Turkey have qualified for their first World Cup in 24 years after Kerem Aktürkoğlu scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Kosovo in their play-off.
The win ends a run of five failed attempts to reach the tournament since their third-place finish in 2002. Turkey will now join Australia, Paraguay, and co-hosts the United States in Group C this summer.
In a tense match in Pristina, Kenan Yildiz set up Orkun Kokcu, whose mis-hit shot fell to Fenerbahce striker Aktürkoğlu, who finished at the back post in the 53rd minute. Kosovo nearly scored earlier, hitting the bar, but Turkey held on to secure their spot.
Led by stars Arda Güler and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Turkey were heavy favourites and will make their third World Cup appearance, building on recent success at the 2024 Euros, where they reached the quarter-finals.
