The Albania national soccer team, governed by the Albanian Football Association (Federata Shqiptare e Futbollit), has a storied history that reflects both challenges and achievements in international football.

History

Founded in 1930, the Albania national team played its first international match against Yugoslavia in 1946. The team joined FIFA in 1932 and UEFA in 1954. Historically, Albania has been considered one of the smaller teams in European football, often facing tough competition in qualifying for major tournaments.

Major Successes

• UEFA Euro 2016: Albania's most notable achievement came when they qualified for the UEFA European Championship in 2016. It was the first time the team had reached a major tournament. They finished third in their group, securing a win against Romania, which was a significant milestone for the team and the country.
• Balkan Cup 1946: The team won the Balkan Cup in 1946, which was a regional competition involving countries from the Balkans. This marked their first and only international trophy to date.

Notable Players

• Lorik Cana: One of Albania's most iconic players, Cana served as the captain of the national team for many years. Known for his leadership and defensive skills, he was instrumental in guiding Albania to Euro 2016.
• Etrit Berisha: As a goalkeeper, Berisha played a crucial role in Albania's successful Euro 2016 qualification campaign and has been a dependable presence between the posts for many years.
• Taulant Xhaka: Known for his versatility and tenacity in midfield, Xhaka has been a key player for the national team, contributing significantly during their Euro 2016 journey.

Notable Coaches

• Gianni De Biasi: The Italian coach is celebrated for leading Albania to their first-ever major tournament, UEFA Euro 2016. His tenure from 2011 to 2017 is considered one of the most successful periods in the team's history.
• Hans-Peter Briegel: The German coach managed the team from 2002 to 2006 and is credited with improving the team's performance and competitiveness on the international stage.

The Albania national soccer team continues to strive for success on the international stage, building upon its history and the foundation laid by its notable players and coaches.