Ugurcan cakir

FIFA World Cup: Turkiye brought an end to their 24-year absence from the FIFA World Cup with a narrow victory over plucky Kosovo, which was sealed by an opportunistic effort from Kerem Akturkoglu.

They will now join Group D at the global finals alongside Australia, Paraguay and co-hosts USA.

Playing in front of the pouring rain at Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina, Turkiye soon imposed their will on the proceedings with Kenan Yildiz repeatedly probing the Kosovo defence early on. The game opened up in the 27th minute when a dipping, swerving effort from Turkiye midfielder Orkun Kokcu flew just over the bar, FIFA reports.