Turkey beat Bulgaria 2–0 to secure playoff place

Captain Hakan Calhanoglu puts Turkey ahead in the 18th minute

FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group E - Turkey v Bulgaria - Bursa Ataturk Stadium, Bursa, Turkey - Nov 15, 2025 Turkey players celebrate their second goal, an own goal scored by Bulgaria's Atanas Chernev REUTERS/Umit Bektas

Turkey 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 Turkey 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.

Turkey dominated possession and territory, and rarely looked troubled by Bulgaria who remained bottom of the group without a point.

Turkey 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.