Kosovo in euphoria as they dream of World Cup history

ByMichael Emons

BBC Sport journalist

Ten years ago, Kosovo had never played a World Cup qualifier - now they are 90 minutes away from qualifying for this summer's finals.

The Balkan nation, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and was officially recognised by Fifa and Uefa in 2016, hosts Turkey in Tuesday's play-off.

Win and Kosovo, 78th in the world rankings, will reach the 48-nation World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The game will take place at a packed Fadil Vokrri Stadium in the capital city Pristina - although most people will be left watching on television.

"We have a stadium only for 13,000 spectators, but if it were possible, there would be 100,000," said Kosovo coach Franco Foda after Thursday's 4-3 away win against 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.

"We have emotional fans, but we must be careful and not allow ourselves to make mistakes."

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 came out and we saw the opponents, we weren't very hopeful, especially when we lost our first match 4-0," said Arben Berisha, a commentator for television channel RTK Kosova.

"Then everything changed and we did something that was unbelievable and unexpected.

"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."

If Kosovo qualify, they would be in Group D and face Australia in Vancouver on Saturday, 13 June, Paraguay in San Francisco six days later and then 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.

Independence came nine years later, although, as of December 2025, out of 193 United Nations member states, only 110 recognise Kosovo as an independent 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 would be the third historic day for Kosovo - liberation day in 1999 after the war ended, Kosovo's declaration of independence and this would be the third most important day in Kosovo's history.

"It would have a huge impact if Kosovo managed to qualify, bearing in mind the political situation. It would be a huge impact worldwide."

Kosovo were allowed to play their first match by Fifa in March 2014 - a 0-0 draw with Haiti. Their second official international was against Tuesday's opponents Turkey, who cruised to a 6-1 victory.

On 5 September 2016, Kosovo played their first World Cup qualifier and drew 1-1 in Finland, but that was followed by nine successive defeats as Kosovo finished bottom of the group, only scoring three goals in 10 games.

But Kosovo, able to call up eligible players born in other European countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Sweden, quickly improved.

In Euro 2020 qualifying, they took the lead in an away game against England before losing 5-3, but did finish third and were beaten by North Macedonia in the semi-finals of the play-offs.

Kosovo's star player is record scorer Vedat Muriqi, with 32 goals in 67 internationals, and another 18 for Spanish La Liga side Mallorca this season.

He is a player Turkey will know all about, having scored 17 league goals for Turkish top-flight side Caykur Rizespor in 2018-19, then 15 for Fenerbahce the following season.

Elsewhere, forward Fisnik Asllani is a key member of the Hoffenheim side that is fifth in the German Bundesliga, while goalkeeper Arijanet Muric is a regular for Serie A team Sassuolo, on loan from Ipswich Town for whom he played in the Premier League last season.

Midfielder Edon Zhegrova is at Juventus and centre-back Amir Rrahmani has twice won the Serie A title with Napoli, although is currently out injured.

Defender Florent Hadergjonaj had two seasons in the English top 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.

"It is going to be huge and [if they win] it would probably be the biggest celebration ever seen on the streets of Pristina and every town of Kosovo."

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 was 17 or 18 and my dream was to play for the national team, after coming from a war," said Rashkaj. "We had to fight with our clubs to play because they said, 'it's not a national team' and 'it's not a Uefa date'. We didn't have money to organise camps and hotels. All of these things were arranged by Kosovo people that live in Europe.

"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 position, seeing all the difficulties we had, it's incredible to have this feeling now to be so close to the World Cup."

Rashkaj will be at Tuesday's match and said it will be an emotional night.

"We have gone through very tough times with war, and after the war it was economic problems - and it's still economic problems now," added Rashkaj.

"People want to feel like they can come together and feel we are strong. The national team has given these people this feeling we are strong, that we can make a name in Europe.

"It makes us proud that people see that Kosovo people have a lot to contribute to the world."