Turkiye beat Bulgaria 2–0 to secure playoff place

Reuters
Turkiye players celebrate their second goal, an own goal scored by Bulgaria’s Atanas Chernev during their FIFA World Cup — UEFA Qualifiers — Group E — against Bulgaria — Bursa Ataturk Stadium, Bursa, Nov. 15, 2025. (Reuters)
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  • Captain Hakan Calhanoglu put Turkiye ahead in the 18th minute from the penalty spot
  • Turkiye dominated possession and territory

ANKARA: Turkiye beat Bulgaria 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday to confirm second place in Group E and a spot in the playoffs for next year’s finals.
Captain Hakan Calhanoglu put Turkiye ahead in the 18th minute from the penalty spot after a handball. The hosts doubled their lead in the 83rd minute when Bulgarian defender Chernev turned the ball into his own net attempting to clear a low cross.
Turkiye dominated possession and territory, and rarely looked troubled by Bulgaria who remained bottom of the group without a point.
Turkiye moved to 12 points from five matches, keeping them in second place three points behind leaders Spain who they play in their final qualifier on Tuesday.

Topics: Turkiye Bulgaria 2026 World Cup