Turkey qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 1-0 play-off final win over Kosovo, thanks to Kerem Akturkoglu’s decisive second-half goal

Turkey have qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a narrow 1-0 victory over Kosovo in Pristina on Tuesday.

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The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when Kerem Akturkoglu diverted a shot from Orkun Kokcu into the net.

The win ended Kosovo’s dream of a first-ever World Cup appearance and sealed Turkey’s return to the tournament for the first time since 2002.

Turkey last reached the semi-finals in 2002, making this qualification a major milestone for the national team.

Players celebrated at full-time with captain Hakan Calhanoglu leading emotional scenes in front of travelling supporters.

Stars like Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz also joined the celebrations after a hard-fought victory.

Head coach Vincenzo Montella guided Turkey through a strong qualifying campaign, finishing second in their group behind Spain.

Turkey had earlier beaten Romania in the play-offs to reach the final stage against Kosovo.

The match remained tight, with limited chances, before Turkey struck early in the second half.

A clever move involving Yildiz and Kokcu set up Akturkoglu for the decisive touch.

Kosovo, ranked 78th in the world, came into the match chasing a historic breakthrough after impressive qualifying wins.

However, Turkey’s experience and composure proved decisive in a tense encounter.

Turkey will now compete in Group D at the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.

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Their opening match is scheduled against Australia in Vancouver on June 13.