Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Tuesday, 31 March 2026 23:43 / Updated Tuesday, 31 March 2026 23:44
The national team of Turkey defeated Kosovo, score 1-0, in the final of the World Championship qualification play-off, played in Pristina. The only goal of the game was scored by Kerem Akturkoglu, in the 53rd minute.
The team prepared by Vincenzo Montella thus returns to a final World Championship tournament after a break of 24 years, with 4 less than Romania, and will perform in Group C, alongside the USA, Paraguay and Australia.
Kosovo dominated the first half, but Turkey struck after the break
The first half belonged to the hosts, who controlled the game and created their most important chances. In the 23rd minute, Asllani sent a dangerous pass in front of the goal, but the Turkish goalkeeper was alert and saved.
Kosovo's best chance came in the 28th minute: Asllani's long-range shot was deflected onto the crossbar by Ugurcan Cakir, and Vedat Muriqi failed to capitalize on the rebound. Turkey responded on the counter-attack, and in the 32nd minute they came very close to opening the scoring, but Akturkoglu missed from an ideal position, after a phase created by Kenan Yıldız.
Akturkoglu decided the qualification
After the break, the game changed completely and Turkey took control. The decisive goal came in the 53rd minute: Yildiz made an excellent pass in the center, Orkun Kokcu extended and Akturkoglu finished from close range. Until the end, Montella's formation managed the advantage, defending organized and relying on counter-attacks, without giving clear opportunities to the hosts.
Historic comeback for Turkey, shattered dream for Kosovo
The success in Pristina marks Turkey's first World Cup qualification since the 2002 edition, when they managed a remarkable performance, reaching the semi-finals. On the other hand, Kosovo misses the chance of a historic qualification, although it was coming after an excellent run and very good form at home, where it had lost only one match in the last 12 games before this duel.
FINAL » Kosovo – Turkey 0-1
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mark: Akturkoglu 53'
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broadcasting: Digi Sport 1
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Min. 87: Asllani shoots excellently on the ground, but goalkeeper Cakir rejects the ball in the corner.
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Min. 53: Akturkoglu opens the score for Turkey, after a phase coming from the left flank. Yildiz passes excellently in the center, Kokcu extends for Akturkoglu, who has only one formality to complete and scores.
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Min. 32: Turkey escapes on the counterattack and goes wide to open the scoring. After a nice break from Yildiz, who passes to Akturkoglu with an empty net, he makes a grab and is dispossessed.
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Min. 28: Big opportunity for Kosovo! Asllani shoots from about 25 yards out and Cakir manages to deflect the ball, enough to send it onto the crossbar. Muriqi then appears, but embarrassed by an opponent, sends the ball wide of the goal.
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Min. 27: Kokcu sends a shot from distance and the ball misses the left post of the goal.
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Min. 23: Kosovo has an opportunity to score, but Asllani's pass in front of the goal is caught by the Turkish goalkeeper.
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Min. 19: Turkey call for a foul after a sliding tackle where the Kosovo defender fails to recover the ball. The “central” dictates nothing, and the game is allowed to continue.
Kosovo – Turkey, starting teams:
Kosovo (4-4-2): Muric – Gallapeni, Hajdari, Hajrizi, Dellova – Muslija, Rexhbecaj, Hodza, Vojvoda – Muriqi, Asllani
reserves: Bekaj, Saipi – Hadergjonaj, Aliti, I. Krasniqi, Rashica, Rrahmani, Zhegrova, Berisha, E. Krasniqi, Emerllahu, Zabergja
Coach: Franco Foda
Turkey (4-2-3-1): Cakir – Kabak, Bardakci, Kadioglu, Celik – Calhanoglu, Yuksek – Kokcu, Guler, Yildiz – Akturkoglu
reserves: Gunok, Bayindir – Elmali, Akaydin, Ozcan, Yilmaz, Gul, Kahveci, Muldur, Karazor, Akgun, Ayhar
Coach: Vincenzo Montella
