The Japan Times - Turkey qualify for World Cup with play-off win over Kosovo

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Turkey qualify for World Cup with play-off win over Kosovo / Photo: Armend NIMANI - AFP

Turkey qualify for World Cup with play-off win over Kosovo

SPORTS 31.03.2026

Turkey qualified for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday after Kerem Akturkoglu's goal secured a 1-0 win away to Kosovo in their European play-off final, shattering their hosts' dream of appearing at the tournament for the first time.

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Akturkoglu diverted Orkun Kokcu's shot into the net in the 53rd minute in Pristina for the only goal of the game, ensuring Turkey will go to their first World Cup since reaching the semi-finals in 2002.

Their players, including captain Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter Milan, Real Madrid's Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz of Juventus, waved giant Turkish flags as they went across to celebrate at full-time in front of the travelling support.

Vincenzo Montella's team will go into Group D at the World Cup, along with co-hosts the United States, Paraguay and Australia. They will begin their campaign against Australia in Vancouver on June 13.

Turkey shaded a close-fought game low on goalmouth action and secured victory early in the second half as a Yildiz cutback from the left was met by Kokcu before Fenerbahce striker Akturkoglu made sure.

Montella's side are ranked 22nd in the world and reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2024, but this will only be Turkey's third ever appearance at the World Cup -- they went to the 1954 tournament before coming third 24 years ago in South Korea and Japan.

They finished second in European qualifying Group E behind Spain, holding the Spanish to a draw away from home, before beating Romania 1-0 at home in their play-off semi-final last week.

Kosovo, ranked 78th, were targeting a first ever World Cup appearance, having only been accepted as FIFA members a decade ago.

They had finished second behind Switzerland in qualifying Group B, notably beating Sweden home and away, before coming from behind twice to defeat Slovakia 4-3 away in the semi-finals.

K.Nakajima--JT