The Albania national soccer team represents Albania in international football and is governed by the Albanian Football Association. Throughout its history, the team has experienced both challenges and successes on the international stage.

History

The Albanian national team was officially formed in 1930, but it did not play its first official match until 1946, when it participated in the Balkan Cup held in Yugoslavia. Albania's early years in international football were modest, with the team mainly playing against neighboring countries.

Major Successes

• Balkan Cup 1946: Albania's first major success came when they won the Balkan Cup, defeating Yugoslavia in the final. This victory remains one of the team's most significant achievements.
• UEFA Euro 2016: The team's most notable accomplishment in recent years was qualifying for the UEFA European Championship in 2016. This was the first time Albania qualified for a major tournament, and they managed to earn a victory against Romania in the group stage.

Notable Players

• Lorik Cana: A highly respected defender, Cana served as the team's captain for many years and was instrumental in their qualification for Euro 2016.
• Edi Reja: Though primarily a coach, Reja's influence on the team since 2019 has been significant in developing talent and improving performance.
• Armando Sadiku: Known for scoring the historic goal against Romania at Euro 2016, Sadiku became a national hero for his contribution.

Notable Coaches

• Gianni De Biasi: De Biasi, an Italian coach, was pivotal in guiding Albania to their first major tournament in 2016. His tactical acumen and leadership were crucial to the team's development during his tenure from 2011 to 2017.
• Edi Reja: Appointed in 2019, Reja has been noted for his experience and ability to nurture young talent, which has been vital for the team's ongoing evolution.

The Albania national soccer team continues to strive for improvement on the international stage, with aspirations to qualify for future major tournaments and build on their historical success.