Turkey beats Kosovo to reach the World Cup
Kosovo host Turkey in the UEFA World Cup playoff final on March 31, 2026, with the winner earning a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Turkey defeated Kosovo 1-0 on Tuesday in the UEFA World Cup playoff final at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, clinching a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Kerem Aktürkoğlu scored the game’s only goal early in the second half, tapping in from close range after a scuffed shot from Orkun Kökçü.
Turkey has reached the World Cup for the first time since 2002, having failed to qualify for five straight before the current cycle.
The Crescent Stars will go into Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay and Australia.
53′ – Goal! Turkey takes the lead
Kerem Aktürkoglu puts Turkey ahead with a right-footed shot from close range into the bottom right corner. The goal came off an assist from Orkun Kökçü, who set him up perfectly in front of goal.
70′ – Yellow card for Turkey
Zeki Çelik is booked for a reckless foul on an opponent. The referee issues the yellow to stop the aggressive play.
Turkey secured a 1-0 win over Kosovo, who fought until the end but couldn’t find an equalizer. With this result, Turkey advances while Kosovo’s dream of the first World Cup comes up short.
Defeat ended Kosovo’s dream of a first World Cup appearance less than 10 years after they played their first ever World Cup qualifier.
The Balkan nation, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008, were allowed to play their first match by Fifa in March 2014 – a 0-0 draw with Haiti.
Their second was a 6-1 loss to Turkey.
Kosovo finished their qualifying group just three points behind Switzerland and an automatic spot at this summer’s World Cup.
It meant they faced Slovakia in their path C semi-final, winning a thrilling tie 4-3, but they were unable to break down Turkey in their historic winner-takes-all match.
