Superliga (Albania) 2026/27

The Albanian Superliga (Kategoria Superiore) stands as the highest tier of professional football in Albania. Organised by the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF), the competition traces its lineage back to 1930 when it began as the Albanian National Championship. It adopted its current name in 2003 and operates under the commercial title Abissnet Superiore following a sponsorship deal.

The league structure centres on a 36-match regular season where every side meets four times. This phase splits into two distinct outcomes. The top six clubs enter a knockout play-off to decide the national champion and secure European places. The bottom four teams avoid this contest but face the threat of relegation. The sides finishing ninth and tenth drop directly to the second tier, while the eighth-placed club battles a winner from the Kategoria e Parë playoffs. Promotion to the top flight rewards the two highest finishers in the second division.

KF Tirana holds the record for success with 26 titles, followed by Dinamo City with 18 and Partizani with 17. Skënderbeu has claimed eight championships. The most recent winners, Egnatia, secured the title in consecutive campaigns.

European access depends on Albania’s standing in UEFA rankings. The league champion earns entry to the Champions League first qualifying round. The Albanian Cup winner and the second and third place league finishers enter the Europa Conference League first qualifying round. A specific rule ensures that if the cup winner qualifies via the league, that Conference League slot is not transferred to another team.

The format underwent significant changes in 2014–15 with the introduction of a split system. Recent adjustments have refined the match count and criteria for the 2026–27 season. This structure separates the title race from the relegation battle, creating a high-stakes environment for the leading clubs.