Türkiye has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after 24 years!

The Turkish national team secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Kosovo 1-0 in the playoff final (Path C). The match took place on March 31, 2026, at Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina. The decisive goal was scored by Kerem Aktürkoğlu in the 53rd minute after a pass fr om Kenan Yıldız and a shot by Orkun Kökçü, with the ball rebounding to him for a precise finish. It was the only goal of the game.

Türkiye controlled the match confidently, especially in defense, and did not concede a single goal throughout the entire playoff campaign (the semi-final against Romania also ended 1-0). Goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır made several crucial saves. Coach Vincenzo Montella praised the team's character and discipline. Key players included Aktürkoğlu, Kökçü, Yıldız and others. Turkish media (Hürriyet, Fanatik and others) called it "the end of 24 years of longing" and "an epic story" ("Bizim Çocuklar Destan Yazdı", "Muhteşemsiniz Çocuklar!"). Fans celebrated on the streets of Istanbul and Ankara.

This is Türkiye’s third World Cup qualification in history (after 1954 and the legendary 2002 tournament, wh ere the team won bronze under Şenol Güneş). The "Lunar Stars" now have a new chance to make history.

Group D at the 2026 World Cup and Türkiye’s schedule The tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the USA, Canada and Mexico (expanded format with 48 teams). Turkey was drawn into a balanced Group D with the USA (co-host), Paraguay and Australia. Analysts believe Türkiye have realistic chances of advancing from the group if they maintain the same discipline and energy shown in the playoffs. The squad features young talents like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, along with experienced leaders such as Hakan Çalhanoğlu.

Approximate match schedule for Türkiye (times are approximate, check closer to the tournament for local times):

• June 13, 2026 — Türkiye vs Australia (Vancouver, Canada, BC Place)
• June 19–20, 2026 — Türkiye vs Paraguay (Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, USA)
• June 25, 2026 — Türkiye vs USA (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood / Los Angeles, USA)

Participation will bring Türkiye significant prize money from FIFA, a huge emotional boost for the country, and a strong impulse for Turkish football. The Turkish diaspora in the USA is already planning massive support in the stands.