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Kadıoğlu's Moment: Turkey Reaches World Cup Playoff Final

26 March 2026

Kadıoğlu's Moment: Turkey Reaches World Cup Playoff Final — Arda Güler assists Kadıoğlu as Turkey reach the playoff final.

Match Recap

The Turkish national team booked a ticket to the European World Cup playoff final by beating Romania 1-0 on Thursday at Topras Stadium.

Neither side found the net in the first half, despite chances.

Turkey intensified pressure after the break, seeking the decisive breakthrough.

The goal arrived in the 53rd minute, Kadıoğlu finishing a precise cross from Arda Güler, a Madrid star lighting the path.

Turkey now awaits the winner of Kosovo vs Slovakia in the playoff final.

Punchline: Kadıoğlu's shot was so precise the scoreboard filed for an autograph.

Punchline: Romania's defense got a sabbatical—it's probably still checking the goalposts.

Author

Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How did Turkey secure the win?

Kadıoğlu scored in the 53rd minute from Arda Güler's cross to seal the victory.

Who will Turkey face in the final?

The winner of Kosovo vs Slovakia will be Turkey's opponent in the final.

Where was the match played?

Topras Stadium hosted the match.