Turkey ends a 24-year wait for the World Cup after a hard-fought victory over Kosovo, with key contributions from players and emotional reactions from the coach.
Turkey secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Kosovo in a playoff match held in Pristina. The win marks their return to the tournament for the first time since 2002, when they finished third.
Match Details and Key Moments
Kerem Akturkoglu scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a cross from Kenan Yildiz that was redirected by Orkun Kokcu. Turkey faced a tough challenge from Kosovo, riding their luck at times during the game at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium.
Despite the pressure, Turkey's defense held firm, ensuring they advanced to the World Cup group stage. The team, ranked 22nd by FIFA, relied on a mix of young talents like Real Madrid's Arda Guler and Juventus' Kenan Yildiz, alongside experienced players such as captain Hakan Calhanoglu.
Akturkoglu expressed his emotions after the game, telling Turkish media that qualifying felt like a dream realized for a generation that barely remembered the 2002 success. He highlighted the team's aspiration to make the country proud in 2026.
Reactions and Celebrations
Coach Vincenzo Montella described the qualification as an incredible feeling, stating to Turkish state news agency Anadolu that he wouldn't trade his players for anything. Montella, who has been offered Turkish citizenship, emphasized his deep connection to the team and country.
Celebrations erupted across Turkey following the win, with fans taking to the streets, waving flags, and honking car horns. The Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu had previously linked Montella's potential citizenship to this achievement.
In the 2026 tournament, Turkey will compete in Group D against Australia, Paraguay, and co-hosts the United States, with the event also hosted by Canada and Mexico. Turkey's past World Cup appearances include a group-stage exit in 1954 and a bronze medal in 2002, where they defeated South Korea in the third-place playoff.
Montella also commended Kosovo for their strong performance, noting the friendly relations between the two nations and expressing regret that they could not both advance. This qualification adds to Turkey's history in major tournaments, including semifinal runs in the European Championships.
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