England Face Crucial Test Against Albania in High-Stakes 2026 World Cup Qualifier Showdown
Sunday's concluding 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match carries minimal significance, yet both Albania and England will be looking to close out the calendar year with a triumph in Tirana this Sunday.
England have already booked their spot for next summer's competition, becoming the initial European nation to achieve this feat after their commanding 5–0 victory over Latvia last month. They have claimed victory in all seven qualifying matches under Thomas Tuchel's guidance, netting 20 goals while maintaining a clean sheet throughout their dominant campaign.
Tuchel's squad is hitting their stride as the World Cup approaches, with the men's team pursuing their first major championship since hoisting the prestigious trophy in 1966. They will rank among the tournament favorites and will be keen to sustain team spirit by preserving their flawless qualifying streak this weekend.
Albania similarly have no stakes in the outcome when the Three Lions visit, having already secured second position in Group K. England's win against Serbia on Thursday combined with their success over Andorra guaranteed a playoff spot for Sylvinho's team, who are pursuing their inaugural World Cup qualification.
Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of a meaningless encounter in the Albanian capital.
What Time Does Albania vs. England Kick-Off?
Albania vs. England Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Albania | England |
|---|---|
Andorra 0–1 Albania - 13/11/25 | England 2–0 Serbia - 13/11/25 |
Albania 4–2 Jordan - 14/10/25 | Latvia 0–5 England - 14/10/25 |
Serbia 0–1 Albania - 11/10/25 | England 3–0 Wales - 09/10/25 |
Albania 1–0 Latvia - 09/09/25 | Serbia 0–5 England - 09/09/25 |
Gibraltar 0–1 Albania - 04/09/25 | England 2–0 Andorra - 06/09/25 |
How to Watch Albania vs. England on TV and Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | fuboTV, ViX |
United Kingdom | ITV 1, ITVX, STV, STV Player, UTV |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+ |
Albania Team News
There are several recognizable names for Premier League followers in Albania's Sunday squad, with Burnley forward Armando Broja anticipated to feature in the attacking line despite his premature substitution against Andorra in their previous outing. Former Brentford keeper Thomas Strakosha will occupy the goal once more.
A considerable number of Albania's players compete in Italian football, with Thursday's lone scorer Kristjan Asllani currently on loan at Torino from Inter. He will anchor the midfield alongside Lazio's Elseid Hysaj and Atalanta's Berat Djimsiti in the defensive setup.
Albania Predicted Lineup vs. England
Albania predicted lineup vs. England (4-2-3-1): Strakosha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Djimsiti, Mitaj; Shehu, Asllani; Broja, Laçi, Hoxha; Manaj.
England Team News
Although Tuchel is unlikely to implement sweeping modifications to the side that defeated Serbia on Thursday evening, several adjustments are still expected. Having impressed as a substitute in midweek, both Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze could enter the starting eleven to replace Morgan Rogers and Marcus Rashford respectively.
Reece James, whose playing time remains carefully monitored for both club and country, might be given a rest, with Djed Spence being the most likely replacement. Players like Trevoh Chalobah and Jarell Quansah will be vying to disrupt Ezri Konsa's partnership with John Stones.
Bukayo Saka has dismissed injury concerns following the Serbia victory in which he netted a spectacular volley. He should secure another starting position, as will captain and prolific scorer Harry Kane.
Marc Guéhi, Anthony Gordon and Nick Pope have all pulled out of international duty this month due to fitness concerns.
England Predicted Lineup vs. Albania
England predicted lineup vs. Albania (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Spence, Chalobah, Stones, O'Reilly; Anderson, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Eze; Kane.
Albania vs. England Score Prediction
Both teams are unlikely to perform at peak intensity with the stakes removed from Sunday's match, but England will remain heavy favorites to secure an eighth consecutive qualifying victory. Their defensive unit has been outstanding under Tuchel, recording eight clean sheets from his nine matches in charge.
Albania's defensive structure is quite solid as well, achieving six shutouts from their previous eight matches. Nevertheless, their backline will face the supreme challenge against England's collection of brilliant attacking players.
England should continue their winning momentum and conclude 2025 positively.