Turkey secures 2026 World Cup spot with dramatic playoff victory over Kosovo
Turkey has secured a place at the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kosovo in their qualifying playoff final. The decisive match took place in Pristina, where Kerem Aktürkoğlu's second-half goal sealed the victory and sparked celebrations across Europe.
The winning moment came in the 53rd minute when Aktürkoğlu found the net, breaking the deadlock. His goal ensured Turkey's spot in the tournament, which will be hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Fans in Berlin erupted in celebration after the final whistle. Hundreds lined Kurfürstendamm, waving flags and driving in car convoys to mark the achievement. Some supporters set off fireworks and pyrotechnics, though incidents remained isolated. This will be Turkey's third World Cup appearance, following their debut in 1954 and a standout run in 2002. That year, they finished third after beating co-hosts South Korea in the playoff. Their last appearance saw them reach the semifinals, a record they will aim to match in 2026. Meanwhile, Kosovo and their German coach Franco Foda fell short of qualification, missing out on a chance to compete in the tournament.
Turkey's victory confirms their return to the World Cup stage after more than two decades. The team now prepares for the 2026 tournament, where they will look to build on their past successes. Fans have already begun celebrating, with more gatherings expected in the coming days.
