A World Cup 2026 qualifier between Albania and Serbia in Tirana is prompting extensive security measures, including 2,000 police and anti-drone equipment, to prevent a repeat of the chaotic 2014 match in Belgrade that was abandoned due to a controversial 'Greater Albania' flag drone incident.
Albania v Serbia World Cup qualifier stirs memories of chaotic 2014 clash
AlbaniaSerbiaWorld Cup 2026 qualifiersSports
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A World Cup 2026 qualifier between Albania and Serbia in Tirana is prompting extensive security measures, including 2,000 police and anti-drone equipment, to prevent a repeat of the chaotic 2014 match in Belgrade that was abandoned due to a controversial 'Greater Albania' flag drone incident.
Trending- 1 2014: Drone incident at European Championship qualifier in Belgrade between Serbia and Albania.
- 2 November 2015: Rematch in Elbasan, Albania, passes without major incident.
- 3 December (previous year): Albania and Serbia drawn together for World Cup 2026 qualifying.
- 4 2023: Ismail Morina seen at match against Czech Republic.
- 5 Thursday (June 5): Albania training session.
- 6 Friday (June 6), 1:40pm: Serbia's players arrive at hotel in Tirana.
- 7 Saturday night (June 7): First Group K meeting between Albania and Serbia.
- 8 In four months: Second meeting between Albania and Serbia.
- 9 2027: Albania and Serbia co-host Uefa Under-21 Championship.
- Increased security
- Absence of away fans
- Altered ticket distribution
- Potential for diplomatic or sporting repercussions if incidents occur
What: A World Cup 2026 qualifier football match between Albania and Serbia is taking place, prompting extensive security measures to prevent a repeat of the chaotic 2014 European Championship qualifier.
When: Saturday night (June 7). Match is part of World Cup qualifying for 2026. Second meeting in four months. 2014 incident was 11 years ago. 2015 rematch.
Where: Arena Kombetare in Tirana, Albania. Past incident in Partizan Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia.
Why: To prevent a repeat of the 2014 incident where a drone displaying a 'Greater Albania' map caused chaos and led to the abandonment of a match, and to manage the historical tensions between the two nations.
How: About 2,000 police (including special forces and counter-terrorism operatives) and 500 plainclothes officers will be deployed. Anti-drone equipment installed. Away fans absent. Tickets allocated by random draw, prices hiked. Tifozat Kuq e Zi group ostracized.