‘We believe in each other’: Kosovo’s hard road from war to World Cup hope
After years of struggle and limited recognition, Kosovo’s national football team has reached the brink of its first World Cup appearance. A historic victory over Turkey could seal their place in the finals, marking a monumental achievement for the Balkan nation.
In March 2014, a ragtag Kosovo squad faced Haiti in what would be the country’s first official international match. With players sourced from the fringes of Central Europe and Scandinavia, the team was a far cry from the polished sides that dominate the sport today. Among them was goalkeeper Samir Ujkani, a Serie A veteran who had earned 20 caps for Albania. He recalls the uncertainty of those early days: “I didn’t know half the names of the guys at first,” he says. Yet, a shared determination to improve and believe in one another kept them moving forward.
From Unrecognised to FIFA‑Approved
Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but its path to international football was blocked by political obstacles. For years, Serbian authorities banned public matches, and the nation was excluded from UEFA and FIFA competitions. The turning point came in May 2016, when the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK) was admitted to both governing bodies. The acceptance was the result of relentless diplomacy by former FFK general secretary Eroll Salihu and former president Fadil Vokrri, who navigated complex political landscapes to secure the necessary votes.
Vokrri, a former striker for FC Prishtina and Partizan Belgrade, died in 2018, but his legacy lives on. The renovated Pristina stadium, now named in his honour, will host the upcoming match against Turkey, drawing an estimated 14,000 fans.
Building a Team Amidst Adversity
Early training sessions were held on a rutted pitch at the dilapidated Kek stadium, located beneath the heavily polluting Obiliq power plant. The team often travelled three hours to Mitrovica for a single session, never once complaining. “We didn’t care, we did it all,” Ujkani reflects. The hardships were compounded by the fact that football had become a luxury in a country still healing from the Balkan wars.
In 2017, Kosovo played its first World Cup qualifier against Finland in Turku. The team was granted the right to field players who had previously represented other nations, a decision that allowed the squad to tap into a broader talent pool. Ujkani, who would later captain the side and earn 36 caps, describes the moment as a turning point: “I couldn’t sleep beforehand because I was so stressed.”
The Rise Under Franco Foda
Since the appointment of German manager Franco Foda in 2024, Kosovo has transformed into a formidable force. Foda’s tactical discipline and emphasis on teamwork have forged a cohesive unit capable of competing against established football nations. “He gave us this push,” Ujkani says. “He’s a real commander and put us on the correct, straight way with good tactics.”
Key players such as Mallorca centre‑forward Vedat Muriqi and Juventus striker Edon Zhegrova have emerged from a nation of just 1.6 million people. Their success on the international stage reflects the growing quality of Kosovo’s football infrastructure and youth development programs.
Facing Turkey: A Historic Opportunity
Turkey, a footballing powerhouse, arrived in Kosovo two months after the Haiti match, winning 6‑1 in a display of strength. The Turkish national team, led by coach Fatih Terim, has a reputation for resilience and tactical flexibility. For Kosovo, a victory against Turkey would not only secure a spot in the World Cup finals but also serve as a symbolic triumph over a former adversary.
“We’ll always be grateful to them,” Ujkani says. “This isn’t only for the players, the coaches or the federation. It’s for everyone from Kosovo, and everyone who fought for us to be in the place we are now.” The stakes are high, and the nation watches with bated breath as the team prepares to make history.
As the match approaches, the story of Kosovo’s football journey—from war-torn beginnings to a potential World Cup berth—continues to inspire both locals and football fans worldwide. A win over Turkey would mark the culmination of years of perseverance, diplomacy, and sporting ambition, solidifying Kosovo’s place on the global stage.
What Happens Next?
Should Kosovo triumph, the nation will advance to the World Cup finals, a first for any Balkan country of its size. The federation plans to invest further in youth academies and infrastructure to sustain this momentum. Meanwhile, the international community will watch closely to see how Kosovo’s success influences the broader political and sporting landscape in the region.
Regardless of the outcome, the journey itself underscores the power of sport to unite, heal, and elevate a nation that has overcome immense challenges.
Why It Matters
Kosovo’s potential World Cup qualification represents a monumental milestone for a country that has endured political isolation and conflict. It showcases how football can serve as a vehicle for national identity, international recognition, and collective pride.
Key Takeaways
- Kosovo’s football team has evolved from a makeshift squad in 2014 to a World Cup contender.
- Admission to UEFA and FIFA in 2016 was a result of strategic diplomacy by key figures like Eroll Salihu and Fadil Vokrri.
- Manager Franco Foda’s tactical approach has unified the team and elevated performance.
- A victory over Turkey would secure Kosovo’s first World Cup appearance.
- Success reflects broader social and political progress within Kosovo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: When did Kosovo join FIFA and UEFA? A: In May 2016.
- Q: Who is the current manager of the Kosovo national team? A: Franco Foda, appointed in 2024.
- Q: What is the significance of the match against Turkey? A: A win would secure Kosovo’s first World Cup finals spot.
- Q: How did Kosovo overcome early training challenges? A: By training on rutted pitches and traveling long distances without complaint.
Why it matters
Kosovo’s potential World Cup berth symbolizes the nation’s resilience and growing international legitimacy, offering a powerful narrative of triumph over adversity.
Key points
- From makeshift squad to World Cup contender
- UEFA/FIFA admission via diplomatic effort
- Franco Foda’s tactical leadership
- Victory over Turkey secures first World Cup spot
- Football as a catalyst for national identity
Frequently asked questions
When did Kosovo join FIFA and UEFA?
In May 2016.
Who is the current manager of the Kosovo national team?
Franco Foda, appointed in 2024.
What is the significance of the match against Turkey?
A win would secure Kosovo’s first World Cup finals spot.
How did Kosovo overcome early training challenges?
By training on rutted pitches and traveling long distances without complaint.
