Türkiye have qualified for their first World Cup since 2002 after beating Kosovo in Tuesday’s European play-off final to secure a place in Group D.
Kerem Aktürkoglu scored the decisive goal from close range early in the second half.
The narrow victory in Pristina denied the home side a historic first appearance at a major international tournament.
The triumphant nation will now prepare for a challenging summer campaign across North America.
Group D fixtures await in North America
Their group stage journey begins against Australia in Vancouver.
Following that opening fixture, the team will travel to California to face Paraguay in Santa Clara.
The crucial final group match pits them against co-hosts the United States at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
A long-awaited return to the global stage
It has been a lengthy absence from football’s most prestigious tournament for the visiting side.
Their last appearance at the finals came over two decades ago.
During that memorable 2002 campaign, they produced a stunning surprise run that culminated in an impressive third-place finish.
Turkey Under-21 manager Egemen Korkmaz was rushed to hospital after collapsing and losing consciousness during his side’s European Championship qualifier against Croatia on Tuesday.
The 43-year-old fell to the ground in the 35th minute of the encounter at the Opus Arena in Osijek.
He appeared to slip and hit his head shortly after reacting to a refereeing decision on the touchline.
Medical staff immediately attended to the Turkish head coach after concerned players frantically signaled for assistance.
An ambulance was brought onto the pitch to provide emergency treatment before he was carried off on a stretcher.
Match suspended following medical emergency
The qualifying fixture was temporarily halted as both sets of players returned to their dressing rooms.
Play eventually resumed, with 12 minutes of stoppage time added to the end of the first half.
The Turkish Football Federation quickly released a statement to provide an update on his condition.
Korkmaz, who suffered swelling on his head due to the fall, received initial treatment from our medical team on the sidelines.
He was conscious and taken to the hospital by ambulance for further examinations.
Turkish Football Federation
Domestic rivals unite to send well wishes
Several major domestic clubs quickly set aside their rivalries to express their concern for the stricken coach.
Super Lig leaders Galatasaray issued a swift statement wishing him a speedy and full recovery.
Fenerbahce also offered their support, expressing regret over the distressing incident.
The former defender has enjoyed an outstanding unbeaten campaign while leading the national youth side.
His young squad is currently on course to qualify for the Under-21 European Championship for the first time since 2000.
Manchester United and Manchester City are preparing to battle for the signature of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson as both clubs seek a major long-term addition.
The highly-rated 22-year-old has caught the eye of the Premier League champions and their cross-city rivals following a string of impressive midfield performances.
Having departed his boyhood club Newcastle United for the City Ground in a lucrative summer move, the dynamic playmaker has quickly established himself as a vital asset for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
Tonali’s future tied to European qualification
Uncertainty is also brewing at St James’ Park regarding the long-term future of Sandro Tonali.
The Italian international could reportedly assess his options if Eddie Howe’s side fail to secure Champions League football for the upcoming campaign.
Retaining key personnel remains a priority for the Magpies, but missing out on elite European competition often shifts the landscape for ambitious players.
Messi’s World Cup stance clarified
Away from domestic transfers, recent speculation regarding Lionel Messi’s potential participation in the 2026 World Cup has been significantly played down.
Headlines suggesting a shocking impending announcement from the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner have been dismissed as entirely premature.
The legendary Argentine captain is expected to simply evaluate his physical condition and motivation as the tournament in North America draws closer.
Real Madrid are monitoring Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike for a potential future transfer following the France international’s impressive debut season at Anfield.
The Spanish giants have identified the 23-year-old as a key target for their long-term squad planning.
Ekitike arrived on Merseyside last summer in a deal worth more than £70m from German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
The promising attacker has significantly exceeded expectations in England, registering 17 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Spanish giants plan for the future
Chief scout Juni Calafat has reportedly placed the highly-rated frontman on an elite shortlist alongside Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.
“He has climbed sharply up their internal ranks and is now viewed as one of the most promising young forwards in the world,” reports TEAMtalk.
A formal bid is not immediately expected, with the reigning European champions instead looking towards the 2027 summer window to firm up their interest.
The Reds find themselves in an exceptionally strong negotiating position due to the six-year contract the player signed upon his arrival.
Any future approach from the Bernabeu hierarchy would likely be met with a firm refusal, as the prolific goalscorer has quickly established himself as a vital asset.
Anfield faces period of transition
Ekitike has superbly led the forward line this term in the absence of injured £125m team-mate Alexander Isak.
With club legend Mohamed Salah set to depart this summer, the young striker possesses a clear path to cementing a permanent starting role.
Real Madrid have recently cultivated a habit of poaching talent from the Premier League club, having secured Trent Alexander-Arnold last year.
Other core squad members, including Ibrahima Konate and Alexis Mac Allister, have also been tentatively linked with a switch to the Spanish capital.
This transfer speculation arrives during a period of wider uncertainty on Merseyside, with Xabi Alonso reportedly lined up to replace current manager Arne Slot.
Former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce has urged Liverpool to stand by head coach Arne Slot despite a turbulent title defence at Anfield.
The reigning champions have struggled to replicate last season’s domestic success and currently trail league leaders Arsenal by 21 points.
Heavy summer investment brought elite attacking talent to the club in the form of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
However, the expensive new arrivals have not prevented a steep decline in league form for the Merseyside outfit.
The title-holders have suffered 10 defeats in 31 league matches to leave their hopes of a top-four finish in serious jeopardy.
Allardyce dismisses Klopp comparisons
The pressure on the Dutch tactician is mounting ahead of a crucial FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City on Saturday.
That difficult domestic test is immediately followed by a daunting Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain.
Yet Allardyce believes the intense scrutiny placed upon the Liverpool boss is entirely unjustified.
You can’t get rid of him when he just comes in and wins the league – nobody else has ever done that.
The experienced coach pointed out that Slot successfully delivered the Premier League trophy during his debut campaign.
You’ve got to give him another year.
He won the league, Jurgen Klopp couldn’t win the league in the last three years he tried to and he’s still a God.
Modern managers expected to act like ‘film stars’
Unlike several of their top-flight rivals, the Anfield hierarchy have so far resisted making a mid-season managerial change.
Allardyce feels modern football executives are far too quick to abandon their chosen coaches during rough patches.
Boards of directors are so goddamn weak now, it’s unbelievable.
You stick by your man if that’s the way it is, so you’ve got to give him next season.
He also suggested that the current manager suffers in the court of public opinion due to his calm touchline demeanour.
Allardyce argued that modern supporters and media expect performative antics from the technical area.
You’ve got to be a film star as a manager now because you’ve got to act in front of your crowd.
You’ve got to show emotion – run down the touchline, get a yellow card, punch the air.
Newly appointed Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi has offered former Italy defender Alessandro Nesta the role of assistant manager as the club battles Premier League relegation.
The Italian tactician was officially confirmed as the new Spurs boss on Tuesday afternoon.
He takes over following the departure of Igor Tudor, who endured a winless 44-day spell in charge in north London.
The incoming manager is reportedly set to earn between £12m and £15m annually.
World Cup winner targeted
In his first major backroom move, De Zerbi has reached out to his compatriot about joining the coaching staff.
Nesta won the 2006 World Cup and lifted the Champions League twice during a highly decorated playing career.
The 50-year-old has previously only operated as a head coach since retiring from professional football.
His most recent managerial stint ended in disappointment as Monza were relegated to Serie B after finishing 20th last season.
Relegation battle awaits
Tottenham are currently facing the serious threat of dropping out of the top flight.
The new coaching team will take charge of their first match away to Sunderland a week on Sunday.
De Zerbi acknowledges the immediate pressure facing his squad.
“Our short-term priority is to climb the Premier League table, which will be the complete focus until the final whistle of the last game of the season.”
“I’m looking forward to getting out on the training pitch and working with these players to achieve that.”
Despite the precarious league position, the new manager’s contract reportedly does not include a relegation release clause.
Spurs also considered Edin Terzic, Marco Rose and former caretaker Ryan Mason before securing their primary target.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that Iran will participate in the upcoming World Cup and play their group-stage fixtures in the United States as originally scheduled.
The participation of the Middle Eastern nation had been in doubt due to the ongoing US-Israel war involving Iran.
Earlier this month, the Iranian football federation revealed it was in negotiations with world football’s governing body to relocate matches to Mexico.
“Iran will be at the World Cup. We’re delighted because they’re a very, very strong team.”
Gianni Infantino
Geopolitical tensions threaten fixtures
Group stage opponents for the Asian side include New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 and 21 June, followed by Egypt in Seattle five days later.
The tournament is being co-hosted across North America by the US, Canada and Mexico, with the opening fixtures commencing on 11 June.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had offered to accommodate the relocated games, but the Swiss football chief remains adamant the original draw will be respected.
“The matches will be played where they are supposed to be, according to the draw.”
Gianni Infantino
Political figures weigh in on safety
Infantino recently attended a comprehensive 5-0 friendly victory for the Iranian squad against Costa Rica in Turkey to personally assess the situation.
“I’ve seen the team, I’ve spoken to the players and the coach, so everything is fine.”
Gianni Infantino
US President Donald Trump recently stated on social media that the visiting nation would be welcome, before controversially suggesting they should withdraw for their own safety.
Those remarks prompted a swift rebuke from Tehran, with officials arguing the host nation should forfeit their place in the tournament instead.
Further casting doubt on the logistical reality, Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth Ahmad Donyamali indicated his country was not currently in a position to participate.
Tottenham Hotspur have reported a significant financial loss of £94.7m for their latest accounting period, driven by a drop in broadcasting revenues following poor domestic performances.
The North London club released their latest accounts revealing the steep deficit for the financial year ending 30 June.
This figure represents a dramatic increase from two years ago, when the Premier League side recorded a much smaller loss of £26.2m.
The £94.7m shortfall includes mandatory deductions for depreciation, amortisation, player trading, interest, and taxation.
Broadcasting revenue hit by domestic struggles
Underwhelming campaigns across both the men’s and women’s setups have directly impacted the organisation’s overall financial health.
A failure to secure consistent top-tier European football has severely restricted lucrative television and media income streams.
The absence of regular Champions League participation continues to be a major financial hurdle for the club hierarchy to navigate.
Profitability rules under the spotlight
English top-flight teams remain under intense scrutiny regarding the division’s strict Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
While these latest figures paint a challenging picture, Spurs have traditionally maintained a strong standing within financial fair play regulations.
Supporters will now be watching closely to see how these ongoing fiscal constraints might influence future transfer market activity.