Turkey qualifies for the 2026 World Cup after 24 years
The Turkey has secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup after defeating Kosovo 1-0 in the decisive European playoffs held on Tuesday evening in Pristina.
Historic Return to the World Cup
This marks Turkey’s third participation in the World Cup, following its appearances in 1954 and 2002, ending a 24-year absence from the world’s greatest football competition.
The Decisive Goal
The only goal of the match was scored in the 53rd minute by Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who took advantage of a key assist from Orkun Kökçü, thus securing a spot for his team in the World Cup.
Kosovo nearly took the lead in the 30th minute, but Turkish goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır pulled off a spectacular save, deflecting a powerful shot from Visnik Asllani onto the crossbar.
Group and Upcoming Path
With this victory, Turkey joins Group D of the 2026 World Cup alongside the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.
It is worth recalling that Turkey’s best World Cup result remains its run to the semi-finals in 2002, a milestone in the history of Turkish football.
