The President of the Football Association, Armand Duka, recently gave an interview to the show “Log” on News 24, hosted by moderator Endri Xhafo. In the interview, held in the context of the match against Serbia, valid for the qualifiers of the 2026 World Cup, President Duka revealed more about the team’s condition, the objective of the Albanian national team for this match, and also explained the organization made to ensure the smooth running of this event.
The head of Albanian football also commented on the issue of tickets, as well as the statement made by the Serbian president, Vučić, directed at the Serbian coach.
How is the team’s condition?
Duka: Preparations started on the 27th. Training continues, and the team is in good health condition. We’ve had only 2-3 minor concerns that I hope will recover by match day, and everyone will be available for the game against Serbia. So far, all players are at the coach’s disposal, and he will decide who starts from the first minute and who later. What’s important is that as a team, we perform well and achieve a positive result to reach our objectives.
What would be a positive result for us, a win or a draw?
Duka: On paper, the two teams fighting for second place in the group are us and Serbia. England is the favorite to finish first in the group. This can be considered a sporting derby because whoever achieves a positive result will have better chances of securing second place and advancing to the playoffs. For us, a positive result is three points since we are playing at home. That is the team’s objective.
Does Serbia’s poor internal situation, with conflicts in their group, favor us?
Duka: They are a professional team, with professional players, above average level. I don’t believe that in such an important match for the national team’s classification, anything would influence them. Our advantage is having a more compact team with all components, both on and off the field—not just the players but the staff too. And not only that, but also extraordinary support. The concern is that players find balance, so they don’t feel pressured by the result but maintain the necessary sporting commitment to achieve it.
Serbia defeated us in the last match in Elbasan. Could “Arena Kombëtare” be lucky for us?
Duka: A match played 10 years ago has no connection with a game that will be played today. The team has changed, Serbia has changed. We are almost at the same levels. Serbia is a team to be respected qualitatively. They have players who play in good clubs and have had good sports careers, and on their good days, they can do serious damage. But they also have their fluctuations, and I hope when they come to Tirana, they will be in a low phase.
Are you more interested in the result or the smooth running of the match?
Duka: Here we have a football match, and the main objective is to win it. Undoubtedly, to win it under the best possible organizational conditions. I am very confident that with the work done and the calls made to supporters, fans, and everyone in Albania, as well as with the experience we have, we will not have any problems. In a match with such sensitivity, there is increased attention to organization, security, tickets, etc., but in the end, the result reveals everything. I hope we get a positive result, and that is our biggest concern.
What about tickets for this match?
Duka: Tickets are personalized with names, and no one will be allowed into the stadium without a ticket that matches their name. I don’t know if there really are tickets on the black market or if these are rumors, but it will be risky because they risk not being allowed into the stadium.
Could we see the stadium empty because those who bought tickets on the black market won’t be allowed in?
Duka: I hope that doesn’t happen, but those who bought tickets will be allowed in to support the National Team.
Vučić’s call to the Serbian coach and why football sometimes escalates to nationalism?
Duka: It’s also something to be glad about that football is so important that they want to use it politically. Vučić’s call to the coach is not something sporting but is intended to exploit his political ties in Serbia and has nothing to do with us. Football should remain a game, and we and the players should see it that way. Politicians should also see it as a game and not use it for politics.
