01.04.2026 00:46
Our national football team secured a World Cup ticket after 24 years by defeating Kosovo 1-0 away in the final of the playoff round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers.
The Kosovo national team faced our A National Football Team in the playoff final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers. Turkey won the match played at Fadil Vokrri Stadium with a score of 1-0.
FIRST DANGEROUS ATTACK FROM TURKEY
In the 10th minute, the ball that Kosovo's defense wanted to clear remained with Hakan Çalhanoğlu. In this player's shot, the ball, which was intervened by the defense, was hit by Kenan Yıldız from a close distance in the left diagonal of the penalty area, and the ball that the defense blocked went just over the crossbar for a corner.
ORKUN'S MAGNIFICENT SHOT JUST WENT WIDE
In the 27th minute, Orkun Kökçü, who met the ball in the left diagonal outside the penalty area, immediately aimed for the goal. In this player's powerful shot, the ball went just wide of the post.
WE MISSED A CLEAR OPPORTUNITY
In the 33rd minute, Kenan Yıldız, who moved for a long pass from the defense, evaded his opponent and reached the end line inside the penalty area. In this player's cross in front of the goal area, Kerem Aktürkoğlu adjusted and shot, but the defense intervened at the last moment to prevent the goal.
WE STARTED THE SECOND HALF WITH A GOAL
Our A National Team started the second half with a goal. In the 53rd minute of the match, Kenan's pass from the left wing was struck by Orkun, directing the ball towards the goal, and the final touch was made by Kerem, sending the ball into the net.
SUCCESSIVE DANGERS FROM KOSOVO
In the 81st minute, Florent Muslija intervened in a lost ball and shot from behind the penalty arc, but the ball went wide. In the 87th minute, Fisnik Asllani, who found the ball brought by Edon Zhegrova in front of him on the penalty arc, made a low shot to the right corner, and goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır deflected the ball for a corner.
24-YEAR LONGING IS OVER: WE ARE IN THE WORLD CUP!
No other goals were scored in the remaining part of the match, and our A National Football Team won the match. With this result, the crescent-starred team ended a 24-year longing since their last participation in the 2002 World Cup and secured a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Kosovo, on the other hand, bid farewell to their World Cup dreams.
OUR RIVALS IN THE WORLD CUP
Ending a long yearning, our national team will be in Group D of the World Cup. The crescent-starred team will face the USA, Australia, and Paraguay in the group.