PRISTINA — Turkey secured a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup after defeating Kosovo 1-0 in their playoff final on Tuesday, ending a 24-year absence from football’s biggest tournament.

Forward Kerem Akturkoglu delivered the decisive moment in the 53rd minute, finishing from close range after a rebound from Orkun Kokcu’s attempt. The move was set up by a strong run down the left flank by Kenan Yildiz.

Akturkoglu expressed his emotions after the match, highlighting the significance of the achievement for a new generation of players.

“It has been 24 years. Some of us were not even born the last time we qualified, and some were too young to remember,” he said. “Now we want to give the next generation something to dream about at the 2026 World Cup and make our country proud.”

Ranked 25th in the world, Turkey entered the match under pressure after falling short in multiple qualifying campaigns over the past two decades. Head coach Vincenzo Montella has overseen a squad that blends emerging talents with experienced players, guiding them back to the global stage.

Montella praised his team’s effort and described the qualification as a dream fulfilled.

“I am incredibly proud of my players. Anyone in this job dreams of reaching the World Cup, and we have achieved that,” he said. “It is an incredible feeling. The World Cup is the pinnacle.”

Celebrations erupted across Turkey as fans filled the streets, waving flags and gathering in large numbers to mark the country’s third World Cup appearance and first since their historic semi-final run in 2002.

For Kosovo, ranked 79th, the defeat ended an impressive campaign that brought them close to a first-ever major tournament appearance. Playing in front of a sold-out home crowd, the hosts pushed for an equalizer in the closing stages but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.

Turkey will compete in Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they are set to face Australia, Paraguay, and co-hosts United States. The tournament will also be staged in Canada and Mexico. -Reporting by Ece ToksabayEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters