Albania and Serbia meet Saturday in Tirana in a 2026 World Cup qualifier that isn’t just about three points

TIRANA, Albania — The roar of the crowd or the thrill of the game are hallmarks of international soccer. But when Albania and Serbia meet Saturday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, the energy will be different.

The match in Tirana isn’t just about three points as echoes of past confrontations are impossible to ignore. It’s a clash deeply rooted in national identities that organizers are fighting hard to put aside.