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Ürkiye secured a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, defeating Kosovo 1-0 in their UEFA playoff final at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri in Pristina to end a 24-year absence from football's biggest stage. It is Türkiye's third World Cup appearance, following previous campaigns in 1954 and 2002.
Kerem Akturkoglu scored the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute, finishing from close range after being played in by Orkun Kokcu. The result condemned Kosovo to defeat in what would have been the nation's first-ever World Cup appearance.
The opening 45 minutes were competitive but short on clear chances. Hakan Calhanoglu had efforts blocked in the 10th and 33rd minutes, while Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric saved well from Fisnik Asllani in the 29th minute, with the hosts' striker also heading wide from a corner in the 23rd. Vedat Muriqi missed a straightforward opportunity for Kosovo shortly before the break. Both sides went into halftime level.
Akturkoglu's goal shortly after the restart gave Türkiye the lead they would not relinquish. Kosovo responded by introducing Edon Zhegrova in the 71st minute, but could not fashion a clear equalizer. Kenan Yildiz came close to doubling Türkiye's advantage in the 63rd minute, drawing a strong save from Muric. The visitors managed the remainder of the match without serious alarm, though yellow cards for Calhanoglu, Ismail Yuksek and Zeki Celik reflected the match's physical edge.
Türkiye's last World Cup appearance, in 2002, remains the country's most successful, with the side finishing third in South Korea and Japan. The 2026 tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19. Türkiye were drawn into Group D prior to Tuesday's match and will face the United States, Paraguay and Australia, with games scheduled in Los Angeles, Santa Clara and Vancouver.
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