World Cup playoffs
After 24 years: Türkiye qualified for the World Cup again – Kosovo is in mourning
Updated April 1, 2026 – 7:41 amReading time: 2 minutes
A very exciting game quickly develops in Pristina with chances on both sides. Shortly after the break the scene of the game occurs. The final phase will be dramatic.
Celebrations on the Bosphorus: Turkey has qualified for a World Cup finals for the first time in 24 years. In the decisive playoff game, national coach Vincenzo Montella’s team won 1-0 (0-0) at Kosovo. Turkey last took part in a World Cup in 2002 and surprisingly came third at the tournament in Japan and South Korea.
In a highly exciting game, Kerem Aktürkoğlu scored the goal on Tuesday evening that sent Turkey to the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico (53rd). In Group D, in addition to hosts USA, we also face Australia and Paraguay.
The guests celebrated the end of their torturous period of suffering with a storm, because a whole generation of fans have so far only known the role of spectators at the World Cup. For Kosovo, however, a remarkable run is coming to an end. The 4-3 defeat in Slovakia in the semi-finals was already a sensation for the small country.
However, attacker Fisnik Asllani had decided to lead his team to a World Cup for the first time in Pristina. The Hoffenheim striker played well and had the best chance of the first half: he hit the crossbar with his long-range shot (29′).
The Turks, who thus completed their third World Cup participation after 1954 and 2002, were at least equal and were hoping for another stroke of genius from Arda Güler. The Real Madrid star decided the semi-final against Romania (1-0) with a dream pass. In the end, it was Aktürkoğlu who, with a bit of luck, pushed the ball over the line.
