Turkey Ends 24-Year World Cup Drought with Victory Over Kosovo

PRISTINA, March 31: Turkey ended a 24-year wait to qualify for the World Cup by beating Kosovo 1-0 in their playoff final on Tuesday.

Forward Kerem Akturkoglu scored the only goal in the 53rd minute, turning the ball in from close range after Orkun Kokcu's shot.

Turkey, ranked 25th in the world, had fallen short in qualifying campaigns over the past two decades. Coach Vincenzo Montella led a squad blending emerging talents and experienced internationals.

For Kosovo, ranked 79th and playing in front of a sold-out crowd, the defeat marked the end of a historic run-less than a decade after joining FIFA and UEFA.

The hosts pushed forward in the closing stages, creating chances, but could not beat Turkey goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.

Turkey will face Australia, Paraguay, and co-hosts the United States in Group D of the World Cup. The tournament will also be hosted by Canada and Mexico.