Turkey reach first World Cup since 2002
Kosovo 0 - 1 Turkey
Turkey reached their first World Cup in 24 years as Kerem Akturkoglu’s goal secured a narrow play-off victory over Kosovo.
Author | Jack L
Stadium | Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri
They had not qualified since finishing third at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but will now take their place in Group C this summer alongside Australia, Paraguay and co-hosts the United States.
In a tense encounter in Pristina, Kenan Yildiz cut the ball back for Orkun Kokcu, whose mis-hit effort was turned in at the back post by the Fenerbahce forward Akturkoglu in the 53rd minute.
Kosovo, seeking a first major tournament since joining FIFA and UEFA in 2016, went close before the break when Ugurcan Cakir tipped Fisnik Asllani’s strike onto the crossbar.
Turkey, who managed only one other shot on target, held on to secure their third World Cup appearance and end a run of five successive failed qualification campaigns.
— TĂĽrkiye #BizimÇocuklar 🇹🇷 (@MilliTakimlar) March 31, 2026
How Turkey returned to the biggest stage
Four years ago they came close, reaching the play-off semi-finals before losing to Portugal national football team.
They had won four of their opening six qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but missed out on automatic qualification to Spain national football team, who finished three points clear at the top of the group.
A 1-0 win over Romania, aided by Brighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu, in the Path C semi-final set up this decisive meeting in Kosovo.
Led by Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu, Turkey were the clear favourites, ranked 23rd in the world, 55 places above their opponents.
They will also arrive in the United States with some recent tournament pedigree, having reached the quarter-finals of UEFA Euro 2024, where they were beaten by the Netherlands.
