90 minutes to history: Kosovo facing Turkey for World Ticket

The biggest challenge in Kosovo football history has started.

The crucial match with Turkey, the grand finale of “play-off” for a place in the World Championship, started tonight from 20:45 at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium in Pristina. The atmosphere in Kosovo is electrifying, while every detail is already prepared for an evening that promises emotion, pride and history.

The Kosovo Football Federation has published the closing video before this extraordinary confrontation, further fuelling the enthusiasm of fans. In the accompanying message, The NFF emphasises that everything is ready for the grand finale towards Turkey and that tonight it is played for the biggest dream of Kosovo football.

Shortly before the start of the meeting, even Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has conveyed a message of support to “Dardians”, via a motivating video. It has named footballers a symbol of resistance, courage and hope, underlining that the whole country is close to them on this big night.

Public support has also come from the chairman The PDK, Bedri Hamza, who has congratulated Kosovo football players before the tonight match. “Stonte, the heart of Kosovo, but even of all Albanians around, beats at a pace. For the fanella, for the victory, for the dream we've been waiting for so long. At the “Fadil Vorkri” Stadium, our boys play for history. For long, difficult sacrifices. Enjoy the nation with qualifications! ”

Support from Kosovo also gave AAK Chairman Ramush Haradinaj. “Tonight the whole nation is with you. Win this battle, write history. "FORCA COSOVE!" wrote Haradinaj.

Meanwhile, Kosovo police have announced that due to the particular importance of this final match of “play-off” for the 2026 World Cup, increased security measures have been taken in co-ordination with responsible institutions and organisers. The police presence will be added not only to the stadium but also to different parts of the capital, as well as to three special areas dedicated to fans.

Similarly, authorities have warned temporary jams on some of Pristina's main roads, including “Tring Ismaili”, “Agim Ramadani”, “Eqrem Cabebeque”, Bulvard “Biinton Clinton”, around the bus station, and <x8Tirana” en route to the stadium. Transit restrictions are expected to take place in the perimeter around the stadium as well as other road segments during the delegation movement and after the match ends.

The institutions have called on citizens to respect police guidelines, exploit alternative roads and contribute to maintaining order, calmness and public safety throughout this major sporting event.