Kosovo Targets World Cup Qualification with €1.5m Government Reward

Kosovo football team to receive €1.5m if they qualify for 2026 World Cup

Kosovo national team chasing first World Cup appearance. Kosovo government set to offer bonus to national team for World Cup qualification, €1.5m reward for World Cup qualification.

“Second, in the event of qualification for the World Cup, we commit to an additional one million euros reward...”

Kosovo's national football team is set to receive a €1.5 million government reward if they qualify for the 2026 World Cup. This is a huge incentive for the team, which is chasing their first-ever World Cup appearance.

The team finished second in their qualifying group with 11 points, securing a spot in March's European playoffs. They'll face Slovakia next, and if they win, they'll play either Turkey or Romania in the playoff final for a World Cup spot.

Caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced the reward, saying the government will offer €500,000 if they beat Slovakia, and an additional €1 million if they qualify for the World Cup. “Let's go Kosovo, always with you,” he added.

Kosovo's caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced a bonus structure for the national team, with €500,000 ($579,700) up for grabs if they beat Slovakia in their upcoming playoff match. This is part of a larger €1.5 million ($1.74 million) reward package if they qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“Second, in the event of qualification for the World Cup, we commit to an additional one million euros reward,” Kurti said during a televised cabinet meeting.

“Let's go Kosovo, always with you,” he added.

🇽🇰 The Kosovo government has awarded a bonus to the Kosovo national team for their historic achievement in reaching the World Cup play-offs.

• An initial €250,000 will be given immediately;
• Additional €500,000 if they beat Slovakia;
• Another €1 million if they qualify. pic.twitter.com/3izgGrjgjk

— Kosovo Football 🇽🇰 (@FootballKosovo) November 27, 2025

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and joined UEFA and FIFA in 2016, marking a significant milestone in their football history. They're now chasing their first World Cup appearance, and a €1.5 million government reward is on the line if they succeed.