Albania vs Israel

Israel edged Albania 1-0 in Tirana in a tight international friendly, with Omer Gloukh's 73rd-minute finish proving the decisive moment of the evening. It was a closely fought affair, with Albania threatening through Kristjan Asllani, Armando Hoxha, and Ajeti Mehmeti without breaking through. Israel made their chance count when Yarden Levi teed up Gloukh to slot home on 73 minutes. Tempers flared immediately after — both Elseid Hysaj and Gloukh were booked in the 74th minute — and Israel then had to survive seven minutes of stoppage time to seal it. The win gives Israel a boost after drawing 2-2 with Georgia in their previous outing. Albania, who had lost to Ukraine beforehand, are still searching for form. With both nations absent from the 2026 World Cup, these friendlies are essentially auditions — and on the night, Israel made the stronger case.