Türkiye secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Romania in World Cup European playoff action, putting them one step closer to their first World Cup appearance since 2002. Ferdi Kadioglu capitalized on a perfect assist from 21-year-old Real Madrid winger Arda Güler shortly after halftime. The win sets up a meeting with either Slovakia or Kosovo for a spot in soccer's biggest tournament.

Romania's elimination means 80-year-old coach Mircea Lucescu, who captained Romania at the 1970 World Cup, won't get a chance to coach at the tournament. Türkiye, led by captain Hakan Çalhanoglu, reached the Euro 2024 quarterfinals under Vincenzo Montella. Romania's Nicolae Stanciu hit the post in the second half but couldn't find the equalizer.

Four-time champion Italy faces Northern Ireland later Thursday under pressure to avoid missing a third straight World Cup. Sixteen teams compete across four playoff paths for four remaining spots. The winners of next week's finals will join the qualified teams in North America. Türkiye now stands on the brink of ending their 22-year World Cup absence.