Turkiye ended a 24-year wait to qualify for the FIFA World Cup by beating Kosovo 1-0 in the play-off final on Tuesday, sealing a return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2002.
Striker Kerem Akturkoglu scored the only goal in the 53rd minute, turning the ball in from close range after Orkun Kokcu’s shot, following a driven run by Kenan Yildiz on the left.
Turkiye, ranked 25th in the world, had fallen short in qualifying campaigns over the past two decades and came under pressure to deliver results, with coach Vincenzo Montella overseeing a squad that combined emerging talents and experienced internationals.
For Kosovo, ranked 79th and playing in front of a sold-out crowd, the defeat ended a remarkable run that had brought the country to the brink of a historic debut at a major tournament less than a decade after joining FIFA and UEFA.
The hosts pushed forward in the closing stages, took risks in search of an equalizer and created several chances, but failed to beat Turkiye goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir as the visitors held on.
Turkiye will face Australia and Paraguay and co-host the United States in Group D of the World Cup. The tournament is also hosted by Canada and Mexico.
The Czech Republic beats Denmark on penalties to book their place in the World Cup
The Czech Republic secured their place at this year’s World Cup by beating Denmark 3-1 on penalties after an enthralling encounter in which they led in normal time and extra time on Tuesday.
Czech players celebrate after winning a penalty shootout at the end of the World Cup qualifier against Denmark. | Photo credit: AP
Czech players celebrate after winning a penalty shootout at the end of the World Cup qualifier against Denmark. | Photo credit: AP
The Czechs were put back to 1-1 at the end of the 90 minutes and to 2-2 after the extra period before winning the shootout to reach their first World Cup since 2006, delighting the home fans o6Yjs.
The hosts – who defeated Ireland in a play-off semi-final shootout last week – stunned Denmark when Pavel Sulc found the top corner with a first goal after three minutes.
The visitors leveled in the 72nd through a Joachim Andersen header, before Czech captain Ladislav Krejci and Denmark’s Kasper Hogh scored in extra time to send the match to penalties.
Published on April 1, 2026
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