Albania are set to host Luxembourg in an international friendly at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 02:00 WITA (Lombok time). Neither side is preparing for the World Cup, with their next competitive fixtures scheduled in the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign.
The home side, Albania, come into this match following a 1-0 defeat against Israel on Wednesday. Oscar Gloukh scored the only goal of the game to secure victory for Israel.
The Red and Blacks failed to qualify for the World Cup after falling 2-1 to Poland in the UEFA playoff semi-final, despite taking an early lead in that match.
In May, Italian coach Rolando Maran was appointed as the new head coach of the Albanian national team, replacing Brazilian manager Sylvinho. After a disappointing start against Israel, Maran will be determined to secure a win to boost team morale against Luxembourg.
With no World Cup qualification to focus on, Albania will now turn their attention to the UEFA Nations League, where they will face Belarus, Finland, and San Marino.
Meanwhile, Luxembourg suffered a 1-0 defeat to Italy in a friendly on Wednesday, with Inter Milan’s Pio Esposito scoring the decisive goal for the Azzurri.
Italy fielded their youngest starting lineup since 1912, featuring eight debutants and captain Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.
For Luxembourg, this friendly provides valuable preparation ahead of their own competitive fixtures later this year, as the new UEFA Nations League cycle places the Red Lions in the same group as Bulgaria, Iceland, and Estonia.
Albania will be without first-choice goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, meaning Alen Sherri is expected to continue in goal for Sunday’s clash.
Burnley forward Armando Broja and Anis Mehmeti are set to lead the attack, supported by Arber Hoxha in an advanced midfield role.
Centre-backs Arlind Ajeti and Berat Djimsiti are expected to anchor the defence in front of Sherri, bringing stability and experience that coach Maran will rely on given the team’s recent defensive lapses.
Juljan Shehu may once again feature from the bench, as he did in the previous outing.
For Luxembourg, captain Laurent Jans, who has 123 international caps, is expected to retain his place in defence alongside Seid Korac.
Daniel Sinani from St. Pauli will once again spearhead the attack, with Vincent Thill operating from the flank and Mathias Olesen marshalling the midfield area.
Albania: Sherri; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Laci, Asllani, Ramadani; Broja, Mehmeti, Hoxha
Luxembourg: Moris; Pinto, Carlson, Korac, Jans; Bohnert, Cruz, Olesen, Martins, Thill; Sinani
Albania will benefit from home advantage and aim to dominate possession while dictating the tempo. Luxembourg, known for their compact defensive setup, are expected to improve further under their new Italian coach ahead of the next Nations League phase.
Although Luxembourg were once seen as easy opponents for many European sides, that perception has changed. They are likely to adopt a low-block defensive strategy to frustrate Albania and attempt to strike through counterattacks.
It won’t be an easy game, but Albania are tipped to come out on top.
Predicted Score: Albania 2-0 Luxembourg
Albania’s four-match losing streak is a concern, but the urgent need for a positive result before the Nations League should significantly lift Rolando Maran’s side. Luxembourg, too, have struggled for form recently.
Although Luxembourg have won the last three head-to-head meetings, Daniel Sinani will fancy his chances against an Albanian defence that has conceded in their previous four outings. However, the hosts’ pressure combined with their coach’s determination to earn his first win should see Albania edge a tight encounter.
Predicted Score: Albania 2-1 Luxembourg
Live Streaming Link: Albania vs Luxembourg
Disclaimer:
(TribunLombok / Irsan Yamananda / Sportsmole / Sportskeeda)
