This clash is one of the most politically charged and emotionally intense rivalries in European football
Albania
Albania have proven themselves a force to reckon with following their previous qualifying campaign. During the Euro 2024 qualifiers, they outperformed established teams like the Czech Republic and Poland to reach the finals for only the second time in history.
There, managed by Sylvinho, the squad faced tough competition from future champions Spain, then-holders Italy, and 2022 World Cup bronze medalists Croatia. Despite the challenges, Albania demonstrated resilience, earning a point against their neighbors.
In the UEFA Nations League, Albania’s performances are well-known to Ukrainian fans, having competed against Serhiy Rebrov’s team. After an opening away win over Ukraine, Albania managed just one more victory, again on the road against Georgia.
However, poor home form condemned them to relegation from League B after collecting only a single point at home from a draw with the Czech Republic and suffering defeats to Georgia and Ukraine. Particularly frustrating was that Ukraine finished just one point ahead.
The road to the 2026 World Cup is expected to be equally challenging. Besides Albania, the group includes two other Euro participants. England are the clear favorites, as confirmed when Albania opened qualification with a 0-2 away loss to the “Three Lions,” conceding once in each half.
Albania improved their standing with a 3-0 win over minnows Andorra, sealed late by Uzuni after Mana’s quick brace. Another match against underdog Latvia awaits in June, but the centerpiece of this campaign is the n clash.
The only previous meeting between these sides ended in a 0-2 home defeat for Albania back in 2015. That tie is remembered more for the drone incident displaying an Albanian flag over the Belgrade stadium, which sparked unrest and violent confrontations both in the stands and on the pitch.
The “Red and Blacks” were ultimately awarded a technical victory. To prevent a repeat, away fans will be banned from attending both upcoming matches.
Serbia
Serbia made its Euro 2024 debut under its current name but failed to advance to the knockout stages, recording draws against Denmark and Slovenia and a narrow loss to England. Despite this, coach Dragan Stojković retained his role, and Serbia’s UEFA Nations League campaign was respectable—not flawless, but solid.
Notably, they were the only team in the group to avoid defeat against reigning European champions and Nations League winners Spain. However, third place behind Denmark and Switzerland denied them playoff qualification, forcing a survival battle in the relegation playoffs.
Serbia overcame Austria in that crucial playoff tie: after a 1-1 away draw thanks to Samardžić’s vital goal, they clinched a 3-1 home win. The hosts benefited from Austria being reduced to ten men following Maksimović’s goal, allowing Vlahović’s late strike to seal the triumph.
Arriving in Tirana, Serbia boast a four-match unbeaten streak, which should boost confidence. However, their recent away record is less impressive, with two goalless defeats to Denmark and Spain followed by 1-1 draws against Switzerland and Austria.
Facing a key opening fixture in Albania, Stojković’s side must hit the ground running. A victory here would set them up nicely for the following home game against Andorra, likely putting them on six points.
Serbia can take pride in their consistent World Cup qualifying record, having qualified for three of the last four tournaments they entered as an independent nation, except for 2014. However, their finals campaigns have stalled at the group stage.
The biggest test still lies ahead, with September’s showdown against group favorites England looming. A positive result in Tirana would bolster their prospects of reaching the playoffs.
Probable Lineups: Albania vs Serbia
Albania approach the game with their strongest available squad. Serbia, however, will be without first-choice goalkeeper Raiković. Veteran Petrovic, who has enjoyed a strong season at Strasbourg, is expected to start in goal.
Match Prediction
This fiery encounter is likely to be charged with emotions, possibly resulting in numerous yellow cards and maybe even some reds. Scoring may be limited as both teams prioritize structure amid the intensity.