Kosovo – Turkey: Big difference in value, but the “Dardans” believe in history
Kosovo – Turkey: Big difference in value, but the “Dardans” believe in history
The Kosovo national team is just one step away from history. On Tuesday night at the “Fadil Vokrri” stadium, the “Dardans” host Turkey in the play-off final for a place in the 2026 World Cup, a match that could change Kosovar football forever.
But facing them stands a very strong opponent, not only on the field, but also in financial terms.
According to Transfermarkt data, Kosovo has a total squad value of around 116 million euros, while Turkey’s stands at around 453 million euros.
This means that Turkey is worth almost four times more than Kosovo, with a difference of over 330 million euros.
This large gap also reflects the level of players and the championships in which they play, with Turkey having big names and talents from elite European clubs.
However, the Kosovo representative has already proven that paper money is not everything. In the semi-finals, the “Dardans” achieved a spectacular 4-3 victory over Slovakia, overturning the score several times and showing extraordinary character.
This victory has increased confidence in the team led by Franco Foda, which is now only 90 minutes away from a historic achievement.
For Kosovo, this is the biggest match in history. A victory over Turkey would secure their first participation in a major tournament, just a decade after being admitted to UEFA and FIFA.
On the other hand, Turkey enters as the favorite on paper, but the pressure will be great, as they will face a highly motivated Kosovo with the support of their home fans.
Although the financial difference is huge, football has often shown that surprises are part of the game. Kosovo has already proven that it knows how to overturn any predictions.
On Tuesday in Pristina, it will not be the market that will decide values, but the heart on the field.
As reported by “Joueurs Turcs”, Montella has decided to stay faithful to the formation he established with Romania, apart from a change on the right side of defense – where Zeki Çelik is expected to take Mert Muldur’s place.
The midfield will continue to be built by names like Calhanoglu, who returned from injury in time for the challenge with Kosovo, as well as the trio of Alper, Guler and Yildiz.
Possible Turkey line-up : Cakir; Kadioglu, Abdulkerim, Akaydin, Celik; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Alper, Guler, Yildiz, Akturkoglu.
Meanwhile, Kosovo is not expected to make any changes and will also remain loyal to the same formation it used against Slovakia.