A strong start for Kosovo players in the most important year

The end of 2025 was positive for several footballers who carry the main burden for the Kosovo national team. Some scored goals, while others contributed assists for their clubs.

But 2026 has also started well for the players who are the backbone of Kosovo.

Captain Amir Rrahmani and vice-captain Vedat Muriqi scored goals on Sunday for Napoli and Mallorca, respectively.

For Kosovo’s main striker, Muriqi, it was his tenth goal in La Liga this season, while for defender Rrahmani it was his first in Serie A in the 2025/2026 season.

Napoli won in the Italian championship, while Mallorca suffered defeat in La Liga.

Along with their goals, Rrahmani and Muriqi showed good form for their clubs.

The players’ good form is needed by Kosovo now more than ever, as it dreams of a historic qualification for the World Cup.

Edon Zhegrova, Mërgim Vojvoda and goalkeeper Arijanet Muriq also put in positive performances; Muriq received a high rating in Sassuolo’s Serie A draw. The championships have not yet started for some other players. But Fisnik Asllani, Milot Rashica, Leon Avdullahu, Albian Hajdari and several others also ended 2025 with good performances.

Good form for the footballers at their clubs would greatly benefit Kosovo ahead of the match against Slovakia.

Kosovo will play Slovakia in Bratislava on March 26 in the World Cup qualification playoff semi-final. The other semi-final is between Turkey and Romania. The winners of the two ties will play in the final. If Kosovo wins the semi-final, it will host the final, which will be played on March 31.

To reach the final, Kosovo needs another great performance from its players in Bratislava.

“We hope all the players maintain their good form and avoid injuries, so that we have a complete team for the March finals. First against Slovakia and then against either Turkey or Romania,” said national team director Muharrem Sahiti.

Muriqi and Rrahmani’s good form has been widely discussed in Spain and Italy.

“Vedat Muriqi was the only bright spot in Mallorca’s defeat to Girona. ‘The Pirate’ was once again the star of the evening, converting the penalty he had won himself. He ranks behind Kylian Mbappe and Ferran Torres in the goalscoring charts. The Kosovar striker is one of the key players in coach Arrasate’s plans. Muriqi is having an excellent season in terms of goals, but he is very much alone in that regard. Samu Costa is the team’s second-highest scorer this season with three goals,” writes “Ultima Hora,” a media outlet close to Mallorca.

Meanwhile, defender Amir Rrahmani has made the Serie A team of the week.

In Italian media, Rrahmani is portrayed as a defender who performs his duties in the best possible way.

Rrahmani himself is pleased with his form. Coach Antonio Conte also spoke about Rrahmani at the press conference. The Italian coach rates the Kosovar’s qualities highly.

The quality the players are showing for their clubs, especially those in Europe’s top leagues, is something Kosovo needs in March.