Türkiye, Sweden, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo booked their places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in dramatic fashion, with playoff victories marked by late goals and long-awaited returns to football’s biggest stage.
Turkiye ended a 24-year absence with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kosovo in Pristina, thanks to a decisive 53rd-minute strike from Kerem Akturkoglu. The victory secured their first World Cup appearance since 2002 and capped a resilient qualifying campaign under coach Vincenzo Montella. Kosovo, chasing a historic debut, fell just short despite a spirited run.
In another pulsating playoff, Sweden edged Poland 3-2 in a five-goal thriller. Viktor Gyokeres emerged as the hero with a late winner after a see-saw contest that saw Anthony Elanga and Gustaf Lagerbielke put Sweden ahead twice, only for Poland to respond through Nicola Zalewski and Karol Swiderski. The win sends Sweden into Group F alongside the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia, marking their return to the tournament for the first time since 2018.
Earlier, DR Congo completed a historic comeback to the global stage, defeating Jamaica 1-0 after extra time to end a 52-year World Cup drought. Axel Tuanzebe struck in the 100th minute in Guadalajara, converting a corner from Brian Cipenga that deflected past goalkeeper Andre Blake.
The Leopards had earlier seen two efforts from Cedric Bakambu ruled out for offside, but their persistence paid off in extra time. A lengthy VAR review confirmed the goal, sparking wild celebrations and sealing DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.
Jamaica pushed hard after the break and created chances from set-pieces but failed to break down a disciplined Congolese defence. The match also saw a brief disruption due to an injury to the referee late in extra time, but DR Congo held firm to secure victory.
The Central Africans have been drawn in Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, and will open their campaign against Portugal on June 17 in Houston, Texas.