Florent Muslija to FIFA: Kosovo will give everything to reach the World Cup

Florent Muslija and his teammates are determined to move even closer to a historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup as they prepare to face Slovakia in the European play-offs, FIFA.com reports.

Muslija, who is on loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf from SC Freiburg, started every one of Kosovo’s matches during the European qualifying group stage, in which Kosovo finished second in Group B behind Switzerland, ahead of Sweden and Slovenia.

The 27-year-old midfielder and his teammates now face Slovakia on March 26, as they look to continue their journey toward the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. If they get past this hurdle, their final opponent will be either Turkey or Romania.

Muslija was born in Germany and made five appearances for Germany U20 in 2018 before deciding in 2019 to represent Kosovo, making his senior debut that same year. The attacking midfielder, who usually plays in central midfield or on the left wing, now has 38 appearances and two goals for Kosovo. He spoke to FIFA earlier this month.

FIFA.com: How important is it to be in good form for your club when you play for your national team?

Florent Muslija: In international football, you are usually judged partly by whether you are playing regularly for your club. I have a good role in the team and have put in good performances in recent matches. I hope to bring this form to the national team too, and even improve on it.

FIFA.com: Is your role with the national team different from your role at your club?

Florent Muslija: There is no major difference. I see myself as a leader at Düsseldorf, but also with the national team, both on and off the pitch. I’m at an age where I need to take on more responsibility. Perhaps the only difference is that Düsseldorf have a very young squad, while the national team has many experienced players.

FIFA.com: What does Kosovo coach Franco Foda expect from you?

Florent Muslija: He wants me to take responsibility and knows that I can be a decisive player in matches. He wants me to show that on the pitch. Of course, he also expects me to help defensively, and I try to do my best to give the team stability and quality.

FIFA.com: How do you assess the qualifying campaign now that some time has passed?

Florent Muslija: It was a very positive campaign. We put in some excellent performances and developed even further as a team. We have built a very close-knit group and support one another. The level has been consistently high, and that is clear to everyone. We want to continue in the same way, and I believe we can.

FIFA.com: Does the only defeat, against Switzerland in the first match, concern you?

Florent Muslija: These things happen in football. Fortunately, it was only that match; otherwise, perhaps we wouldn’t be in the play-offs now. Unfortunately, we didn’t start that match well and had lost it before going into half-time. Nevertheless, we can be proud of what we have achieved. But our work is not finished yet. We want to qualify for the World Cup and will give everything to achieve that.

FIFA.com: You scored in the 1-1 draw against Switzerland. How does it feel to score for your country?

Florent Muslija: It’s a very special feeling. The atmosphere in our stadium is always fantastic. Scoring for your country, especially such an important goal, gives you a lot of confidence and freedom in your play. It was a wonderful feeling.

FIFA.com: What are the team’s greatest strengths?

Florent Muslija: We have become a very solid team and play consistently. We are good in attack and have also improved a lot defensively. For example, in the matches against Sweden, against players like Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, we gave them almost no chances. We have very intelligent players in the game, both in defence and in attack.

FIFA.com: Kosovo has shown that it can take on stronger opponents. Do you see yourselves as underdogs?

Florent Muslija: We are a small country. Opponents like Sweden, Switzerland or Slovenia perhaps don’t worry too much about us. But we have a lot of heart, passion and quality in football. You can see that in the way we play. We have shown that we can take on the big teams, and that says a lot about us and our country.

FIFA.com: The first challenge is Slovakia, then perhaps Turkey or Romania. How do you see your chances?

Florent Muslija: We have to focus only on these matches, starting with Slovakia. We have to give everything. Every one of us has to give 100%. We have to leave everything on the pitch and understand what a great opportunity this is for our country. If we do that, we have a good chance.

FIFA.com: What is the atmosphere like among the fans, and what would qualification mean for the country?

Florent Muslija: There is a lot of excitement, among the players and the fans, and among all the people in Kosovo and abroad. We know how important these matches are, and of course we would make history for such a small country. It’s a dream we all share.

FIFA.com: If Kosovo qualifies, you would face Australia, Paraguay and the United States at the World Cup. How does that sound?

Florent Muslija: We don’t need any more motivation—we already feel it. It’s an indescribable feeling when you think about the possibility of playing at the World Cup. Just the thought of it drives you to give your all and play football with heart.