Türkiye triumphs: Fans flood streets after World Cup qualification
From Istanbul to Rotterdam, jubilant celebrations mark the national team's historic return to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.
People celebrate in Ankara as Türkiye defeat Kosovo 1-0 to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, April 1 2026. / AA
The Turkish national team secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada for the third time in history and a 24-year break since the 2002 World Cup.
After a tense play-off against Kosovo, Kerem Akturkoglu’s 53rd-minute goal sealed a 1-0 victory, sparking waves of celebration across Türkiye and European cities home to large Turkish communities.
Here are some of the images