Football
AF ELBASANI TO FACE BATE BORISOV IN A HISTORIC EUROPEAN CLASH
BATE'S UNBEATEN RECORD AGAINST ALBANIAN CLUBS
ELBASAN, Albania – AF Elbasani has officially learned its opponent for the first qualifying round of the 2026/27 UEFA Conference League. The Albanian side will face Belarusian club FC BATE Borisov in what promises to be one of the most exciting ties of the round.
The draw, held by UEFA on June 16, 2026, in Nyon, Switzerland, paired one of Albanian football’s most inspiring success stories with one of Eastern Europe’s most experienced clubs.
MATCH SCHEDULE First Leg
📅 July 9, 2026 🏟️ Elbasan Arena, Elbasan, Albania ⏰ Kick-off: 3:00 PM (local time)
Second Leg
📅 July 16, 2026 🏟️ Mehdi Huseynzade City Stadium, Sumgayit, Azerbaijan ⏰ Kick-off: 4:00 PM (local time)
BATE TO PLAY AT A NEUTRAL VENUE
Due to UEFA regulations, Belarusian clubs are not permitted to host European matches on home soil. As a result, BATE Borisov will play the second leg in Azerbaijan, at a neutral venue and behind closed doors.
ELBASANI'S REMARKABLE JOURNEY
Participation in the UEFA Conference League marks a historic achievement for AF Elbasani.
Only four years ago, during the 2021/22 season, the club was competing in the fourth tier of Albanian football. Through determination, ambition, and consistent success, Elbasani climbed through the divisions and returned to the top flight, earning a place in European competition.
Supporters have already begun rallying behind the team with the slogan:
#FORCAELBASAN
BATE BORISOV'S EUROPEAN PEDIGREE
Standing in Elbasani’s way is a club with extensive European experience.
BATE Borisov has regularly participated in both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, facing some of Europe’s biggest clubs and building a strong continental reputation.
Their experience makes them one of the toughest opponents in the draw, but Elbasani will be determined to make the most of their home advantage at Elbasan Arena.
BATE'S UNBEATEN RECORD AGAINST ALBANIAN CLUBS
History favors the Belarusian side, which has never lost to an Albanian club in UEFA competition.
Against KF Skënderbeu Korçë (2014/15 UEFA Champions League)
• BATE Borisov 0-0 Skënderbeu • Skënderbeu 1-1 BATE Borisov BATE advanced on away goals.
Against FK Partizani Tirana (2023/24 UEFA Champions League)
• Partizani 1-1 BATE Borisov • BATE Borisov 2-0 Partizani BATE advanced 3-1 on aggregate.
Overall Record vs Albanian Clubs
📊 Matches Played: 4 ✅ Wins: 1 🤝 Draws: 3 ❌ Defeats: 0
TIME TO MAKE HISTORY
While experience and statistics favor BATE Borisov, AF Elbasani enters this tie with confidence and the backing of its passionate supporters.
The first leg at Elbasan Arena on July 9 could prove decisive before the return match in Azerbaijan one week later.
For Elbasani, this is more than just a UEFA Conference League qualifier. It is an opportunity to continue a remarkable football journey and write a new chapter in the club’s history.
The dream of European football is alive in Elbasan.