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Türkiye’s national football team will face Kosovo in the European playoff final on Tuesday, with a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line in a winner-takes-all clash.
The match kicks off at 6:45 p.m. GMT at Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina.
English referee Michael Oliver will officiate, assisted by Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring, while Christopher Kavanagh will serve as the fourth official.
The winner will secure qualification for the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico between Jun. 11 and Jul. 19.
The fixture carries added historical weight for both sides. Türkiye is aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2002, when it finished third, its best result in the tournament. The country has qualified for the World Cup three times, while Kosovo is seeking its first-ever appearance.
Türkiye reached the playoff final after defeating Romania 1-0 in the semifinal, while Kosovo advanced with a 4-3 victory over Slovakia. If the match ends level after 90 minutes, it will go to extra time. A penalty shootout will follow if neither side can find a winner after two 15-minute periods.
The playoff winner will be placed in Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay and Australia.
Türkiye’s squad includes goalkeepers Altay Bayindir, Mert Gunok, Muhammed Sengezer and Ugurcan Cakir. The defensive line features Merih Demiral, Zeki Celik and Ferdi Kadioglu, while midfield options include Hakan Calhanoglu and Orkun Kokcu. In the attack, Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz and Kerem Akturkoglu are among the key names.
Kosovo’s squad, named by head coach Franco Foda, includes goalkeeper Arijanet Muric, defenders Florent Hadergjonaj and Mergim Vojvoda, midfielders Valon Berisha and Edon Zhegrova, and forwards Vedat Muriqi and Milot Rashica.
Kosovo head coach Franco Foda said his team earned its place in the playoff final and described the matchup against Türkiye as evenly balanced.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Pristina, Foda highlighted the quality in Türkiye’s squad, pointing to players such as Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz and Hakan Calhanoglu. "We deserve to be here. Our chances are 50-50. I believe it will be a good match," he said.
Foda noted that Türkiye builds attacks through short passing and said his side plans to respond with counterattacks after winning possession, adding that his team is prepared for all scenarios, including extra time and penalties.
He also pointed to strong local support in Pristina, saying the atmosphere around the match reflects high motivation, while emphasizing that playing at home is a key advantage for Kosovo.
Forward Vedat Muric, who previously played in Türkiye, said the match carries special significance but stressed that national duty comes first, adding that Kosovo will do everything possible to secure a result.
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