Serbia Coach Resigns Following Loss to Albania

LESKOVAC: Dragan Stojkovic has stepped down as the coach of Serbia following their 1-0 defeat against Albania. The World Cup qualifying match in Group K took place at Dubocica Stadium.

Stojkovic, who successfully guided Serbia to the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar, recently experienced consecutive losses, notably a significant 5-0 defeat to England in September. Rey Manaj from Albania scored the decisive goal late in the first half of Saturday’s match.

The Serbian coach verified that he had already communicated his decision to resign to both the president and the general secretary of the Football Association.

“I was not anticipating this defeat,” Stojkovic stated. “I fully accept responsibility and am the only one accountable.”

Serbia is currently positioned third in Group K with a total of seven points. Albania leads with 11 points, while England holds the top spot with 15 points, having played one more match than Serbia.

Their upcoming match is scheduled for Tuesday against Andorra away from home.

Due to security concerns and ongoing political tensions between the two nations, Saturday’s game was moved from Belgrade to Leskovac.

The outcome also brings England closer to securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Thomas Tuchel’s team has the opportunity to guarantee their participation with a victory against Latvia on Tuesday.