Image: The New York Times

Kosovo One Win Away From First World Cup After Defeating Slovakia

31 March, 2026.Sports.7 sources

Kosovo are 90 minutes from their first World Cup, facing Turkey in the playoff final.
The playoff final is in Pristina at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium.
Kosovo joined FIFA and UEFA in 2016, enabling World Cup participation.

Kosovo are 90 minutes away from qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup after defeating Slovakia 4-3.

“Ten years ago, Kosovo had never played a World Cup qualifier - now they are 90 minutes away from qualifying for this summer's finals”

The Balkan nation declared independence in 2008 and was admitted to FIFA and UEFA in 2016.

Kosovo coach Franco Foda said, On Tuesday we will have a historic game.

Kosovo will face Turkey in the play-off final.

Turkey has not qualified since 2002.

Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu said, Our only objective is to return Türkiye to where it belongs.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 after a war that killed at least 13,000 people.

“Kosovo are 90 minutes away from their first World Cup”

More than 100 UN members recognize Kosovo, but China and Russia oppose.

Kosovo only started playing official matches after being admitted to UEFA in 2016.

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