Kosovo vs Türkiye
Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri
M. Oliver
2026
Match Report
Turkey are heading to the World Cup for the first time since 2002 after Kerem Aktürkoglu struck the only goal in a tense 1-0 playoff final victory over Kosovo in Pristina on Tuesday night. The forward's 53rd-minute finish — a cool right-footed effort from close range after a slick assist from Orkun Kökçü — was all that separated the sides.
The first half had ended goalless, with a sold-out Fadil Vokrri Stadium roaring Kosovo forward in search of a historic first-ever World Cup appearance. But Aktürkoglu silenced the home crowd early in the second half, and Turkey held firm despite late pressure.
For Kosovo, it's a heartbreaking end to a remarkable playoff run that included a thrilling 4-3 win over Slovakia in the semis. For Turkey, it's a date with the United States, Paraguay, and Australia in Group D this summer.
Match Events
45+1'
A. Hajdari(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
45+1'
K. Akturkoglu(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
53'
55'
I. Yuksek(Tripping)
65'
H. Calhanoglu(Tripping)
70'
Z. Celik(Tripping)
71'
80'
80'
83'
F. Muslija(Foul)
83'
90'
U. Cakir(Delay of game)
90+1'
90+1'
M. Rashica(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
(Unsportsmanlike conduct)A. Hajdari
45+1'
45+1'
K. Akturkoglu(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
53'
55'
I. Yuksek(Tripping)
65'
H. Calhanoglu(Tripping)
70'
Z. Celik(Tripping)
80'
(Foul)F. Muslija
83'
83'
90'
U. Cakir(Delay of game)
90+1'
(Unsportsmanlike conduct)M. Rashica
90+1'
Statistics
43%Possession57%
11Shots12
2Shots on Target2
3Corners2
12Fouls10
1Offsides2
3Yellow Cards5
365Passes503
1Saves2
Head to Head
0
Kosovo wins
0
Draws
4
Türkiye wins
Goals: 2 - 13