Turkey ended a 24-year wait for FIFA World Cup qualification with a hard-fought victory over Kosovo in Pristina, marking a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

The decisive moment came early in the second half, as Kerem Akturkoglu calmly converted at the back post in the 53rd minute. The move was brilliantly orchestrated by Kenan Yildiz, whose precise delivery carved open the Kosovo defence and allowed the Fenerbahce forward to finish with confidence.

Despite entering the match as favourites, Turkey were far from dominant. Kosovo came closest to opening the scoring before the break, when Fisnik Asllani unleashed a powerful strike that was expertly tipped onto the crossbar by goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. It proved to be a pivotal moment in a tightly contested encounter.

In truth, Turkey managed just two shots on target throughout the match, but showed resilience and tactical discipline to protect their slender lead.

The result secures Turkey a place in Group C at the FIFA World Cup, where they will face Australia, Paraguay, and the United States.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

Kosovo - Türkiye 0:1 (0:0)
Goals: Aktürkoglu, 53 (0:1)

Kosovo: Muric A.; Dellova; Vojvoda (Zhegrova, 71); Gallapeni; Hajdari A. (Aliti, 80); Hodža (Rrahmani Al., 90); Rexhbecaj (Rashica, 80); Muslija; Hajrizi; Asllani F.; Muriqi
Substitution: Zhegrova (from 71); Aliti (from 80); Rashica (from 80); Rrahmani Al. (from 90)
Bench: Bekaj; Saipi; Hadergjonaj; Krasniqi I.; Emërllahu; Berisha Val.; Krasniqi Er.; Zabergja
Yellow Cards: Hajdari A. 45; Muslija 83; Rashica 90

Türkiye: Çakir U.; Çelik (Müldür, 89); Bardakçı; Kabak; Yüksek; Kökçü; Güler A. (Özcan Sa., 83); Çalhanoğlu (Elmali, 83); Aktürkoglu (Yılmaz B., 69); Kadioglu; Yildiz (Gül D., 89)
Substitution: Yılmaz B. (from 69); Elmali (from 83); Özcan Sa. (from 83); Müldür (from 89); Gül D. (from 89)
Bench: Günok; Bayındır; Akaydin; Ayhan; Kahveci I.; Karazor; Akgün Y.
Yellow Cards: Aktürkoglu 45; Yüksek 55; Çalhanoğlu 65; Çelik 70; Çakir U. 90