Kosovo national under-21 football team

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.

Kosovo Under-21
Nickname(s)Dardanët (Dardanians)
AssociationFederata e Futbollit e Kosovës (FFK)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachAfrim Tovërlani
CaptainRotation
Most capsBesfort Kolgeci (11)
Top scorerFlorent Hasani (3)
Home stadiumFadil Vokrri Stadium
FIFA codeKOS[1]
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
First international
 Ghana 2–2 Kosovo 
(Le Bouveret, Switzerland; 12 June 2013)
Biggest win
 Andorra 0–4 Kosovo 
(Andorra la Vella, Andorra; 6 June 2019)
Biggest defeat
 Egypt 8–0 Kosovo 
(Le Bouveret, Switzerland; 15 June 2013)

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
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.[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  Yugoslavia
France 1994 to Portugal 2006 Part of  Serbia and Montenegro
Netherlands 2007 Part of  Serbia
Sweden 2009 to Czech Republic 2015 Not a UEFA member
Poland 2017 Could not enter
ItalySan Marino 2019 did not qualify 5th10334912
HungarySlovenia 2021 5th10307920
RomaniaGeorgia (country) 2023 4th9334813
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
Switzerland 2013 Fourth place 4th 2011210Squad
Total — 1/1 2 0 1 1 2 10 —

Fixtures and results
For all past match results of the national team, see Kosovo national under-21 football team results.

2022
25 March UEFA Euro 2023 qualification Kosovo  0–0  Slovenia Pristina, Kosovo
18:00 Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 600
Referee: Ian McNabb (Northern Ireland)
29 March UEFA Euro 2023 qualification Slovenia  0–0  Kosovo Maribor, Slovenia
16:00 Report Stadium: Ljudski vrt
Attendance: 437
Referee: Ioannis Papadopoulos (Greece)
4 June UEFA Euro 2023 qualification Andorra  0–3  Kosovo Andorra la Vella, Andorra
18:00 Report Veliu 11' (pen.)
Sadriu 52'
K. Krasniqi 54'		 Stadium: Estadi Comunal
Attendance: 522
Referee: Sandi Putros (Denmark)
10 June UEFA Euro 2023 qualification Kosovo  0–5  England Pristina, Kosovo
20:00 Lewis-Potter 1'
Gordon 13'
Archer 52', 72'
I. Krasniqi 85' (o.g.)		 Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
Attendance: 4,000
Referee: Aleksandrs Anufrijevs (Latvia)
14 June UEFA Euro 2023 qualification Albania  1–1  Kosovo Elbasan, Albania
19:30 Ruçi 90+5' Report E. Krasniqi 32' Stadium: Elbasan Arena
Attendance: 350
Referee: Marian Barbu (Romania)
23 September Hybrid friendly Greenland  0–1  Kosovo Kemer, Turkey
Report Krasniqi 77'

2023
24 March Friendly Moldova  0–0  Kosovo Belek, Turkey
14:00 Report Stadium: Cornelia Deluxe Resort Training Camp
Referee: Mazlum Doğan (Turkey)
27 March Friendly Turkey  4–2  Kosovo Alanya, Turkey
19:00 Yıldırım 3', 8'
Yıldız 42'
Tagir 69'		 Report Emërllahu 35', 54' (pen.) Stadium: Kırbıyık Holding Stadium
Referee: Ömer Faruk Turtay (Turkey)
20 June UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Kosovo  v  Estonia Pristina, Kosovo
Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
8 September UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Poland  v  Kosovo Poland
Report
12 September UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Kosovo  v  Germany Pristina, Kosovo
Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
17 October UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Bulgaria  v  Kosovo Bulgaria
Report
17 November UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Kosovo  v  Bulgaria Pristina, Kosovo
Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
21 November UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Israel  v  Kosovo Israel
Report

2024
22 March UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Germany  v  Kosovo Germany
Report
10 September UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Kosovo  v  Israel Pristina, Kosovo
Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
11 October UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Kosovo  v  Poland Pristina, Kosovo
Report Stadium: Fadil Vokrri Stadium
15 October UEFA Euro 2025 qualification Estonia  v  Kosovo Estonia
Report

Players

Current squad
  • The following players were called up for the friendly matches against Moldova and Turkey, on 24 and 27 March 2023.[21]
  • All caps and goals as of 27 March 2023 after match against Turkey, 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
1 1GK David Nreca-Bisinger (2002-01-18) 18 January 2002 15 0 Germany Stuttgarter Kickers
12 1GK Léo Besson (2002-10-27) 27 October 2002 3 0 Switzerland Servette U21
16 1GK Altin Gjokaj (2005-11-11) 11 November 2005 1 0 Kosovo Drenica
4 2DF Valon Zumberi (captain) (2002-11-24) 24 November 2002 12 0 Germany Hamburger SV
17 2DF Egzon Rexhaj (2002-11-15) 15 November 2002 5 0 Switzerland Neuchâtel Xamax U21
5 2DF Arbnor Hasani (2002-01-16) 16 January 2002 2 0 Switzerland Winterthur U21
13 2DF Argjend Pacolli (2002-01-25) 25 January 2002 2 0 Netherlands Roda JC Kerkrade U21
2 2DF Erdin Dushi (2002-10-07) 7 October 2002 2 0 Kosovo Trepça '89
3 2DF Elvis Letaj (2003-09-26) 26 September 2003 2 0 Croatia Hajduk Split
19 3MF Behar Neziri (2003-01-06) 6 January 2003 5 0 Germany Bayern Munich II
21 3MF Art Smakaj (2003-02-04) 4 February 2003 5 0 Croatia Lokomotiva
15 3MF Rilind Hetemi (2002-02-11) 11 February 2002 4 0 Germany VfB Stuttgart II
23 3MF Florian Haxha (2002-04-06) 6 April 2002 3 0 Germany Hertha BSC II
8 3MF Lindon Emërllahu (2002-12-07) 7 December 2002 2 2 Kosovo Ballkani
22 3MF Oltion Bilalli (2002-01-03) 3 January 2002 2 0 Kosovo Gjilani
14 3MF Lulzim Peci (2002-02-27) 27 February 2002 2 0 Kosovo Trepça '89
6 3MF Doni Arifi (2002-04-11) 11 April 2002 2 0 Finland Ilves
20 3MF Milot Avdyli (2002-07-28) 28 July 2002 2 0 Switzerland Aarau
7 3MF Besfort Zeneli (2002-11-21) 21 November 2002 2 0 Sweden Elfsborg
18 3MF Vleron Statovci (2003-07-13) 13 July 2003 2 0 Germany Alemannia Aachen
9 4FW Ardit Tahiri (2002-10-06) 6 October 2002 10 0 Kosovo Drita
10 4FW Veton Tusha (2002-12-29) 29 December 2002 5 1 Kosovo Ballkani
11 4FW Dion Krasniqi (2003-08-24) 24 August 2003 2 0 Sweden Varbergs BoIS

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 Rijad Bytyqi (2003-01-28) 28 January 2003 0 0 Netherlands Twente U21 Training camp, 14–22 November 2022
GK Erion Avdija (2005-03-13) 13 March 2005 0 0 Germany 1860 Munich v.  Greenland, 23 September 2022
GK Arnis Ajeti (2003-07-09) 9 July 2003 0 0 Kosovo 2 Korriku v.  Albania, 14 June 2022
GK Laurence Shala (2004-09-11) 11 September 2004 0 0 England Crystal Palace v.  Albania, 14 June 2022
GK Art Hoti (2004-06-09) 9 June 2004 0 0 Kosovo Llapi v.  Andorra, 4 June 2022PRE
DF Andi Hoti (2003-03-02) 2 March 2003 8 0 Germany SC Freiburg II v.  Moldova, 24 March 2023INJ
DF Arbnor Aliu (2003-02-17) 17 February 2003 2 0 Germany Schalke 04 II Training camp, 14–22 November 2022
DF Amar Gërxhaliu (2002-04-26) 26 April 2002 0 0 Turkey Antalyaspor v.  Greenland, 23 September 2022A
DF Norik Humolli (2003-01-01) 1 January 2003 0 0 Greece Makedonikos v.  Greenland, 23 September 2022
DF Buron Humolli (2003-09-28) 28 September 2003 0 0 Greece Apollon Larissa v.  Greenland, 23 September 2022
DF Andi Janjeva (2002-10-11) 11 October 2002 0 0 England Dover Athletic v.  Albania, 14 June 2022
DF Rejan Thaçi (2003-11-07) 7 November 2003 0 0 Switzerland Stade Lausanne Ouchy v.  Albania, 14 June 2022
MF Drilon Hazrollaj (2004-02-19) 19 February 2004 0 0 Kosovo Malisheva v.  Moldova, 24 March 2023INJ
MF Altin Kryeziu (2002-01-03) 3 January 2002 6 0 Slovenia Maribor Training camp, 14–22 November 2022
MF Adem Podrimaj (2003-01-06) 6 January 2003 0 0 Germany Hannover 96 II Training camp, 14–22 November 2022
MF Edin Hyseni (2002-01-07) 7 January 2002 0 0 Germany Wacker Burghausen v.  Greenland, 23 September 2022
MF Arlind Rexhepi (2003-07-28) 28 July 2003 0 0 Germany Hamburger SV II v.  Greenland, 23 September 2022
MF Mal Mehmeti (2002-04-25) 25 April 2002 1 0 Albania Turbina v.  Albania, 14 June 2022
FW Bleron Krasniqi (2002-05-18) 18 May 2002 0 0 Germany Berliner AK 07 Training camp, 14–22 November 2022
FW Arian Llugiqi (2002-10-24) 24 October 2002 0 0 Germany FC Ingolstadt 04 Training camp, 14–22 November 2022
FW Elidon Qenaj (2003-05-22) 22 May 2003 0 0 Germany 1. FC Heidenheim v.  Greenland, 23 September 2022
FW Eduart Ibrahimi (2003-01-20) 20 January 2003 1 0 Germany SV Straelen v.  Albania, 14 June 2022
Notes
  • PRE = Preliminary squad/standby.
  • INJ = The player is not part of the current squad due to injury.
  • A = Was called up from national senior squad.

Coaching staff
Position Name
Head coach Kosovo Afrim Tovërlani
Assistant coach Kosovo Bekim Isufi
South Africa Alan Clark
Goalkeeping coach Kosovo Naser Prapashtica
Team manager Kosovo Zgjim Sojeva

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 %
 Andorra 1 1 0 0 4 0 +4 100.00
 Azerbaijan 2 1 1 0 2 0 +2 050.00
 Germany 2 0 1 1 0 1 −1 000.00
 England 2 0 0 2 0 8 −8 000.00
 Israel 2 0 0 2 0 7 −7 000.00
 Malta 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00
 Norway 2 2 0 0 6 2 +4 100.00
 Republic of Ireland 2 0 1 1 1 2 −1 000.00
 Turkey 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 100.00
 Turkmenistan 1 1 0 0 3 2 +1 100.00
10 Countries 15 7 3 5 20 23 −3 046.67

See also
Men's
Women's

Notes and references

Notes

    References
    1. "Football Federation of Kosovo". Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
    2. "FIFA Circular no.1342" (PDF). FIFA. 6 February 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 June 2019.
    3. "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.
    4. "Football Federation of Kosovo joins UEFA". UEFA. 3 May 2016.
    5. "Kosovo accepted as member of Uefa after Congress vote". The Guardian. 3 May 2016.
    6. "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.
    7. "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
    8. "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.
    9. "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.
    10. "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.
    11. "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.
    12. "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.
    13. "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.
    14. "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.
    15. "Kosova U21 fiton dhe merr kreun, në 'Fadil Vokrri' dorëzohet edhe Turqia". 11 June 2019.
    16. "Me në fund, Kosova U21 fiton pas disa humbjeve radhazi".
    17. "Albania-Kosovo | Under-21 2021".
    18. "Kosova U21 i përfundon me humbje kualifikimet për Euro 2021 - Gazeta Express".
    19. "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
    20. "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.
    21. "Kosova U21 luan dy miqësore në Turqi, kjo është lista e futbollistëve të ftuar nga Tovërlani" [Kosovo U21 plays two friendlies in Turkey, this is the list of footballers invited from Tovërlani] (in Albanian). Football Federation of Kosovo. 18 March 2023.
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