Albania vs Belarus: Group C1 Campaign Opens in Tirana

AlbaniaALB

Kristjan Asllani 34' (pen)
Ernest Muci 45+2'

UEFA Nations League

2–0

Full Time

HT 2–0

Air Albania Stadium

Tirana

BelarusBLR

AI ForecastsGraded

Albania open their Nations League campaign in Tirana with the psychological edge of having beaten Belarus in both previous meetings in this competition, including a 3-2 win in this stadium. The lack of competitive minutes for either side makes a cagey start probable, but home…

Match ResultHome Win63%

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Match Stats

Top Stats

2.03xG0.61

54%Possession46%

20 (3)Shots (on target)8 (2)

2Big Chances Created0

Attacking Play

45Final Third Entries64

23Penalty Area Entries23

Possession & Passing

474 · –Passes (accuracy)413 · –

5Corners2

21Poss. Won — Def 3rd23

18Poss. Won — Mid 3rd15

Duels & Pressing

63 (55%)Duels Won52 (45%)

20 (57%)Aerial Duels Won15 (43%)

48Ball Recoveries48

11.5PPDA (Pressing)10.4

Defending & Discipline

3Saves1

9Fouls23

Albania vs Belarus: Group C1 Campaign Opens in Tirana

Published Sat 26 Sept

Albania host Belarus in League C Matchweek 1 of the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana. The fixture marks the start of Group C1, where both sides compete alongside Finland and San Marino across a packed autumn schedule.

Albania recall experienced players for Group C1

Rolando Maran named a 29-man squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, bringing several senior figures back into the group. Forwards Rey Manaj and Ernest Muçi, along with defender Marash Kumbulla, return to the national team after recovering from injuries. Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha also returns to provide cover with Strakosha sidelined by injury.

The Albanian selection also includes first-time call-ups for midfielder Sabah Kerjota and defender Samuele Sina. Maran confirmed that Broja and Bajrami were left out based on current evaluations, while experienced regulars including Berat Gjimshiti, Elseid Hysaj, Ardian Ismajli, Kristjan Asllani, and Ylber Ramadani remain available to form the core of the lineup in Tirana.

Belarus start campaign on the road

Belarus arrive at Air Albania Stadium for their first competitive test in Group C1 before travelling to face Finland on 29 September. The visitors then host San Marino on 3 October and Finland on 6 October in an intensive four-match stretch over eleven days.

Starting this sequence away in Tirana presents an immediate test for Belarus. With Albania targeting first place in the section, Belarus must manage the home side's defensive stability anchored by Gjimshiti and Ismajli while dealing with the refreshed attacking options provided by Manaj and Muçi.

Our model firmly expects an Albania win

Our forecasting model firmly expects an Albania win on Saturday. Albania enter the fixture with confirmed home advantage at Air Albania Stadium and a deep 29-man squad strengthened by the returns of Marash Kumbulla, Ernest Muçi, and Rey Manaj. Belarus must contend with an away trip to start a demanding four-game international window against an opponent focused on winning Group C1.