Kadioglu fires Türkiye into Path C final
Türkiye will play the Slovakia-Kosovo winners for a place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after downing Romania in their play-off semi-final.
Türkiye are one step away from reaching the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time in 24 years. Ferdi Kadioglu’s 53rd-minute goal proved enough for Vincenzo Montella’s men to earn a deserved victory over Romania. They will now take on the Slovakia-Kosovo winners for a ticket to the global finals.
Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia, Bergamo
Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
PGE Narodowy, Warsaw
Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, Valencia
Narodny Futbalovy Stadion, Bratislava
Vodafone Park, Istanbul Türkiye goal: Kadioglu (53)
Ferdi Kadioglu was the hero as Türkiye edged a resolute Romania in their Path C semi-final. After a relatively even first half, a moment of brilliance proved the difference in the second. Arda Guler collected the ball on the right and floated an inch-perfect pass into the onrushing Kadioglu, who took a touch and tucked it through the legs of Ionut Radu.
Kenan Yildiz came close to doubling the lead, but his shot from the left clipped the crossbar. It was Romania’s turn to hit the woodwork with ten minutes left on the clock, as Nicolae Stanciu‘s side-footed effort cannoned off the inside of the left-hand post. The Crescent Stars will face Slovakia or Kosovo away in the play-off final. The winner of that tie will join Group D at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, alongside Australia, Paraguay and USA.
“I’m happy with the performance. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. We knew that against such tight-knit opponents, we knew we’d have to be dynamic and make runs. I’m very happy with Ferdi’s run and the goal we scored thanks to Arda’s excellent pass.” Vincenzo Montella, Turkiye coach
Sinobo Stadium, Prague
Parken Stadium, Copenhagen