Kosovo’s national football team begins a new Nations League campaign tonight, hosting Ireland at the “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium.

The team has been preparing in recent days, with a positive atmosphere in the camp ahead of the opening match.

Coach Franco Foda has acknowledged that Kosovo faces four difficult matches, with Austria considered the favorite in the group.

However, the German coach said the main objective is to perform well and maintain Kosovo’s place in League B.

“We are facing difficult games, and Austria is the favorite. We have high goals. First of all, we want to stay in League B; then, if we perform well, continue and rise,” Foda said.

Foda also confirmed a change in the team’s captaincy hierarchy. Vedat Muriqi will wear the captain’s armband, while Mërgim Vojvoda will serve as vice-captain.

“The captain of the national team will be Vedat Muriqi. We have discussed this with the players. The second will be Mërgim Vojvoda,” Foda said.

Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson, meanwhile, praised Kosovo and singled out Muriqi, who will captain the “Dardans” for the first time.

“Vedat Muriqi has scored 32 goals in 68 matches and has seven goals in 10 appearances for Fenerbahçe so far this season. But other players require attention, as they are quality players,” Hallgrímsson said.

The Kosovo-Ireland match kicks off at 20:45 at the “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium.