Kosovo
Türkiye*How did the teams perform?
Kosovo
Türkiye
Match Stats
Lineup
Kosovo
45+1' Unsportsmanlike conduct
83' Foul
90+1' Replaced by V. Hodza
90+1'
Unsportsmanlike conduct
80' Replaced by E. Rexhbecaj
80' Replaced by A. Hajdari
71' Replaced by M. Vojvoda
Türkiye
90' Delay of game
70' Tripping
65' Tripping
55' Tripping
53'
45+1' Unsportsmanlike conduct
53'
89' Replaced by Z. Celik
89' Replaced by K. Yildiz
83' Replaced by A. Guler
83' Replaced by H. Calhanoglu
68' Replaced by K. Akturkoglu
World Cup - Qualification Europe Standings - Group B
| Pos | Team | MP | +/- | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Switzerland | 5 | 13-1 | 12 | 13 |
| 2 | Kosovo | 5 | 5-4 | 1 | 10 |
| 3 |  Slovenia | 5 | 2-7 | -5 | 3 |
| 4 |  Sweden | 5 | 3-11 | -8 | 1 |
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion - World Cup
- Promotion - World Cup (Promotion: )
Türkiye secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kosovo, with Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s second-half strike proving decisive in their World Cup Qualifier.
Türkiye earned a crucial three points on the road, defeating Kosovo 1-0 at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri. Kerem Aktürkoğlu delivered the solitary goal in the 53rd minute. His finish secured a vital win for the visitors in a tense encounter.
Entering the match, both teams eyed a significant boost in their World Cup Qualification campaign. Türkiye aimed to consolidate their strong position, sitting second with 12 points. Kosovo, with 10 points, sought to close the gap on their rivals in a competitive group.
The first half saw Türkiye assert control in possession, moving the ball with purpose. Kosovo, however, remained resolute in their defensive shape. They largely limited Türkiye to shots from outside the box.
Chances were at a premium for both sides. Kosovo attempted to counter, forcing Türkiye’s defense to stay alert. The game’s intensity grew towards the break.
Just before half-time, the referee issued two yellow cards. Ardian Hajdari of Kosovo and Kerem Aktürkoğlu received bookings in the 45+1 minute for unsportsmanlike conduct. This incident underscored the competitive nature of the contest.
The first half ended without a breakthrough, leaving both teams to reassess their strategies. Türkiye needed to convert their possession into clear chances. Kosovo looked to exploit any gaps on the counter-attack after the restart.
Türkiye found their breakthrough in the 53rd minute. Orkun Kökçü threaded a precise pass to Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. This goal ignited the Turkish celebrations and gave them a deserved lead.
Following the goal, Türkiye’s focus shifted to protecting their advantage. İsmail Yüksek, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Zeki Çelik all received yellow cards for fouls. This period reflected Türkiye’s determination to see out the result against a pressing Kosovo side.
Kosovo responded with substitutions, bringing on Edison Zhegrova and Florent Muslija to inject fresh attacking impetus. Fisnik Asllani had two shots on target, but could not find the equalizer. Türkiye’s defense held firm under pressure.
In the final minutes, the match became a flurry of cards. Florent Muslija and Milot Rashica received yellow cards for Kosovo, reflecting their frustration. Türkiye goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır also saw yellow for delaying the game.
The statistics reflected a tight affair despite Türkiye’s victory. Türkiye had 12 total shots to Kosovo’s 11, with both teams registering 2 shots on target. Türkiye maintained 58% possession, converting their dominance into the decisive goal.
This 1-0 victory significantly bolsters Türkiye’s qualification hopes, moving them to 15 points. For Kosovo, the defeat makes their path to the World Cup much more challenging, leaving them still on 10 points after five matches.
