Romania will face Kosovo in Group C2 of the League of Nations, and the former rival of the “tricolor” in the preliminary match of EURO-2024 announced a new coach.

Franko Foda became the new coach of the Kosovo national team

The national team of Kosovo, which was left without a coach after the dismissal of Primož Hliga at the end of November, will be coached by the German Franko Foda.

Kosovo finished 5th in the EURO 2024 qualifiers with 11 points. Romania drew in Pristina (0:0) and won in Bucharest (2:0).

“I don’t feel pressure, together we will achieve success. It is important to get to know my players as soon as possible. I watched a few matches. The first contact was online, then I came to Kosovo to see the conditions. It was very easy to choose.

I know a few players. After seeing the training base, the stadium and the hotel, I was very optimistic. I will also watch players from outside, but mainly I will stay in Kosovo. Whoever plays well will have a place in the national team” – Franco Foda.

During his career, Foda coached Sturm (winning the Cup in 2009/10 and the championship in 2010/11), Kaiserslautern and FC Zürich. He was also the coach of the Austrian national team (2017-2022), which he led to EURO 2020.

Romania is in Group C2 of the Nations League along with Kosovo, Cyprus and the winner of the match between Lithuania and Gibraltar.

Know:

• Finishing first is synonymous with direct promotion to League B.

• Second place leads to promotion play-offs, while 3rd secures retention in League C.

• Last place (4) results in direct relegation to League D.

Romania, 2024-2025 Nations League fixtures

The tricolors will make their debut in the League of Nations against the first representative of Kosovo on September 6 away. The next match is against Lithuania or Gibraltar on September 9 (it will be a home match for the “tricolors”).

Friday, September 6, 2024, 21:45 Kosovo – Romania

Monday, September 9, 2024, 21:45 Romania – Lithuania / Gibraltar

Saturday, October 12, 2024, 21:45 Cyprus – Romania

Tuesday, October 15, 2024, 21:45 Lithuania / Gibraltar – Romania

Friday, November 15, 2024, 21:45 Romania – Kosovo

Monday, November 18, 2024, 21:45 Romania – Cyprus

Romania can qualify for the 2026 World Cup and the League of Nations

As before, the League of Nations can provide, under certain conditions, qualification for the World Cup, this time it is about holding in 2026 (hosts USA, Canada and Mexico).

• The 2024/25 UEFA Nations League will also have a direct impact on European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

• The top 4 winners of the Nations League groups, excluding the first two groups in the previous round, will participate in the World Cup play-offs along with all 12 second-placed teams in the classic qualifiers.

• Thus, there will be four play-offs, each with 4 teams competing on a semi-final-final basis, as well as the last 4 European teams participating in the World Cup from the United States of America, Mexico and Canada. will be determined, reports frf.ro.