2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers: Georgia: 2 - Türkiye: 3

The Turkish National Football Team defeated Georgia 3-2 away in the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifications Group E.

The Turkish National Football Team finished the first half of their away match against Georgia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Group E with a 1-0 lead.

The Turkish team took the lead in the 3rd minute. Arda Güler's corner from the left was met by Mert Müldür, who rose well in front of the goal area and headed the ball into the back of the net: 0-1.

In the 10th minute, the Turkish national team came close to scoring their second goal. During pressure in the front half, İsmail Yüksek snatched the ball and passed it to Arda Güler. Arda's shot, which collided with the defender, gained height and went out for a corner.

The Crescent-Star team scored their second goal in the 41st minute. The free kick was taken in the penalty area.

In the 52nd minute, the Crescent-Star team increased their lead to three. Yunus Akgün found the ball in the penalty area after Arda Güler's through ball. Kerem Aktürkoğlu quickly fired the ball into the net after Yunus had left the penalty spot: 0-3.

Georgia scored in the 63rd minute. Mekvabishvili, who had ducked behind the defense and was one-on-one with goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır, hit the post with his shot. Davitashvili slotted the ball into the net to make it 3-1.

In the 71st minute, the Turkish team was reduced to 10 men. Barış Alper Yılmaz received a direct red card following a VAR review for his challenge on Kochorashvili.

In the 90+8th minute, Georgia reduced the gap to one. Kvaratskhelia's powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area went into the back of the net: 2-3.

There were no more goals in the remaining period and the national team won the match 3-2.