On the eve of the historic 2026 World Cup play-off match against Poland in March, Albania’s assistant national team coach, Pablo Zabaleta, spoke about the intensive preparations of the technical staff, the analysis of opponents, and the condition of the Albanian players.
From closely following footballers in Italy and Spain to the detailed study of Poland, Ukraine, and Sweden, Zabaleta emphasized the importance of information, communication with the players, and maintaining a balance between enthusiasm and realism. With optimism but also realism, in his interview for FSHF TV he underlined that Albania has the quality and confidence to aim for a historic achievement: qualification for the World Cup.
– How are the preparations going for the play-off match in March?
– They are going very well. Especially this week, when the entire staff has been working together. As we know, some coaches are here, while I am sometimes in Spain watching matches, and others are in Italy. But of course, after two or three weeks we all meet, share information, and at the end of the day this makes the work easier. It has been a very good week, analyzing teams and watching our players. I’m happy with how the week has gone and how the future looks.
– What stage of work are you currently at with the staff?
– We have been observing our players during the trips we’ve made, but especially by watching their matches. The members of the analysis department have provided us with information about the three teams we could face in March. Poland is of course confirmed, but we also need to look at Ukraine and Sweden. It’s important to have information about these teams, especially since they have had coaching changes and new ideas. We have watched their matches as well. At the same time, we are taking care of our players; some of them have had physical problems recently, so we have kept communication through the team doctor. Specifically, following our players has been the main focus this week.
– We’ve seen that you have followed and met some of the national team players in person. What impression did you get?
– It’s true, we have been in Italy several times to watch some matches. We met with Gjimshiti and Hysaj, two of the captains and among the key players of the national team. Sometimes we don’t get the chance to meet them often, especially from November to March, which is probably the longest period between matches and it can feel like you lose a bit of that connection with the players. You can watch matches live or from the office, but it’s always good for us to have direct contact with the players—sit down for dinner or coffee and talk about what’s coming. This has been something very positive. Sometimes players talk among themselves as well; if you meet Gjimshiti, he may have already spoken with other players and you can hear from him that they are also looking forward to the matches in March. I believe the players are eagerly awaiting these matches, and for us as a staff this is a very positive message.
– Considering the condition of the team, the opponent, and the preparations you’re making, how much do you believe we can qualify for the World Cup?
– We played against Poland three years ago, but we cannot say it’s the same team. They may have some of the same players, but they are in a different moment, with a new coach; the way they play is completely different. They seem to have more confidence. This week we watched five or six of their matches under the new coach and it will be very difficult. Of course, we must respect Poland, because the fact that we beat them the last time in Albania does not mean it will be the same again. Poland is a team that often reaches these stages, either in play-offs or by qualifying for the European Championship or the World Cup. They are used to playing matches like these and have experience being in this situation.
For Albania, for us, it is the first time, so it’s very important to believe that we can do it. Of course, we may lack the experience of having been in this situation before, but what we must bring to this match is the hope of the whole nation. We know our players, their qualities, and we know they can do it. We have confidence and we are optimistic that we will come into this match with the aim and energy to play against Poland and hopefully advance to the next stage. After that, we will have another match to achieve the main goal, which is reaching the World Cup, something that would be fantastic. But of course, our main focus now is the next match against Poland, and I hope we have a good performance and beat them.
– When we talk about qualification, do you believe we can go to the World Cup?
– As I said, when I see our team playing, when I see the players or talk to them, this is the first time for this nation and for the national team to reach such a match. They are all very proud of this and very enthusiastic about this game, which we as the technical staff can clearly see. The players are waiting for this moment. It’s something fantastic.
As I said, in football you must have confidence, believe in yourself, but you also have to stay grounded because it will not be easy. The way we must approach this match is by respecting the opponent but giving our 100%. We have chances. We have proven before against these teams that we can beat them, especially because this is the first time. It is a big opportunity for Albania. We all hope to experience participation in the World Cup in June, but for that we still have two more steps. Let’s take the first step, then the second, and then the moment may come when we can all celebrate together.
