Türkiye defeat Kosovo in playoff to secure 2026 World Cup qualification
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.
