ISTANBUL (Interstat) — Turkey began its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 victory over Romania on Thursday at Tüpraş Stadyumu.

The match’s lone goal came in the 53rd minute from midfielder Ferdi Kadıoğlu, assisted by substitute Vlad Dragomir. The result defied a pregame projection from Interstat, whose simulator had forecast a 1-1 draw, though its ELO system gave Turkey a 77% win probability.

Romania’s Dragomir also received a yellow card in the 18th minute. Late cautions were issued to Turkey’s Kerem Aktürkoğlu and İrfan Can Kahveci in second-half stoppage time.

With the win, Turkey starts group play with one win and no losses, while Romania stands at no wins and one loss.