Strakosha: World Cup qualification would unite Albanians worldwide

• Albania goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha speaks exclusively to FIFA

• His country will face Poland in Path B of the UEFA play-offs

• Albania are looking to make history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time

Albania are the only team in Path B of the UEFA play-offs that has never made it to a FIFA World Cup™. If they are to reach the global finals for the first time, Sylvinho’s side will have to get the better of Poland in the semi-finals and then overcome the winner of the Sweden-Ukraine tie in the final.

In an interview with FIFA, goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha explained how qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ would send the whole nation into raptures, along with the millions of Albanians living abroad.

Born in Athens and shaped as a player in Italy, Strakosha knows what it means to pull on the national team shirt in a major tournament. While has spent nights under the UEFA Champions League lights with Lazio and had a stint at Premier League outfit Brentford, those experiences pale in comparison to the thrill of representing Albania at UEFA EURO 2024.

Now, when he pictures the possibility of leading his country to their first-ever World Cup, where Group F would pit them against Tunisia, the Netherlands and Japan, Strakosha beams from ear to ear. Read on for our full interview with the AEK Athens stopper.

FIFA: This semi-final against Poland could be the first step towards fulfilling your dream. What’s going through your head right now?FIFA: This semi-final against Poland could be the first step towards fulfilling your dream. What’s going through your head right now?

Thomas Strakosha: Truth be told, I was buzzing even before the run-up to this match. It’s not just a semi-final to us, it’s a final. It’s a massive game, as we have the chance to make history for Albania and the nation as a whole. Playing for our country at a World Cup, especially in America where so many Albanians live, would be a dream not just for me, but for everyone involved.

Among Poland, Sweden and Ukraine, you’re the only side in your path that has never participated at a World Cup before. Will going in as underdogs make it easier for you mentally?Among Poland, Sweden and Ukraine, you’re the only side in your path that has never participated at a World Cup before. Will going in as underdogs make it easier for you mentally?

To be honest, yes, we’re the outsiders, and history proves it. But we believe we’ve got what it takes. It’s no coincidence that we’ve made it this far. We deserve to be here. We’re fully aware that Poland, by comparison, sit higher in the rankings than us, but it promises to be a competitive match. As far as we’re concerned, it’s a final, just as it is for them.

Poland boast a quality striker in Robert Lewandowski and a squad brimming with talent. How are you planning to throw a spanner in the works for them?Poland boast a quality striker in Robert Lewandowski and a squad brimming with talent. How are you planning to throw a spanner in the works for them?

They’re one of the most well-organised sides I’ve faced in recent years. They’ve got top-quality players: Lewandowski is the first name that springs to mind, and Piotr Zielinski as well, who I’m very fond of. In my view, they’re one of the best second-tier national sides, not far behind top sides like France, Italy and Spain. We’re fortunate to have a striker of enormous potential in Armando Broja. If he manages to get regular game time, around 30-40 matches a season, he could make the leap to the next level. We really need players of his calibre, who can turn a game on its head.

Your 2024 UEFA EURO campaign showed that you can hold your own against anyone. What have you learned from that experience?Your 2024 UEFA EURO campaign showed that you can hold your own against anyone. What have you learned from that experience?

I was over the moon to have the opportunity to play against such strong sides; I wanted to see where we stood. We thought we’d be out of our depth, but in the end, we gave as good as we got. We could quite easily have snatched a win against Croatia. That was an amazing experience, right up there with the most thrilling atmospheres I’ve ever experienced in my career.

Sylvinho has been at the helm of the team since 2023. How would you sum up his main strengths and in what areas have you improved as a team?Sylvinho has been at the helm of the team since 2023. How would you sum up his main strengths and in what areas have you improved as a team?

“He’s taught us to believe in ourselves more, while keeping our feet firmly on the ground. We know we could’ve done better in a few games, but he instilled huge confidence in us and gave us a real boost heading into the World Cup qualifiers. We’ve come on leaps and bounds since he’s been in charge. He’s brought real stability to the side. You don’t get much time together with the national team during the year, so it’s crucial to have a solid foundation. These days, we’re a tighter-knit unit and we know what we’re capable of.”

Like many of your team-mates, you were born abroad. Can you explain what it means to represent your country?Like many of your team-mates, you were born abroad. Can you explain what it means to represent your country?

“It’s an enormous source of pride. We were brought up to respect and love our roots and heritage. Even if you were born or brought up abroad, you still feel a strong connection. It’s a real honour to play for Albania. I never had any doubts at all, even though I could have played for Greece. My parents have always taught me to respect everyone, but also to hold a deep love for my home country. I’m grateful to Albania for the experiences they’ve given me, and it never once crossed my mind to play for anyone else.”

Can you imagine the scenes in Tirana and across Albania if you make it to the 2026 World Cup?Can you imagine the scenes in Tirana and across Albania if you make it to the 2026 World Cup?

“I can’t even begin to imagine what it’d be like. The Euros were amazing, but a World Cup, especially in North America, would be something else. It’d be a celebration for Albanians all around the world. I don’t even want to think about it yet, not even the group stage. Right now, we need to focus on our match against Poland.”