium: Zahir Pajaziti Stadium Attendance: 0 (behind closed doors) Referee: Iwan Arwel Griffith (Wales) |
2024
22 March UEFA Euro 2025 qualification | Germany ![]() | 0–0 | ![]() | Chemnitz, Germany |
18:00 | Report | Stadium: Stadion an der Gellertstraße Attendance: 6,899 Referee: Daniele Chiffi (Italy) |
10 September UEFA Euro 2025 qualification | Israel ![]() | v | ![]() | Győr, Hungary |
Report | Stadium: Ménfői úti Stadion |
11 October UEFA Euro 2025 qualification | Kosovo ![]() | v | ![]() | Pristina, Kosovo |
Report | Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium |
15 October UEFA Euro 2025 qualification | Estonia ![]() | v | ![]() | Tallinn, Estonia |
Report | Stadium: Kadriorg Stadium |
Players
Current squad
- The following players were called up for the UEFA Euro 2025 qualification match against Germany, on 22 March 2024.[21]
- All caps and goals as of 22 March 2024 after match against Germany, only matches as FIFA member are included.
- Players in bold have been called up or have played at least one full international match with national senior team.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 | GK | Altin Gjokaj | 11 November 2005 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
1 | GK | Mustafë Abdullahu | 27 February 2004 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
16 | GK | Egzon Lekaj | 26 April 2002 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
4 | DF | Valon Zumberi (captain) | 24 November 2002 | 18 | 0 | ![]() |
5 | DF | Andi Hoti | 2 March 2003 | 13 | 1 | ![]() |
2 | DF | Egzon Rexhaj | 15 November 2002 | 10 | 0 | ![]() |
15 | DF | Arbnor Hasani | 16 January 2002 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Elvis Letaj | 26 September 2003 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | DF | Rejan Thaçi | 7 November 2003 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
14 | DF | Valton Behrami | 16 March 2004 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
19 | DF | Ardi Ajdini | 4 November 2002 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | DF | Diar Vokrri | 27 June 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
6 | MF | Art Smakaj | 4 February 2003 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | MF | Altin Kryeziu | 3 January 2002 | 10 | 0 | ![]() |
23 | MF | Florian Haxha | 6 April 2002 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
10 | MF | Milot Avdyli (vice-captain) | 28 July 2002 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
8 | MF | Lindon Emërllahu | 7 December 2002 | 4 | 2 | ![]() |
20 | MF | Oltion Bilalli | 3 January 2002 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
7 | MF | Etnik Brruti | 4 March 2004 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
18 | MF | Redon Ismaili | 23 October 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
11 | FW | Veton Tusha | 29 December 2002 | 11 | 2 | ![]() |
22 | FW | Arian Llugiqi | 24 October 2002 | 6 | 1 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Fatjon Bunjaku | 14 October 2003 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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 | Léo Besson | 27 October 2002 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Eron Isufi | 5 August 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Amar Gërxhaliu | 26 April 2002 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Rafet Baralija | 21 December 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Rion Zejnullahu | 17 August 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Arbnor Aliu | 17 February 2003 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Ardi Morina | 3 March 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Argjend Pacolli | 25 January 2002 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Ledjan Sahitaj | 12 January 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Adem Podrimaj | 6 January 2003 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Argjend Miftari | 29 January 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Amar Demolli | 16 July 2006 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Besfort Zeneli | 21 November 2002 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Behar Neziri | 6 January 2003 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Benjamin Dibrani | 9 February 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Luan Simnica | 22 January 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Drilon Hazrollaj | 19 February 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Lulzim Peci | 27 February 2002 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Vleron Statovci | 13 July 2003 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Ardit Tahiri | 6 October 2002 | 16 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Bleron Krasniqi | 18 May 2002 | 2 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Dion Krasniqi | 24 August 2003 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
|
Coaching staff
Position | Name |
---|---|
Head coach | ![]() |
Assistant coach | ![]() ![]() |
Goalkeeping coach | ![]() |
Team manager | ![]() |
Head-to-head records against other countries
- As of 11 June 2019
Head-to-head records are included only matches as FIFA member.
Opponent | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Win % |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 100.00 |
![]() |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 50.00 |
![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 0.00 |
![]() |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | −8 | 0.00 |
![]() |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 7 | −7 | 0.00 |
![]() |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00 |
![]() |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 100.00 |
![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0.00 |
![]() |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 100.00 |
![]() |
1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 100.00 |
10 Countries | 15 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 20 | 23 | −3 | 46.67 |
See also
- Men's
- Women's
Notes and references
Notes
References
- ^ "Football Federation of Kosovo". Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
- ^ "FIFA Circular no.1342" (PDF). FIFA. 6 February 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 June 2019.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Football Federation of Kosovo joins UEFA". UEFA. 3 May 2016.
- ^ "Kosovo accepted as member of Uefa after Congress vote". The Guardian. 3 May 2016.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Kosova U21 në grup me Gjermaninë, ja orari i ndeshjeve" [Kosovo U21 in group with Germany and the match schedules] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 26 January 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
Kosova u përfshi në Grupin 5, me kundërshtarë shumë të fortë si Gjermania, Izraeli, Norvegjia, Irlanda dhe Azerbajxhani
- ^ "Kosova U21 e pafat kundër Irlandës, humb me rezultat të ngushtë" [Kosovo U21 unlucky against Ireland, loses with a close result] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 25 March 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
- ^ "UEFA e konfirmon: Kosova fiton tri pikë në tavolinë kundër Norvegjisë" [UEFA confirms: Kosovo wins three points on table against Norway] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 29 July 2017.
- ^ "Fitore historike e Kosovës U21, e përmbys Norvegjinë në "Adem Jashari"" [Historic victory of Kosovo U21, overthrowing Norway in "Adem Jashari"] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 1 September 2017.
- ^ "Kosova U21 në grup me Shqipërinë dhe Anglinë" [Kosovo U21 in a group with Albania and England] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 11 December 2018.
- ^ "Kombëtarja U21 shënoi fitore në miqësoren kundër Turkmenistanit" [The national U21 team scored a victory in the friendly against Turkmenistan] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 24 March 2019.
- ^ "Kombëtarja U21 fiton edhe në miqësoren kundër Maltës" [The national U21 team also wins in the friendly against Malta] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 26 March 2019.
- ^ "Kosova U21 shkëlqen kundër Andorrës, fiton 4:0" [Kosovo U21 shines against Andorra, wins 4:0] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 6 June 2019.
- ^ "Kosova U21 fiton dhe merr kreun, në 'Fadil Vokrri' dorëzohet edhe Turqia". 11 June 2019.
- ^ "Me në fund, Kosova U21 fiton pas disa humbjeve radhazi".
- ^ "Albania-Kosovo | Under-21 2021".
- ^ "Kosova U21 i përfundon me humbje kualifikimet për Euro 2021 - Gazeta Express". 17 November 2020.
- ^ "Kosova U21 në grup me Gjermaninë, ja orari i ndeshjeve" [Kosovo U21 in group with Germany and the match schedules] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 26 January 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
Kosova u përfshi në Grupin 5, me kundërshtarë shumë të fortë si Gjermania, Izraeli, Norvegjia, Irlanda dhe Azerbajxhani
- ^ "Kosova U21 e pafat kundër Irlandës, humb me rezultat të ngushtë" [Kosovo U21 unlucky against Ireland, loses with a close result] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 25 March 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2019. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
- ^ "Tovërlani publikon listën e Kombëtares U21 për ndeshjen kualifikuese kundër Gjermanisë" [Tovërlani publishes the list of the national U21 team for the qualifying match against Germany] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 16 March 2024.
External links
- Official website (in Albanian and English)
- Kosovo U21 News about the team