Official formations/ sylvinho major changes in defense against Latvia
The Albanian national team goes down today for the fourth challenge within the 2026 World Championship qualifiers, where it will face Latvia in Riga’s Sskonto Stadion. After a 0-0 draw against Serbia in the « National Arena » three days ago, the Reds demand the victory to maintain positions in the qualifying area and consolidate the second place in the group.
Coach Sylvinho has made some changes to the lineup, mainly in the defense ward. Ismajli and Plum replace the Gjimshiti and the verse, while Elseid Hysaj starts from the jewelery, with Ivan Balliu starting as a head. The rest of the team remains unchanged compared to the challenge to Serbia.
In this match, the captain’s strip is held by striker Rey Manaj, who seeks to leave behind the disappointment from the lost penalty in the last game and lead the team towards the victory.
The meeting will be led by Turkish referee Umut Meler, assisted by his compatriots Kerem Ersoy and Ibrahim Çaglar Uyarcan. The fourth judge will be Oguzhan Çakir, while in the VA system will assist two German judges: Harm Osmers and Daniel Schlager.
Albania aims to get the most out of this important showdown, to continue its way to a historic qualification in the 2026 World Cup.
