In a pivotal World Cup 2026 qualifying match, Albania secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia, a result that has led to the immediate resignation of Serbia’s head coach, Dragan Stojković. The win propels Albania into second place in Group K, intensifying the race for qualification.
Key Takeaways
- Albania defeated Serbia 1-0 in a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier.
- The loss prompted Serbia’s head coach, Dragan Stojković, to resign.
- Albania now sits second in Group K, behind England.
- The match was relocated due to security concerns.
Match Summary and Standings
Albania’s victory came courtesy of a first-half goal by Rey Manaj. This win marks a significant achievement for Albania, potentially their first-ever appearance at a FIFA World Cup finals. The result places them firmly in second position in Group K with 11 points, trailing leaders England, who are on the verge of qualification. Serbia, following this defeat and a prior heavy loss to England, now finds itself in third place with seven points.
Coaching Changes and Future Implications
Following the disappointing home loss, Dragan Stojković, who had been in charge since 2021 and led Serbia to the 2022 World Cup, announced his resignation. He accepted full responsibility for the team’s performance. Zoran Mirković, Serbia’s Under-21 coach, will take interim charge for their upcoming match against Andorra. The Serbian FA expressed gratitude for Stojković’s contributions during his tenure.
Match Details and Context
The high-stakes encounter was held in Leskovac, Serbia, having been moved from the capital due to security considerations stemming from historical political tensions between the two nations. Serbia entered the match with a mixed recent record, including a significant 5-0 defeat to England. Albania, on the other hand, had shown resilience, remaining unbeaten in their last four qualifying games prior to this fixture.
How to Watch
The match was scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, with kickoff at 2:45 p.m. ET. It was broadcast on FOX Soccer Plus and available for streaming via FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App. Odds favored Serbia prior to the game, but the result defied expectations.
Sources
- Serbia vs Albania: How to Watch, Odds, WCQ Preview, FOX Sports.
- How to Watch Serbia vs Albania: Live Stream FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, TV Channel, Newsweek.
- Dragan Stojković resigns as Serbia coach after Albania loss, AP News.
- Dragan Stojkovic: Serbia coach resigns immediately after Albania defeat, BBC.
- Serbia coach Stojkovic quits after Albania defeat, beIN SPORTS.
