FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The Albanian national team achieved a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup "Play-Off" 2 days ago. The Red and Blacks thus wrote history, as we are now only 180 minutes away from the World Cup.
The victory over Andorra was celebrated for a long time and many might think that the match against England that will be played the next day at "Air Albania" will be a formality. In fact, anyone who thought something like that is mistaken.
Silvinjo and his "boys" will also play the "destinies of life" against the "Three Lions". This is because despite having secured a ticket to the "Plkay-Off" as the second place in Group K, the victory of the National Team will again be worth a lot.
This is because the fight is for climbing the FIFA rankings and the goal is to go as high as possible on this list. This is because the second pot could bring rivals that are "easier on paper" for the red and blacks. As is known with these results, Albania is part of the third pot and if it wins with England and climbs a few positions in the FIFA rankings, the "fight" will then be for the second pot.
Current scenario:
November 15 (today)
Liechtenstein – Wales
Wales must not win by more than 5 goals today to keep the score open. North Macedonia are looking to escape the fourth pot, but nothing is guaranteed and they currently hold second place in the group. A position that if they maintain, will send them to the third pot.
November 16
Ukraine – Iceland
Iceland should not lose this match. Only then would Ukraine not be included in the first pot, changing the ranking for the other representatives as well. Iceland is below Albania in the FIFA rankings, so it does not pose a risk.
November 18
Wales – North Macedonia
If Wales do not win by more than 5 goals against Liechtenstein, North Macedonia will need a draw away to retain second place. Otherwise, they must win in the final scheduled for next week.
The scenario that ruins the accounts:
November 15 (today)
Bosnia and Herzegovina – Romania
Bosnia Herzegovina and Romania are fighting for second place in the group. Currently, Bosnia has 3 points more, while today they play a direct challenge together. Only a victory calms Bosnia, as with any other result it would be in danger. This is because Romania, with 3 points less, plays the last challenge with San Marino, while Bosnia faces Austria. If Romania takes second place, it will also be positioned in the second pot. For this, the Rossoneri are on Bosnia's side.
*Another scenario that could help Albania:
November 16
Hungary – Ireland
Both teams will play a final together tomorrow. Albania would have the advantage of Ireland's victory over Hungary, as the Hungarians are assured of at least the second pot. Ireland, however, has won against Portugal and there is a possibility that it will surpass Albania in the FIFA rankings and consequently in the pot, for this reason the Albania-England challenge has great weight for the final calculations.
But let's "cross our fingers" that these scenarios work out for the Rossoneri. In the meantime, let's remember that on March 26, the first matches of the "Play-Off" will be played and on November 20, the draw will be made, where Albania will also learn the opponent for this phase.
Lini një Përgjigje