After a 24-year absence from the world’s biggest football stage, Turkey has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, showcasing arguably their strongest squad in decades under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Montella. The team navigated a challenging playoff route, defeating Romania and Kosovo, and enters the tournament building on a successful qualification campaign where they only lost once, to European champions Spain.
Road to Qualification
Turkey’s journey to the 2026 World Cup was marked by resilience and a strong performance in their qualifying group. They secured 13 out of a possible 18 points, demonstrating their capability against formidable opponents.
Coach Vincenzo Montella expressed immense pride in his squad following their playoff victory, highlighting their willingness to make sacrifices for the team. This marks the second consecutive major international tournament for Turkey under Montella’s leadership.
A Squad Blighted by Young Talent
The current Turkish squad is characterized by a blend of emerging young stars and experienced players, with the team now revolving around the talents of Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. Both players, who were just breaking into the team at Euro 2024, are now considered pivotal figures.
Arda Guler, the 21-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, is hailed as the team’s creative force. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver crucial moments makes him a talismanic figure. Thierry Henry has lauded him as an
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