Women’s Albania National Team has learned its opponent in the first round of the playoff stage for the “Brazil 2027” FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where they will face Wales in a historic match for women’s football in the country.
Following the draw held at UEFA headquarters, Albanian Football Association (AFA) Executive Committee member Anila Basha praised the team’s achievement, describing their qualification to the playoffs as a moment of pride for all Albanian football.
“We should be proud that we have reached this stage, where we are part of the playoff ceremony for the Women’s World Cup ‘Brazil 2027’, which is also the first time in the history of women’s football in Albania. Up to this point we have given our maximum, and the girls have been outstanding on the pitch, the technical staff has been supportive, and above all the AFA itself,” said Anila Basha.
Commenting on the draw, she emphasized that Albania is already familiar with Wales, as the two teams have also met during this year’s World Cup qualifiers.
“As for the draw, we have two teams that we know. For the first match against Wales, we know them very well because we played them this year, even though the first match had a less satisfactory result.
The second match played at ‘Elbasan Arena’ showed an outstanding performance from our girls. We could have not only equalized that match but even won it. I am hopeful and optimistic, and as our staff or Professor Grima always says, we must take the matches step by step, one by one,” said the Executive Committee member.
Regarding the potential second-round opponent in the playoffs, where the winner of Albania–Wales will face the winner of Romania–Norway, Basha highlighted the progress made by the Albanian national team in recent years.
“We say let Romania win. We also know Norway. Of course, we have played against them, but that was a long time ago, about two years ago. Our girls and team have become more consolidated, not only in terms of new players but also investments and the way they train. Everything should be left to the game, and of course with the tremendous support of the AFA,” concluded Anila Basha.
The Women’s National Team will play the first playoff match against Wales in Albania in October, while the return leg will be played away.
