15.11.2025 22:00
The Turkish National Football Team defeated Bulgaria 2-0 at home in the 5th week match of Group E in the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers. With this result, the crescent-stars secured a spot in the top two positions of the group, earning the right to play in the playoffs.
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The Turkish National Football Team faced Bulgaria in the 5th week match of Group E in the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers. The match, played at Bursa Metropolitan Municipality Stadium, ended with Turkey winning 2-0.
KEREM'S SHOT MISSED THE GOAL
In the 12th minute, during the national team's attack from the left side, Kenan Yıldız passed his opponent and entered the penalty area. In Kenan's pass, Kerem Aktürkoğlu's shot from just in front of the six-yard box went out of bounds.
WE ARE AHEAD WITH HAKAN ÇALHANOĞLU
In the 16th minute, the crescent-star team won a penalty. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who took the free kick from outside the penalty area, aimed directly at the goal. The ball hit the wall. The referee determined that there was a handball in the position and awarded a penalty. In the 18th minute, Hakan Çalhanoğlu took the penalty, sending the goalkeeper Mitov and the ball to opposite corners.
STUNNING SAVE BY THE GOALKEEPER
In the 22nd minute, the national team came very close to the second goal. In Hakan Çalhanoğlu's pass, Kerem Aktürkoğlu met the ball at the front line of the penalty area, and his elegant shot was deflected by goalkeeper Mitov, who reached out to his left at the last moment, sending the ball to a corner.
JUST OUTSIDE THE GOAL
In the 56th minute of the match, during a fast attack we developed, Oğuz Aydın brought the ball from the right wing. In his cross, Kerem headed the ball, which went just over the top and out.
THE LEAD INCREASED TO TWO IN BURSA
In the 83rd minute of the match, Turkey found the second goal they were looking for. In the free kick taken by Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Bulgarian player Atanas Chernev accidentally sent the ball into his own net with a misdirected shot.
THE CRESCENT-STAR TEAM HAS GUARANTEED THE PLAY-OFF
No other goals were scored in the remaining time of the match, and our national team won. With this result, the crescent-star team raised their points to 12, guaranteeing a top-two finish in the group and earning the right to play in the play-offs. Bulgaria remained at 0 points. In the last match of the group, Turkey will visit Spain away, while Bulgaria will host Georgia at home.
THE ONLY CHANCE TO FINISH FIRST IN THE GROUP
If our National Team defeats Spain by a margin of 7 goals in the last match, they will finish the group as leaders and gain direct qualification for the World Cup. If our team finishes second in the group, they will enter the play-off matches to qualify for the World Cup.
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