Ten years in the past, Kosovo had by no means performed a World Cup qualifier – now they are 90 minutes away from qualifying for this summer time’s finals.
The Balkan nation, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and was formally recognised by Fifa and Uefa in 2016, hosts Turkey in Tuesday’s play-off.
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Win and Kosovo, 78th in the world rankings, will attain the 48-nation World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The sport will happen at a packed Fadil Vokrri Stadium in the capital metropolis Pristina – though most individuals can be left watching on tv.
“We have a stadium only for 13,000 spectators, but if it were possible, there would be 100,000,” mentioned Kosovo coach Franco Foda after Thursday’s 4-3 away win in opposition to Slovakia in the play-off semi-finals.
“On Tuesday we will have a historic game. We are in euphoria, but we need to play the last game with calm. In that case everything is possible.
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“We have emotional followers, however we should be cautious and never permit ourselves to make errors.”
Kosovo’s players and coaches posed with their fans after the 4-3 win over Slovakia in Bratislava in Thursday’s semi-final [Getty Images]
Turkey, who have not qualified for the World Cup since coming third in 2002, are 23rd in the rankings, 55 places above Kosovo.
But Kosovo have developed a taste for upsetting the odds.
After beginning with a 4-0 loss to Switzerland, Kosovo remained unbeaten in their other five group matches, including home and away victories over Sweden and a win and a draw against Slovenia, before drawing with Switzerland to get into the play-offs.
“When the draw got here out and we noticed the opponents, we weren’t very hopeful, particularly once we misplaced our first match 4-0,” said Arben Berisha, a commentator for television channel RTK Kosova.
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“Then every little thing modified and we did one thing that was unbelievable and surprising.
“The win against Slovakia has been called a historical moment for the national team and Kosovo as a nation. It was the most important win ever secured.”
Putting Kosovo on the worldwide map
The play-off remaining in opposition to Turkey will happen on the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, which has a capability of lower than 14,000 [Getty Images]
If Kosovo qualify, they could be in Group D and face Australia in Vancouver on Saturday, 13 June, Paraguay in San Francisco six days later after which co-hosts the United States in Los Angeles on 25 June.
After the Kosovo War of 1998-1999, Kosovo celebrated its liberation day on 12 June, 1999, following the withdrawal of Serbian forces and the entry of Nato-led peacekeeping troops.
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Independence got here 9 years later, though, as of December 2025, out of 193 United Nations member states, solely 110 recognise Kosovo as an unbiased nation.
“Qualifying for the World Cup would be historic, bearing in mind it’s only 10 years since we’ve been recognised by Fifa and Uefa,” added Berisha.
“Some have called Tuesday the biggest day in Kosovo’s history since Kosovo declared independence in 2008.
“Some say it will be the third historic day for Kosovo – liberation day in 1999 after the conflict ended, Kosovo’s declaration of independence and this may be the third most necessary day in Kosovo’s history.
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“It would have a huge impact if Kosovo managed to qualify, bearing in mind the political situation. It would be a huge impact worldwide.”
From first official worldwide to brink of World Cup in 12 years
Kosovo’s first official worldwide match was simply over 12 years in the past in opposition to Haiti [Getty Images]
Kosovo had been allowed to play their first match by Fifa in March 2014 – a 0-0 draw with Haiti. Their second official worldwide was in opposition to Tuesday’s opponents Turkey, who cruised to a 6-1 victory.
On 5 September 2016, Kosovo performed their first World Cup qualifier and drew 1-1 in Finland, however that was adopted by 9 successive defeats as Kosovo completed backside of the group, solely scoring three objectives in 10 video games.
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But Kosovo, capable of name up eligible gamers born in different European international locations such as Germany, Switzerland and Sweden, shortly improved.
In Euro 2020 qualifying, they took the lead in an away sport in opposition to England earlier than losing 5-3, however did end third and had been crushed by North Macedonia in the semi-finals of the play-offs.
Kosovo’s star participant is document scorer Vedat Muriqi, with 32 objectives in 67 internationals, and one other 18 for Spanish La Liga facet Mallorca this season.
He is a participant Turkey will know all about, having scored 17 league objectives for Turkish top-flight facet Caykur Rizespor in 2018-19, then 15 for Fenerbahce the next season.
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Elsewhere, ahead Fisnik Asllani is a key member of the Hoffenheim facet that’s fifth in the German Bundesliga, whereas goalkeeper Arijanet Muric is a daily for Serie A staff Sassuolo, on mortgage from Ipswich Town for whom he performed in the Premier League final season.
Midfielder Edon Zhegrova is at Juventus and centre-back Amir Rrahmani has twice received the Serie A title with Napoli, though is at present out injured.
Defender Florent Hadergjonaj had two seasons in the English prime flight with Huddersfield Town and attacking midfielder Milot Rashica had a spell with Norwich City.
“Although Turkey are a much better team and have better players than Kosovo, they are not that regular in terms of qualifying,” added Berisha. “It is a match to be played at home and that is a great advantage.
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“It goes to be big and [if they win] it will most likely be the largest celebration ever seen on the streets of Pristina and each city of Kosovo.”
Kosovo goalkeeper Arijanet Muric is on loan at Italian side Sassuolo from Ipswich Town, while Vedat Muriqi (number 18) is their record goalscorer [Getty Images]
A team making its nation proud
In an interview with BBC World Service, Anel Rashkaj, Kosovo’s captain in that 0-0 draw with Haiti, explained what it was like playing for the nation in its infancy.
“I used to be 17 or 18 and my dream was to play for the nationwide staff, after coming from a conflict,” said Rashkaj. “We needed to battle with our golf equipment to play as a result of they mentioned, ‘it is not a nationwide staff’ and ‘it is not a Uefa date’. We did not have cash to organise camps and accommodations. All of these items had been organized by Kosovo people who reside in Europe.
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“It was stressful, waiting so long. I was maybe the first one that said ‘yes’ to the national team, and I got to be the captain in this first official game.
“To be in this place, seeing all of the difficulties we had, it is unbelievable to have this sense now to be so near the World Cup.”
Rashkaj will be at Tuesday’s match and said it will be an emotional night.
“We have gone by very robust occasions with conflict, and after the conflict it was financial issues – and it is nonetheless financial issues now,” added Rashkaj.
“People wish to really feel like they can come collectively and really feel we’re sturdy. The nationwide staff has given these folks this sense we’re sturdy, that we are able to make a reputation in Europe.
“It makes us proud that people see that Kosovo people have a lot to contribute to the world.”