Türkiye secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 1–0 away victory over Kosovo in the European qualifying play-off final, ending a 24-year absence from the tournament.
The decisive goal came in the 53rd minute when Kerem Aktürkoğlu converted from close range after a move initiated by Kenan Yıldız and Orkun Kökçü.
Türkiye held their advantage despite late pressure from Kosovo, with goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır making a crucial save in the 87th minute to deny a powerful strike from Asllani.
Kosovo also threatened earlier in the second half, but Türkiye’s defence remained organised, limiting clear chances and protecting the narrow lead.
The match saw several bookings, reflecting its high intensity, as Türkiye managed the game carefully in the closing stages.
Ranked 25th in the world, Türkiye had fallen short in qualifying campaigns over the past two decades and arrived under pressure to deliver, with coach Vincenzo Montella overseeing a squad blending emerging talents and experienced internationals.
"Emotionally I am at the top. I am incredibly proud. I wouldn't change my players for a thing. Anyone who does this job dreams of the World Cup, I am incredibly grateful to my players. We have achieved our dream," Montella told Anadolu agency.
"It is an incredible feeling, I cannot describe it in words. The World Cup is the pinnacle," he added.
With the result, Türkiye secured qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 2002, ending a 24-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
The U.S. rescued an airman missing from one of two warplanes downed in Iran, two U.S. officials said, as President...
Fuel leaked at Russia’s Baltic Sea port of Primorsk, while the NORSI oil refinery caught fire following drone attacks, Russian authorities sa...
Israeli airstrikes on the town of Kfar Hatta in Lebanon have reportedly killed six people and injured two, acco...
The United States rescued an airman caught behind lines after Iran shot down his F-15 fighter jet, the U.S. govern...
The family of the late Virginia Giuffre have urged King Charles III to meet survivors of sexual abuse during his upcoming state visit to the United...
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is traveling to Kosovo and Serbia to strengthen cooperation on security, addressing irregular migration, and combating serious organized crime.
Serbia has expressed concerns over the increasing military cooperation between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, formalized with the signing of a declaration in Tirana on Tuesday. Ministry of Foreign Affairs considered the military alliance as a "provocation".
Albania, Kosovo, and Croatia have signed the Trilateral Declaration on Military Alliance.
Kosovo arrests 8 suspects over an explosion targeting vital water and power supplies; PM labels it a "terrorist act," while Serbia denies involvement in the incident.
One U.S. crew member has been rescued after two American warplanes were downed over Iran and the Gulf, as the search continues for a missing pilot, while President Donald Trump has given Tehran 48 hours to agree to a deal to end the war.
The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote next week on a Bahraini resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and protect commercial shipping, diplomats said on Friday, amid opposition from China to any authorisation of force.
One crew member from a U.S. warplane shot down over Iran has been rescued, U.S. officials said, as a search continues for a second crew member.
The family of the late Virginia Giuffre have urged King Charles III to meet survivors of sexual abuse during his upcoming state visit to the United States.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reshuffled his cabinet on Friday (3 April) in a bid to contain a growing scandal over the alleged fraudulent use of European Union farm subsidies.
Fuel leaked at Russia’s Baltic Sea port of Primorsk, while the NORSI oil refinery caught fire following drone attacks, Russian authorities said on Sunday (5 April).
The family of the late Virginia Giuffre have urged King Charles III to meet survivors of sexual abuse during his upcoming state visit to the United States.
British police have arrested a fourth person in connection with an arson attack on ambulances belonging to a Jewish community charity. The arrest took place at a London court on Saturday, where three other suspects were already appearing.
Senegal has taken steps to curb government spending by banning non-essential foreign travel for ministers, as rising global oil prices place increasing pressure on the country’s finances.
Five people have been killed and 19 others injured in a Russian drone strike on a market in the front-line Ukrainian city of Nikopol, Ukrainian officials say.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment