Albania
Belarus
>Albania vs Belarus Prediction & Betting Tips – 26/09/2026
Albania welcome Belarus to the Arena Kombëtare on 26 September 2026 in their opening fixture of UEFA Nations League C Group 3. Both sides harbour ambitions of automatic promotion to League B, making this a pivotal early encounter. The hosts arrive in wretched form, winless under new coach Rolando Maran, while Belarus travel with genuine confidence off the back of a six-match unbeaten run. With three points on offer and group standings yet to take shape, the stakes could hardly be higher for two nations desperate to set the tone.
Match Analysis
Albania enter this Nations League opener as clear home favourites at 1.44, backed by a strong historical H2H record that includes four consecutive unbeaten meetings against Belarus, giving Maran's side a structural advantage despite turbulent recent form.
- Unbeaten in last 4 H2H meetings, including both 2020-21 Nations League fixtures against Belarus.
- Arena Kombetare home advantage adds pressure on Belarus in a group where promotion stakes are high.
- H2H record shows 3 wins and 2 losses overall against Belarus, a historically favourable matchup for Albania.
- Nations League promotion motivation targeting League B gives Albania a clear competitive incentive from matchday one.
Belarus arrive at 7.00 as significant outsiders, yet their credentials are hard to ignore: Viktor Goncharenko's side are unbeaten across their last six matches (W3 D3), showing the organisation and resilience to frustrate a depleted Albanian attack.
- Five consecutive losses (LLLLL) under Maran make Albania's short price based on reputation, not form.
- Uzuni, Broja, and Laci all absent, stripping Albania of their most dangerous attacking options ahead of this opener.
- 0.7 goals per game average in Nations League play, a figure likely to worsen further without key attackers.
Key point: With Albania averaging under one goal per game and Belarus defensively compact across a six-game unbeaten run, the 1.67 market represents a compelling complementary angle.
Form & Statistics: Albania vs Belarus
Albania
Recent form
Season statistics (3)
Belarus
Recent form
Season statistics (3)
Lineups: Albania vs Belarus
Albania
Starters
- 1 Etrit Berisha
- 2 Elseid Hysaj
- 3 Berat Djimsiti
- 4 Marash Kumbulla
- 5 Mario Mitaj
- 6 Anis Mehmeti
- 7 Ylber Ramadani
- 8 Kristjan Asllani
- 9 Arbër Hoxha
- 10 Rey Manaj
- 11 Cristian Shpendi
Absent
- Qazim Laci (Thigh flexor muscle injury)
- Adrion Pajaziti (Injury)
- Thomas Strakosha (Injury)
- Myrto Uzuni (Muscle/foot injury, expected to miss national team)
- Juljan Shehu (Muscle injury)
- Armando Broja (Notable omission from squad)
Belarus
Starters
- 1 Pavel Pavlyuchenko
- 2 Gleb Shevchenko
- 3 Sergey Volkov
- 4 Roman Begunov
- 5 Vladislav Malkevich
- 6 Evgeniy Yablonsky
- 7 Valery Bocherov
- 8 Dmitriy Shumansky
- 9 Max Ebong
- 10 Ivan Kontsevoy
- 11 Trofim Melnichenko
Absent
- Yury Kavalyow (Left out of squad)
- Vladislav Morozov (Left out of squad)
Medium confidence
Albania line up in a 4-4-2 against Belarus's 4-2-3-1, a shape that should provide the visitors with a compact double pivot to frustrate the home side's central play. Kristjan Asllani will be central to Albania's ability to dictate tempo and break through that midfield screen.
Both lineups carry probable rather than confirmed status, sourced from the same outlet, so a degree of caution is warranted before kickoff. The attacking interest centres on how Trofim Melnichenko operates as Belarus's lone striker against an Albanian backline looking to impose itself on home soil.
Our Verdict
Albania's dismal run of five straight defeats under Maran is impossible to ignore, yet the home price at 1.44 still reflects their superior squad quality. Belarus, unbeaten in six under Goncharenko, carry genuine momentum into this fixture. The head-to-head favours Albania, who are unbeaten in four previous meetings. A double chance 1X covers both outcomes neatly; back the home win at 1.44 as the anchor. Under 2.5 goals at 1.67 adds further appeal given Albania's current creative struggles. Odds correct at time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Albania vs Belarus?
The double chance covering Albania or a draw is the most prudent wager here. Albania's five-match losing streak under Rolando Maran and the absence of Uzuni, Broja, and Laci weaken their attack considerably, yet Belarus's unbeaten run of six makes a home win far from certain. The home side are priced at 1.44, though a draw remains a live possibility.
What time does Albania vs Belarus kick off?
Albania vs Belarus kicks off at 18:45 UTC on 26 September 2026. The match will be played at the Arena Kombetare in Tirana, Albania's national stadium, marking the home side's opening fixture in the new UEFA Nations League campaign.
Where can I watch Albania vs Belarus on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for this UEFA Nations League fixture have not been confirmed in our preview data. We recommend checking your local television listings or the official UEFA website for up-to-date information on which channels will be carrying live coverage of Albania vs Belarus.
What is Albania's recent record against Belarus?
Albania hold a favourable head-to-head record against Belarus, winning three and losing two from five meetings, and remaining unbeaten across their last four encounters. Notably, both sides met during the 2020-21 Nations League, with Albania coming out on top in those fixtures, lending the hosts a degree of historical confidence heading into this clash.