The Albania national football team is governed by the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF), which was founded in 1930 and is based in Tirana. Albania competes as a UEFA member nation, representing one of the smaller footballing nations in Europe, though the team has steadily grown in profile and competitive standing over the decades.
For much of their history, Albania were considered one of Europe's more isolated footballing nations, particularly during the communist era when the country had limited international engagement. Despite this, the domestic game remained active, and the national team participated in World Cup and European Championship qualifying campaigns, often facing the continent's stronger sides.
A landmark moment came when Albania qualified for UEFA Euro 2016 in France — their first-ever appearance at a major international tournament. The achievement represented a defining chapter in the team's story, signalling a new era of ambition and organisation under the FSHF. They went on to qualify for UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany, confirming that the 2016 breakthrough was no fluke and that Albanian football had established itself on a more consistent competitive footing.
The team plays its home matches primarily at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, a modern venue that replaced the older Qemal Stafa Stadium as the national football home. Albania's footballing identity is shaped by passionate support and a growing diaspora player pool, with several squad members raised in Switzerland, Germany, and other European countries, which has added depth and quality to the national setup in recent years.