Turkey Defeats Kosovo and Becomes the 44th Country to Qualify for the World Cup

With a goal from Kerem Aktürkoğlu in the 54th minute, the Turkey national team defeated Kosovo 1-0 in Pristina and secured their spot in the 2026 World Cup. After a 24-year absence since their last participation in Korea-Japan 2002, where they achieved a historic third place, the Ottomans are back on football’s biggest stage.

Although they dominated the first half and created clear chances, including a shot from Florent Muslija that hit the crossbar, the Balkan team lacked efficiency to break through Turkey’s defense. Turkey, more contained, relied on the talent of players like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, who managed the critical moments and kept the score level until the second half.

The second half started with a game-changing moment: Kerem Aktürkoğlu capitalized on a cross from Orkun Kökçü and scored a curling shot that barely crossed the line. After a VAR review, the goal was confirmed, unleashing Turkish celebrations and forcing Kosovo into a desperate push. Despite Kosovo’s efforts, the visitors held firm thanks to the outstanding performance of Ugurcan Çakır, who made crucial saves to maintain the lead. The closing minutes were tense, with Turkey slowing down the game and Kosovo pressing without success.

With this victory, Turkey becomes the 44th nation to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and will join Paraguay, Australia, and the United States in Group D. The Ottoman team, led by rising stars like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, will aim to replicate and surpass their 2002 achievement when they finished third. Kosovo, meanwhile, must wait and continue gaining experience for future tournaments, having come so close to a historic milestone in only their third World Cup qualification attempt.

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