Today marks the 10th anniversary of Kosovo’s admission as a member of FIFA. Alongside Gibraltar, Kosovo remains one of the newest additions to the global football governing body, but its progress over the last decade has been described as nothing short of “extraordinary.”
What began as a dream for a young nation has evolved into a concrete success story, reflected in record-breaking rankings and a rapidly modernizing infrastructure.
Breaking Records in the Rankings
In the latest FIFA updates (April 2026), both the men’s and women’s national teams have reached their highest-ever positions:
- Men’s National Team: Now ranked 78th in the world, following a massive surge in 2025.
- Women’s National Team: Recently climbed 11 spots to reach 80th in the world.
“This is the result of hard work from everyone—from President Agim Ademi and coach Franco Foda to the players and our fans, the ‘Dardanët’,” said 21-year-old defender Dion Gallapeni in an interview with FIFA.
The Rise of Local Talent
Gallapeni serves as a symbol of the “new Kosovo.” Unlike many teammates who were raised in the diaspora, Gallapeni was born and developed entirely within the Kosovo football system—starting at “Winner Prizren,” moving to the legendary FC Prishtina, and eventually transferring to Polish clubs Widzew Łódź and Wisla Plock.
“I can proudly say I know the Kosovo league well… The level has improved significantly, especially with infrastructure and the quality of play. Today, many players developed in Kosovo are playing in Europe’s biggest leagues,” Gallapeni explained.
FIFA’s Financial and Technical Support
The “FIFA Forward” program has been a cornerstone of this development, investing $4.6 million into the country’s football ecosystem:
- VAR Implementation: Funding the introduction of the Video Assistant Referee system in the Kosovo Superleague.
- Infrastructure: Building six artificial turf pitches for local clubs.
- National Training Center: Modernizing the stadium in Hajvali.
- Youth Development: A $50,000 grant for U15 girls’ competitions and the “Football for Schools” initiative launched in 2024.
A World Cup Dream Within Reach
The passion for football in Kosovo has transcended traditional barriers, including the significant growth of amputee football. As Gallapeni noted, “We say ‘the heart is more important than the body,’ and here, we play with our hearts.”
This spirit brought Kosovo to the brink of history recently. The “Dardanët” narrowly missed qualification for the 2026 World Cup, falling to Turkey in a dramatic playoff final. However, with the current trajectory of progress, football analysts and fans alike believe that a debut on the world’s biggest stage is no longer a matter of “if,” but “when.”
