Vojvoda Helps Make History as Kosovo Earns Promotion to UEFA Nations League B

Mërgim Vojvoda, Como 1907’s experienced defender, played a key role in a historic moment for Kosovo as the national team secured promotion to League B of the UEFA Nations League for the first time.

The achievement marks an important step forward for Kosovo’s growing presence in European football. After a strong campaign, the team clinched promotion through a playoff victory over Iceland—winning 5-2 on aggregate across two legs.

“Reaching Group B of the Nations League is a huge achievement and a huge source of pride for our country,” said Vojvoda, who featured prominently in both matches.

In the first leg, played in Pristina on March 20, Kosovo took a 2-1 lead thanks to goals from Lumbardh Dellova and Elvis Rexhbeçaj. Vojvoda provided defensive stability for 80 minutes, helping maintain the advantage.

Three days later in the return leg, Kosovo delivered an even stronger performance, beating Iceland 3-1 at the Nueva Condomina stadium in Spain. Vojvoda was ever-present, playing the full 90 minutes and leading the backline with consistency and focus. A hat-trick from Vedat Muriqi sealed the result and confirmed Kosovo’s promotion to the second tier of the Nations League, a first in the country’s football history.

Vojvoda’s international form follows his recent arrival at Como 1907, where he signed in February and has already made an impact. He made his Serie A debut against Napoli and came close to scoring his first goal for the club against Roma, striking the post in a narrow loss at the Stadio Olimpico.

Reflecting on his transition to Como, Vojvoda noted: “Here at Como, the training approach is very technical, with a strong focus on ball possession and building from the back. Of course, the national team has a different coach and follows a different system, so the playing style isn’t exactly the same. However, we have been working hard here, and now we are preparing for the home match against Empoli, aiming to put into practice everything we’ve been working on with the manager.”

From helping his country to a milestone achievement, to settling into a new chapter in Italy, Vojvoda’s season is shaping into one of quiet significance.