Türkiye end 24-year world cup drought with playoff win
Türkiye ended a 24-year absence from the FIFA World Cup with a narrow 1–0 victory over Kosovo in the UEFA playoff final in Pristina.
The decisive goal came in the 53rd minute, when Kerem Aktürkoğlu finished off a quick counterattack set up by Kenan Yıldız and Orkun Kökçü. Kosovo pushed hard for an equalizer, but goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır made key saves to secure the win.
At full time, players celebrated with coach Vincenzo Montella, while fans across Türkiye and many Balkan countries marked the long-awaited qualification.
It will be Türkiye’s first World Cup appearance since their historic third-place finish in 2002. After years of disappointment, a new generation featuring Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız and captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu has revived the team’s fortunes.
Türkiye now turn their focus to a challenging Group D, where they will face the United States, Australia and Paraguay.
48 Teams to compete
All 48 teams set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, have now been confirmed.
The final two spots were secured through intercontinental playoffs by DR Congo and Iraq. DR Congo defeated Jamaica 1–0 in extra time with a goal from Axel Tuanzebe, qualifying for their first World Cup since 1974. Iraq beat Bolivia 2–1, with goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein.
From Europe, Türkiye, Sweden, Czechia and Bosnia and Herzegovina also booked their places after the playoff stage.
The tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, will take place from June 11 to July 19. Group D includes the United States, Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye, setting up a competitive stage for the expanded competition.
Groups confirmed
The group stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time, has been finalized.
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czechia
Group B: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19.
