Muriq aims for direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup

Kosovo’s first-choice goalkeeper, Arijanet Muriq, has said that reaching the 2026 World Cup qualifying playoffs would be a great achievement. But he added that with Kosovo, he is aiming for direct qualification for the World Cup, which will be held next year in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

There are several scenarios for securing first place in the group. Depending on the results of Saturday’s matches, the November 18 match between Kosovo and Switzerland could be a final for first place in the group and qualification for the World Cup.

A draw against Slovenia would secure Kosovo a place in the qualifying playoffs.

“Kosovo is also competing for first place,” Muriq said on “FFK Podcast”. The interview was conducted earlier, but part of it was published on Thursday on the website of the Football Federation of Kosovo.

“Of course, we want at least second place so we can play in the ‘playoffs’. But I think we will also be competing with Switzerland for first place. I hope so. First, we need to focus on the match against Slovenia; we are in very good form, and all the players are healthy. There are no injuries and the team is complete. I’m the only one who can’t be part of it because of two yellow cards,” Muriq said.

Kosovo will take on Slovenia without goalkeeper Muriq. The tall Sassuolo goalkeeper will miss the match for Kosovo because of suspension.

He is sorry that he will not be part of the team in the match against Slovenia.

“Yes, of course I’m sorry. It would be easier if I could play. If the team loses without me, it hurts more,” he stressed.

He said that the atmosphere in the team is very good.

“We are not afraid. There is no tension or negative energy in the team ahead of the next match. And we shouldn’t be afraid to play the match. We are under no pressure, only positive energy. And when I look at the players, it seems to me that they all feel the same way. Everyone is motivated, which gives me a very positive feeling,” Muriq stressed.

Muriq insists that he is aiming to qualify directly for the 48-team World Cup with Kosovo.

 “Honestly, I haven’t thought about it because right now we are fighting for first place. I’m not sure I would sign up for second place; I would take a risk for more,” said the 27-year-old goalkeeper.

Muriq also spoke about the “final” in Pristina.

“Every opponent finds it difficult to play in Kosovo. I think we have a better chance of winning than they do. The first match there was difficult, but in Pristina it’s different. I feel very good playing here; I would really love a match like that,” Muriq added.

He also spoke about the most special moments in the Kosovo jersey.

“The match against the Czech Republic in Pristina was very special. They were in great form, but we played excellently. The 2-0 win over Sweden was also very good,” he said.

Muriq also spoke about working with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

“Pep has always been very good to me, so he always said he would teach me because I was still young. He didn’t punish the footballers and was always positive. He has been truly exceptional. It was a dream to train with him,” Muriq said.

Muriq has made 47 appearances in the Kosovo jersey. Before joining the “Dardanians” in 2018, Muriq played two matches for Montenegro’s under-21 team.