Turkey Secures Historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification After 24-Year Wait

Ankara. Turkey has secured its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026, ending a 24-year wait. With a hard-fought 1–0 victory in the decisive play-off match against Kosovo, Turkey has earned the opportunity to play in the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

Having finished third in the 2002 World Cup, Turkey had failed in the five subsequent qualifying campaigns. Now, in the World Cup to be held this year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Turkey will be in Group 'C', where they will compete against Australia, Paraguay, and hosts the United States.

In the tense match held in Pristina, Kerem Akturkoglu scored the decisive goal in the 53rd minute. After Orkun Kokcu's shot from Kenan Yildiz's pass went off target, Fenerbahce striker Akturkoglu capitalized on the opportunity to find the back of the net from close range.

Kosovo missed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the first half. Kosovo's Fisnik Asllani's shot was saved by Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, with the ball hitting the bar and going out. Although Turkey did not show a particularly aggressive game throughout, that single goal by Akturkoglu was enough to reach the World Cup.

For Kosovo, which received FIFA and UEFA membership in 2016, this was a historic opportunity to qualify for their first major tournament. Finishing just three points behind Switzerland in the qualifying round, Kosovo had secured their meeting with Turkey by defeating Slovakia 4–3 in a thrilling play-off semi-final.

However, 78th-ranked Kosovo failed to break down the defense of 23rd-ranked Turkey. Featuring Real Madrid star Arda Guler and Inter Milan's Hakan Calhanoglu, Turkey was considered the favorite to win before the match.

Previously, Turkey was eliminated after losing to Portugal in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. This time, the coach's strategy and the excellent performance of the young players have made Turkey successful.

Having reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 Euro Cup, Turkey has been maintaining its momentum recently. On the other hand, the dream of the Balkan nation of Kosovo, which became independent from Serbia in 2008, to play in the World Cup for the first time remained narrowly unfulfilled.