Türkiye’s long road back to the World Cup reaches its defining moment on Tuesday, with a single match against Kosovo in Pristina separating them from a return to football’s biggest stage after 24 years, Daily Sabah reported.

The UEFA playoff final at Fadil Vokrri Stadium kicks off at 9:45 p.m. local time.

One team advances to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The other starts over.

For Türkiye, the stakes stretch far beyond qualification.

This is about ending a drought that has lingered since their iconic third-place finish in 2002, a tournament that reshaped the nation’s football identity.

Since then, near-misses and inconsistent campaigns have defined their World Cup story. Now, under Vincenzo Montella, there is a sense that the pieces have finally aligned.

Montella has built a side rooted in structure, balance and technical quality. In 30 matches, he has delivered 17 wins, transforming Türkiye into a disciplined unit capable of grinding results, as shown in the narrow 1-0 semifinal victory over Romania.

Türkiye carry the weight of expectation, a football nation desperate to reconnect with the World Cup stage. Kosovo carry ambition, chasing a historic first qualification that would redefine their place in international football.

If level after 90 minutes, the match will extend into extra time and potentially penalties, where composure and experience often decide outcomes. Türkiye may hold the edge there, but knockout football rarely follows script.

Awaiting the winner is a place in Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay and Australia.