Kosovo’s rise has been confirmed in the newly published FIFA rankings released on Wednesday. With the latest update, Kosovo now holds 80th place, moving four spots higher compared to the rankings published on October 17.
The 84th position achieved last month was already historic, but another milestone was reached this Wednesday, marking further progress for Kosovo’s national team. This improvement follows Kosovo’s outstanding performances in the November matches. On November 15, Kosovo secured a 2:0 victory away against Slovenia at the “Stozhice” Stadium in Ljubljana, while on November 18, the team drew 1:1 with Switzerland.
Kosovo finished second in Group B of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, collecting 11 points—four more than Slovenia and two more than Sweden. Switzerland topped the group with 14 points.
Meanwhile, Albania has dropped two places in this month’s FIFA rankings. Previously ranked 61st, Albania now stands in 63rd place. The team had a 1:0 win away against Andorra on November 13, but was defeated 2:0 by England on November 16 at the “Air Albania” Stadium in Tirana.
Both Kosovo and Albania have advanced to the playoffs for the 2026 World Cup—an achievement never reached before, marking a historic milestone for both national teams.
On Thursday, Kosovo and Albania—both placed in the third pot—will learn their opponents for next year’s World Cup playoffs.
The playoff semifinals are scheduled for March 26, while the finals will take place on March 31.
Spain continues to lead the list of the world’s best national teams in the FIFA rankings. Following Spain are Argentina, France, England, and Brazil, completing the top five. Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia round out the top ten.
