Türkiye secured its place at the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 victory over Kosovo in the European playoff final. Kerem Aktürkoglu scored the decisive goal early in the second half in Prishtina, sending Türkiye to its first World Cup since 2002 and ending Kosovo's hopes of reaching their first major tournament.

This victory places Türkiye in Group D alongside co-hosts the United States, Australia, and Paraguay. The team will open against Australia in Vancouver, face Paraguay in Santa Clara, California, and conclude group play against the U.S. at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood. Türkiye's previous World Cup appearance in 2002 ended with a surprising semifinal run and third-place finish.

The U.S. and Türkiye have faced each other five times previously, with each team winning twice. However, Türkiye defeated the Americans 2-1 in their most recent friendly match last June in East Hartford, Connecticut, giving them momentum heading into the group stage.