Turkey and Sweden book World Cup 2026 places as Kosovo and Poland bow out | Soccer News

Turkey beat Kosovo 1-0, and Sweden beat Poland 3-2 as winners secured the latest qualifying places for FIFA World Cup 2026.

Turkey ended a 24-year wait to qualify for the World Cup by beating Kosovo 1-0 in their play-off final, marking a return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 2002.

Forward Kerem Akturkoglu scored the only goal in the 53rd minute to wrap up a tense game in Pristina on Tuesday, where the hosts were hoping to reach their first ever World Cup.

Turkey, ranked 25th in the world, have fallen short in qualifying campaigns over the past two decades and have come under pressure to deliver, with coach Vincenzo Montella overseeing a squad that combines emerging talents and experienced internationals.

For Kosovo, ranked 79th and playing in front of a sell-out crowd, the defeat ended a remarkable run that had taken them ‌to the brink of a historic debut at a major tournament, less than a decade after joining FIFA and UEFA.

Gyokeres drives Sweden past Poland

Sweden beat Poland ⁠3-2 to book their ticket to the World Cup, as Viktor Gyokeres struck two minutes from ⁠time to decide a furious qualifying play-off final.

Anthony Elanga’s opener for Sweden was canceled out by Nicola Zalewski’s equaliser, but Gustaf Lagerbielke’s 44th-minute strike restored the hosts’ advantage and ensured they went into the break ahead.

Despite Karol Swiderski drawing the visitors level again shortly after the break, Gyokeres made use of a late goalmouth scramble to score the winner at his feet.

The result earned Sweden a place in Group F for the 2026 World Cup alongside the Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia, marking their first appearance at the ‌tournament‌ since 2018.