The Albania Euro 2024 squad can still qualify for the knockout stages as they enter their final group game.
After getting off to a dream start at Euro 2024 against Italy, as Nedim Bajrami netted after just 23 seconds, things have gone both good and bad for the Balkan nation. Ultimately, they lost that match 2-1 to the European champions, but managed to take the lead against Croatia in their second game, too.
Two quick-fire second-half goals from Croatia stunned Albania, though, and it seemed they would be making an early exit from the tournament with zero points from two games. Instead, they managed to rally, with Klaus Gjasula netting in the 95th minute to secure a draw and keep their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages alive.
Spain await in their final group game, and while that is arguably the toughest test on paper, La Roja have already finished top of Group B and could look to rest some players, thus providing a glimmer of opportunity to Albania. A win would likely see them qualify, though it might have to be as one of the best third-placed teams - if Italy get a result in their match against Croatia, they will secure second spot.
If Croatia win, meanwhile, and Albania fail to win themselves, they'll be knocked out in the group stages.
As with every team taking part in the tournament, FourFourTwo will bring you all the latest on Albania as we report live from the European Championship, as well as information on how to watch every game and all the fixtures at the tournament.
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Albania Euro 2024 squad
Albania Euro 2024 squad: The final 26-man team
- GK: Etrit Berisha (Empoli)
- GK: Elhan Kastrati (Cittadella)
- GK: Thomas Strakosha (Brentford)
- DF: Iván Balliu (Rayo Vallecano)
- DF: Mario Mitaj (Lokomotiv Moscow)
- DF: Elseid Hysaj (Lazio)
- DF: Arlind Ajeti (CFR Cluj)
- DF: Berat Djimsiti (Atalanta)
- DF: Enea Mihaj (Famalicão)
- DF: Ardian Ismajli (Empoli)
- DF: Marash Kumbulla (Sassuolo)
- DF: Naser Aliji (Voluntari)
- MF: Klaus Gjasula (Darmstadt 98)
- MF: Nedim Bajrami (Sassuolo)
- MF: Qazim Laçi (Sparta Prague)
- MF: Medon Berisha (Lecce)
- MF: Ernest Muçi (Beşiktaş)
- MF: Ylber Ramadani (Lecce)
- MF: Kristjan Asllani (Inter Milan)
- MF: Amir Abrashi (Grasshoppers)
- FW: Rey Manaj (Sivasspor)
- FW: Jasir Asani (Gwangju)
- FW: Armando Broja (Fulham)
- FW: Taulant Seferi (Baniyas)
- FW: Mirlind Daku (Rubin Kazan)
- FW: Arbër Hoxha (Dinamo Zagreb)
Albania Euro 2024 squad numbers
| No. | Player | Pos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Etrit Berisha | GK |
| 2 | Ivan Balliu | DF |
| 3 | Mario Mitaj | DF |
| 4 | Elseid Hysaj | DF |
| 5 | Arlind Ajeti | DF |
| 6 | Berat Djimsiti | DF |
| 7 | Rey Manaj | FW |
| 8 | Klaus Gjasula | MF |
| 9 | Jasir Asani | FW |
| 10 | Nedim Bajrami | MF |
| 11 | Armando Broja | FW |
| 12 | Elhan Kastrati | GK |
| 13 | Enea Mihaj | DF |
| 14 | Qazim Laci | MF |
| 15 | Taulant Seferi | FW |
| 16 | Medon Berisha | MF |
| 17 | Ernest Muci | MF |
| 18 | Ardian Ismajli | DF |
| 19 | Mirlind Daku | FW |
| 20 | Ylber Ramadani | MF |
| 21 | Kristjan Asllani | MF |
| 22 | Amir Abrashi | MF |
| 23 | Thomas Strakosha | GK |
| 24 | Marash Kumbulla | DF |
| 25 | Naser Aliji | DF |
| 26 | Arber Hoxha | FW |
Albania Euro 2024 top scorers
1 goal: Nedim Bajrami, Qazim Laci, Klaus Gjasula
Albania Euro 2024 yellow cards and suspensions
1 yellow: Armando Broja, Arber Hoxkha, Klaus Gjasula, Mirlind Daku, Elseid Hysaj
Albania manager: Sylvinho
Sylvinho's managerial experience before January 2023 consisted of unsuccessful spells with Lyon and Corinthians. And yet, assisted by Pablo Zabaleta and former Boro midfielder Doriva, the ex-Arsenal left-back has worked miracles, he earned the Golden Decoration of the Eagle and Albanian citizenship within a year of taking the reins.
Albania's star player
Berat Djimsiti
For a side so reliant on keeping it tight at the back, it has to be their captain, commanding officer and header-in-chief, Berat Djimsiti Like many of his team-mates, the Swiss-born 31-year-old grew up abroad when his family fled war at home, then switched allegiance to Albania later. He has made more than 200 appearances for Atalanta.
