Ademi: Kosovo has a clear project; the European Championship is our next target

FFK President Agim Ademi, appearing on the “AS” programme on RTK, expressed his optimism about the “Dardanians’” journey in the upcoming qualifying cycles. Commenting on the recent matches against Turkey in the 2026 World Cup play-off final, Ademi admitted that expectations were high.

Ademi stressed that, despite the narrative that had taken shape suggesting Kosovo were favourites, the footballers had kept their feet on the ground and were realistic about the challenge on the pitch. “A narrative has taken shape in public opinion that we are stronger and are going there in advance. It did not affect the footballers very much, because they kept their feet on the ground and are aware that the pitch is something else. But that great desire somewhat overcame our ability and reason. Because we had a very good campaign, especially with our performance in the match against Slovakia, even the biggest experts who deal with this matter did not believe it—or, rather, thought that Kosovo was already at the World Cup, considering the performance we put in in Bratislava, even though they knew that Turkey is in reality much stronger than us, financially, for example, both as a team and in terms of players,” Ademi said.

Reflecting on the defeat to Turkey, Ademi said: “If an opponent beats you on the scoreline and in the way they play, you have to shake their hand. But Turkey’s play did not show that they are above Kosovo in terms of level, apart from the goal. Luck was not on our side, because Asllani’s and Muriqi’s chances could have changed everything.”

Nevertheless, despite Kosovo falling just one step short of achieving historic success, the FFK president is optimistic about the future:

“If we look at the quality we have and the work being done, I certainly believe that we will go to the European Championship. I cannot say now when it will happen, but when I say this, it is not just a feeling—it is a project. In fact, if the project we have together with Foda is carried out, Kosovo will certainly be at the European Championship very soon,” Ademi added.

He recalled Kosovo’s major progress in the FIFA rankings: “From 211th place when we were admitted to UEFA and FIFA, today we are in 78th place. We have been promoted to League B of the Nations League, which is a big step,” the head of the FFK underscored.

Ademi praised the work of coach Foda and his colleagues, adding that the project is underway: “Results are what keep a coach in the job, but I am pleased with the work. I would be very happy if we qualify for the European Championship, because all the work is done for that purpose.”