Ürkiye secured a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, defeating Kosovo 1-0 in their UEFA playoff final at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri in Pristina to end a 24-year absence from football's biggest stage, APA reports citing Türkiye Today.
It is Türkiye's third World Cup appearance, following previous campaigns in 1954 and 2002.
Kerem Akturkoglu scored the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute, finishing from close range after being played in by Orkun Kokcu. The result condemned Kosovo to defeat in what would have been the nation's first-ever World Cup appearance.
A goalless first half with few clear openings
The opening 45 minutes were competitive but short on clear chances. Hakan Calhanoglu had efforts blocked in the 10th and 33rd minutes, while Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric saved well from Fisnik Asllani in the 29th minute, with the hosts' striker also heading wide from a corner in the 23rd. Vedat Muriqi missed a straightforward opportunity for Kosovo shortly before the break. Both sides went into halftime level.
