Kosovo vs Turkey – News and Probable Lineups

Kosovo is set to host Turquia at Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri on Tuesday for the UEFA playoff final, where a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is up for grabs.

The home side triumphed over Eslováquia with a score of 4-3 in their semi-final match, while Turquia secured their advancement by overcoming Romênia.

Match overview

Kosovo had an impressive run in the World Cup qualifying stage, unexpectedly finishing second, ahead of Suécia and Eslovênia in Group B.

Franco Foda’s team managed to record three victories, one draw, and just a single defeat—losing 4-0 to Suíça in the group’s opening match.

This lone defeat left Kosovo three points behind the top-placed Suécia, forcing Foda’s squad to vie for qualification through the UEFA playoffs.

Matched against Eslováquia in the semi-finals, Kosovo achieved a thrilling 4-3 win, putting them just one win away from entering their first-ever World Cup.

Kosovo will face Turquia in the UEFA playoff final after Vincenzo Montella’s team narrowly defeated Romênia 1-0 in their semi-final, thanks to a goal from Ferdi Kadioglu.

Similarly, Turquia sustained only one loss in their World Cup qualifying journey, suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat to Espanha on matchday two in Group E.

In contrast, with four victories and a draw in their other five matches, they comfortably finished second, with a significant ten-point gap over third-placed Geórgia.

Now, Turquia aims to break a five-tournament absence from the World Cup, last competing in the 2002 edition, where they defeated South Korea in the third-place playoff.

Turquia will likely draw considerable confidence from their past encounters with Kosovo, having won each of their last three meetings, including a 4-1 victory in their last encounter in June 2017.

The team that wins this UEFA playoff final on Tuesday will join co-hosts United States, Austrália, and Paraguai in Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Team News

Following their impressive 4-3 victory over Eslováquia in the semi-final, Kosovo’s Foda may choose to maintain the same starting XI for Thursday’s final.

Captain Vedat Muriqi is expected to partner with Fisnik Asllani in the attack, while Mergim Vojvoda and Dion Gallapeni will provide width in the wing-back roles.

On the other hand, Turquia has a potential injury concern regarding captain Hakan Calhanoglu, who had to exit late in the victory against Romênia due to a reported calf issue; however, he is still anticipated to start on Thursday.

Kadioglu netted the winning goal in Turquia’s semi-final and is expected to continue alongside an unchanged defensive line-up, including Mert Muldur, Samet Akaydin, and Abdulkerim Bardakci.

Kosovo probable starting XI:

Muric; Vojvoda, Dellova, Hajrizi, Hajdari, Gallapeni; Hodza, Rexhbecaj, Muslija; Asllani, Muriqi

Turquia probable starting XI:

Cakir; Muldur, Akaydin, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Calhanoglu; Yilmaz, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu

Even though Kosovo has the home advantage, Turquia appears to be the stronger team on paper, and the visitors are expected to secure the win and clinch a spot at the World Cup.