Tolkier secured a return to soccer’s biggest tournament for the first time since 2002, when they finished third.
When Turkiye finished third at the 2002 World Cup, few Turkish fans had any idea that it would be almost a quarter-century before their team next appeared in soccer’s showcase event.
So Turkiye’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday was met with joy and considerable relief, with a tense 1-0 win in the play-offs against Kosovo sparking wild celebrations among the players and the 700-strong traveling cheer squad.
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Back in Turkiye, people took to the streets to celebrate, many hanging from cars and waving flags while honking their horns.
Turkiye had some luck at times during the match at Pristina’s Fadil Vokri Stadium, but Kerem Akturkoglu clinched victory in the 53rd minute when Kenan Yildiz’s cross was deflected by Orkun Kokcu from close range.
“Thank God, it’s been 24 years. Some of us weren’t even born yet when we last qualified, others were too young to remember. We always dreamed of moments like this,” Akturkoglu told Turkish media.
“We talked about 2002 and the success there. We always dreamed of it. Most of us don’t even remember 2002. Now we give the next generation something to dream about with the 2026 World Cup. We want to make this country proud,” he added.
Translation: There are no words to describe the beauty of this video. One thing I can say is that we deserved this result and we will be in the World Cup!
Turkiye has only appeared in two FIFA World Cups. They were eliminated in the group stage in 1954, defeated co-host Japan in 2002, and narrowly lost 1-0 to eventual champions Brazil in the semi-finals.
Hakan Sukur scored the fastest goal in World Cup history just 11 seconds into the third-place match, and Turkiye won the bronze medal by defeating fellow co-host South Korea.
Since then, Tolkier, currently ranked 22nd in the FIFA world rankings, has repeatedly missed out on qualifying for the World Cup and been eliminated in the playoffs.
Expectations were high among Turkish fans for the campaign, as manager Vincenzo Montella has at his disposal a particularly talented squad that combines up-and-coming young stars such as Real Madrid’s Arda Güler and Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz with veteran players such as captain Hakan Calhanoglu.
“I’m very proud,” Montella told Turkish state news agency Anadolu.
“I wouldn’t change anything about the players. Everyone in this job dreams of a World Cup. I’m really grateful to the players. We achieved the dream.”
“It’s an incredible feeling. Words can’t describe it. The World Cup is the pinnacle.”
Australia, Paraguay and co-hosts the United States await Turkiye in Group D of the World Cup, which also hosts Canada and Mexico.
Tolkier has played in several European Championships over the past 20 years, including reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2008, but the importance of those tournaments pales in comparison to the World Cup.
Turkish Football Federation president Ibrahim Hasiosmanoglu even said that Montella would be granted Turkish citizenship if he qualified for the 2026 tournament, something the Italian coach mentioned in his post-match press conference.
“I feel like I am a Turk and every time I take a step I think like one. For me the passport is just a formality, I am always a Turk,” he said.
It was clear that Montella was loved by his players, who toppled him in celebration and doused him with water during a press conference.
Coach Montella also had kind words for Kosovo, praising Tolkier’s intense performance that pushed him to his limits.
“We are two friendly countries,” he said. “I wish I could have gone to the World Cup with them, they showed an unbelievable fight.”
Translation: A typical press conference!
