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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Llazar Semini

Albania and Serbia face each other in a World Cup qualifier that’s about more than just football

Serbia Albania World Cup Armand Duka Dragan Stojkovic Donald Trump Elon Musk Soccer Tirana Kosovo
Serbia's Nemanja Matic, right, fights for the ball with Albania's Migjen Basha during the group Euro 2016 qualifying match between Albania and Serbia - (Associated Press)

When Albania and Serbia face off in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on Saturday, the match in Tirana carries more weight than just the score.

This clash is one of the most politically charged and emotionally intense rivalries in European football, rooted in deep historical and ethnic tensions, especially relating to the Kosovo conflict and broader Balkan history.

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