Albania and Andorra, both aiming to bounce back from defeats on matchday one of the UEFA FIFA World Cup qualifiers, will face off on Monday in a matchday two clash in Group K.

The hosts suffered a 2-0 defeat to England in their last outing, while the visitors were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Latvia on matchday one.

Match preview

Albania are one of several teams across the globe that are aiming to capitalise on the expanded format of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature 16 additional nations.

As a result, UEFA have seen their available slots increased from 13 to 16, meaning the qualification process has been changed to 12 groups of four or five teams, with the winners of each group securing automatic progression, while the second-placed sides will advance to a playoff tournament.

Albania, drawn in a group with England, Latvia, Serbia and Andorra, will have an eye on securing a second-placed finish, with England likely to take top spot, giving them the chance to compete in the playoffs and earn their first-ever qualification to a World Cup finals.

Sylvinho has already guided Albania to a major tournament since being appointed in January 2023, securing their second-ever European Championship appearance, where they were drawn into a group with Spain, Italy and Croatia and subsequently eliminated.

Albania were defeated 1-0 in their opening Euro qualifier, 1-0 to Poland, before finishing in top spot, and Sylvinho will be hoping for a similar reaction after suffering a 2-0 loss to England in their opening World Cup qualifier on Friday.

However, Albania are enduring their worst run of form under Sylvinho's tenure, managing only two wins from their last 10 matches across all competitions, alongside six defeats and two draws.

Their opponents, Andorra, are similarly aiming to secure qualification to their first-ever FIFA World Cup finals, having been unsuccessful in their six attempts since first attempting to qualify for the 2002 edition.

The Tricolours have only recorded four victories from their 63 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixtures, alongside 56 defeats, including a narrow 1-0 loss to Latvia in their opening match on Friday.

That defeat extends their miserable winless streak in competitive games to 16, while they have managed only one victory in their last 24 outings across all competitions - a 2-0 win over San Marino.

Koldo Alvarez will be hoping to guide the Tricolours to a crucial victory on Monday evening, with sights set on securing a shock second-placed finish in Group K, but history suggests Andorra will be the underdogs.

Andorra have failed to win any of their last five meetings with Albania across all competitions, suffering four defeats and managing only one draw in that period.

Team News

Albania are anticipated to be without Thomas Strakosha for this match after the goalkeeper came off with an injury in the 82nd-minute of their defeat to England, meaning Elhan Kastrati is likely to start in goal.

Armando Broja made an impact off the bench, troubling England's defence during his 27 minutes on the pitch, and he may be rewarded with a starting spot ahead of Jasir Asani as a result.

Elsewhere, a similar side to the one that featured against the Three Lions is expected on Monday, with Berat Djimsiti, Arlind Ajeti, Yiber Ramadani, Kristjan Asllani, Qazim Laci and Myrto Uzuni making up the spine of the team.

Andorra suffered a 1-0 defeat to Latvia in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, meaning Alvarez may decide to make several changes to the team here.

Iker Alvarez is likely to keep his place in goal, while the back three of Max Llovera, Christian Garcia and Ian Bryan Olivera are all also anticipated to start.

Albania possible starting lineup:
Kastrati; Balliu, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Aliji; Broja, Asllani, Ramadani, Laci, Bajrami; Uzuni

Andorra possible starting lineup:
Alvarez; Font, Llovera, Garcia, Olivera, Cervos; Cucu, Vales, Muller, Pujol; Rosas

We say: Albania 2-0 Andorra

Albania have won four and drawn one of their last five meetings with Andorra, and with the visitors also failing to score in nine of their last 10 matches, we expect the hosts to secure the victory and keep a clean sheet.


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