Turkey have ended a 24‑year absence from the World Cup by defeating Kosovo 1–0 in the European playoff final, securing their place at the 2026 finals for the first time since 2002. The victory in Pristina sparked celebrations across the country, as the “White Eagles” return to football’s biggest stage after missing the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups.
How the playoff was decided
Forward Kerem Aktürkoğlu scored the only goal of the match in the 53rd minute, turning home a cross at the near post to break the deadlock in a tense, tightly contested encounter. Kosovo pushed hard in the second half and early stages of extra time, but Turkey’s defence, marshalled by veteran centre‑back Merih Demiral, held firm to preserve the 1–0 result.
Back to the World Cup after decades
Turkey’s only previous World Cup appearance in the 21st century came in 2002, when they reached the semifinals and finished third; their 2026 berth marks a return to the global stage after a long qualification struggle. With a young spine led by Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız alongside experienced campaigners, coach Vincenzo Montella now eyes the 48‑team finals as a chance to reignite the national team’s profile on the world stage.
