Fierce rivals Serbia and Albania are both in the mix for the play-off place in Group K of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification and meet on Saturday evening.
Match News and Current Form
An unbeaten start to Group K (W2, D1), supplemented by three clean sheets, had Serbia looking good value to challenge for top spot, but a 5-0 thrashing at home against England in their last match served as a huge reality check. That heavy defeat came somewhat out of the blue, as Dragan Stojković’s side were unbeaten in seven games prior (W3, D4). It was also their first loss at home since September 2023 (W4, D3) and means that Eagles start this round of fixtures in third place with plenty of work ahead if they are to secure a third consecutive World Cup finals appearance.
A 1-0 home win over Latvia last month means Albania are unbeaten across their last five matches (W3, D2) and targeting a third successive victory for the first time since October 2023 in this game. Picking up just one point from their two away fixtures so far in Group K would hint that extending that run could be a tall order here, but three wins from their last six road trips (D1, L2) overall suggest that they are accustomed to travelling strongly. Against a nation directly battling them for the play-off spot, a strong result could be key here if they’re to strengthen their bid to reach a first-ever World Cup finals.
Head-to-Head History
This is the second H2H this year after June’s reverse fixture ended goalless. Serbia won the previous clash 2-0 in 2015, with the first meeting in 2014 awarded to Albania 3-0 following fighting between players, team officials and fans.
Hot Stats and Streaks
Before their loss against England, Serbia had kept clean sheets in their five previous home fixtures.
Serbia have received exactly one yellow card in each of their last three games.
Five of Albania’s last six matches featured under 2.5 goals.
Only two of Albania’s last 11 games saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Dušan Vlahović has contributed to two goals in this qualification cycle (G1, A1) and his last four international scoring appearances all ended in wins to nil. Kristjan Asllani scored Albania’s winner against Latvia and his nation have won all six games in which he’s contributed to a goal.
Serbia are without the suspended Nikola Milenković and the injured Saša Lukić, while Albania are missing Adrion Pajzaiti and Adrian Ismajli through injury.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre
Betting Analysis
With the hosts’ strong defence and Albania’s struggles in front of goal, we suggest backing a Serbia win and clean sheet combination.
Author: Tom Penn
