Albania coach on World Cup chance and fine margins of playoffs

Albania head coach Silvinho said the national team has a major opportunity to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but warned that playoff matches can be decided by brief moments.

Speaking in an interview with ESPN Brasil, Silvinho described the chance as significant not only for the team, but for the federation and the country as a whole, CE Report quotes ATA.

“This opportunity is very big for the team, the federation and the entire country. The draws have been difficult since the European Championship. We have to face these challenges. Starting in January, we will follow our players closely and attend several matches in person,” Silvinho said.

Albania will face Poland in the playoff semi-final on March 26 in Warsaw, aiming for victory to advance to the final on March 31 against the winner of the Ukraine-Sweden tie. According to Silvinho, such matches often hinge on small details.

“We know Poland well because we have played them recently. They have changed coach, but the players are the same and of a very high level. They are in a rebuilding phase, while we are in a phase of improvement. Advantages or disadvantages? It is hard to say. It is 90 minutes of football, but everything can be decided in a few seconds. Our players are used to these difficult matches. We will rely on the qualities we have,” Silvinho said.

As reported by CE Report, an Albanian woman referee aims for the 2026 World Cup.