Stojkovic: We are ready for challenge, objective is to qualify for World Cup

STARA PAZOVA - The head coach of the Serbia men's national football team Dragan Stojkovic said on Monday the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Albania was important and that the objective of his team was to qualify for next year's World Cup, to be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

Serbia will play Albania in Tirana on June 7 and host Andorra at the Dubocica Stadium in Leskovac on June 10.

"The start of World Cup qualifications is important. Every game is important, starting from the one against Albania. We will be looking to win as many points as possible to achieve our objectives, and one of the objectives is to get Serbia to the World Cup," Stojkovic said at a press conference in Stara Pazova near Belgrade after his players gathered for preparations for the two qualifying matches.

"Everyone says the first game is very important, we are very focused on getting off to the desired start and we will be preparing to play as well as we can, with full respect for Albania. They are a good group, but it is just a 90-minute game. I believe Serbia are ready for the challenge and that we will be representing our country in a worthy manner," Stojkovic added.

In World Cup qualifying group K, Serbia will face England, Albania, Latvia and Andorra.