The Albanian Football Association has officially announced the renewal of the contract with the head coach of the Albanian national team, Sylvio Mendes Campos Júnior (Sylvinho), as well as with his two assistant coaches, Pablo Zabaleta and Dorival Guidoni Junior, confirming the continuation of the technical project that has delivered historic results for Albanian football.
The new contract with the coaching staff will run until July 2026, with the major objective of achieving Albania’s first-ever qualification for the final stage of the FIFA World Cup.
Under the leadership of coach Sylvinho, the Albanian national team has shown clear progress in organization, playing identity, and results, securing for the first time a place in the 2026 World Cup play-off stage.
In March, the Red and Blacks will play a historic chapter, facing Poland in the play-off semifinal on March 26. If they qualify, they will then face the winner of the Ukraine–Sweden matchup in the decisive final.
The decision to renew the contract reflects FSHF’s full confidence in the current coaching staff, the work philosophy built over the years, and the commitment to stability, continuity, and high ambitions. This step aims to further strengthen the national team, increase competitiveness, and ensure the most dignified representation of Albanian football on the international stage.
The Albanian Football Association remains fully committed to providing maximum support to the national team and the coaching staff on this historic journey, with the goal of turning the World Cup dream into reality for all Albanians.
