As part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Serbian national team hosts Albania in Leskovac tonight at 20:45.
Serbia is currently in third place in Group K with 7 points from 4 matches, behind Albania who has 8 points from 5 matches and England who leads with 15 points from 5 matches. Latvia has 4 points and Andorra has no points.
The coach of the "Eagles", Dragan Stojkovic, emphasized in a press conference that he expects a particularly difficult game: "We expect a very difficult match, with a strong athletic opponent. Albania is a good team and our expectations are to win. This is one of the most important matches for the classification in our group. The players are calm, focused and ready to give their maximum. We are happy to return to Leskovtsi and I believe that the conditions will be excellent."
Albania completed its last training session at the Dubočica stadium and then moved to its hotel in Nis. According to Serbian and Albanian media, the team is in excellent condition, with all players ready to compete, while the only concern concerns the absences of Ismajli, Kumbulla and Pajaziti, with the latter being replaced by Nazmi Gripshi.
In the first round of qualifying, held on June 7, 2025 in Tirana, Serbia and Albania drew 0–0. This match was the first between the two teams since October 2015 and was characterized by an intense atmosphere and challenges, but without any serious incidents.
Yesterday, the Football Association of Serbia reported on the arrest of an Albanian man who was found with items and sportswear bearing the symbols of the terrorist organization UÇK. The items in question were intended to be used in tonight's match. The Federation fully supported the relevant authorities and stressed that all security measures will be strictly implemented without exceptions.
Match tickets are strictly personalized and entry to the stadium will not be allowed if the name on the ticket does not match the personal documents. Strict control measures are being taken and all flammable objects, metal coins and other hard objects will be confiscated at two checkpoints.
The safety of players, officials, fans and all participants is an absolute priority for the Football Federation of Serbia and state authorities. The Federation stressed that it will react professionally and decisively to any attempt to cause an incident or disrupt public order, while calling on fans to support the national team with sportsmanship and courtesy.
Victory in tonight's match is a must for serbia As it will lay a solid foundation for their claim to second place in the group, behind England.
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