Overview
After 24 years of waiting, the Turkish team finally returned to the World Cup stage. The last time this team participated in the biggest football festival on the planet, current stars like Arda Guler or Kenan Yildiz were not even born yet.
Turkey won a ticket to the 2026 World Cup after a tense play-off journey, successively overcoming Romania and Kosovo. Under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Montella, Turkey participated in the second major tournament in a row with a squad considered one of the most talented generations in the country's football history.
In the qualifying campaign, Turkey only lost one match to the reigning European champion Spain, winning 13/18 maximum points.
Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz began to build their names in the national team jersey at EURO 2024. To date, both have become the center of attention in Turkey's playing style.
Turkish football is not lacking in young talents labeled prodigies, but Guler of Real Madrid and Yildiz of Juventus are considered truly special cases.
Ugurcan Cakir also brought peace of mind in the goal after a successful season with Galatasaray. Ahead of him is the experienced central defender duo Abdulkerim Bardakci and Merih Demiral.
On the right flank, Ferdi Kadioglu continues to be an important factor after an impressive season in Brighton's colors. Meanwhile, captain Hakan Calhanoglu takes on the role of regulating play from midfield, while Orkun Kokcu is in high form and is expected to become a highlight at the World Cup.
Turkey's main framework has hardly changed since EURO 2024. However, this team still has a noteworthy problem. That is the lack of a true center forward.
With a squad of young players rich in technique and speed, Turkey is expected to bring an emotional playing style, both capable of creating surprises and potentially unpredictable in every match.
Coach
Vincenzo Montella is the architect behind the revival of the Turkish national team since his appointment in 2023. The former Italian striker quickly integrated into the Turkish football environment and built a special connection with the players.
Under the 51-year-old strategist, internal conflicts and controversies that once existed in the team almost disappeared. He built a united, organized and tactically flexible team.
Montella often uses a 4-2-3-1 formation but does not hesitate to change when necessary. Calmness, manpower and sharp tactical thinking have helped him build one of the strongest Turkish national teams in many years.
Star
Arda Guler has completed the process of transforming from a prodigy into a true star in Real Madrid's colors.
At the age of 21, this midfielder shows outstanding maturity and incredible pressure-resistant ability, which is especially important when he is carrying the expectations of the entire Turkish football.
Legend Thierry Henry once described Guler as "an undeniable world-class talent". Possessing sophisticated technique, creativity and impressive finishing ability, Guler is the biggest inspiration in Turkey's playing style. Every time he wears the national team jersey, he always knows how to make a difference.
Although the current squad does not lack outstanding individuals, Guler is still considered a player who can change the course of the match in just a moment.
Notable faces
If Guler is the creative brain, then Kenan Yildiz is the most terrifying spark in attack.
Growing up from Bayern Munich academy before asserting his name at Juventus, Yildiz is facing the opportunity to explode on the World Cup stage.
The 21-year-old striker possesses excellent technical foundation, speed, strength and impressive dribbling ability. He is a player who always makes opposing defenders wary in one-on-one situations.
Although not often used in the center forward position, Yildiz still showed remarkable scoring ability with 11 goals and 10 assists for Juventus last season. In the World Cup qualifiers, he also contributed 3 goals for the national team.
If he continues to maintain that form, Yildiz can completely become the leader in Turkey's attack.
The silent hero
Orkun Kokcu's decision to leave Benfica to join Besiktas once caused much controversy. However, the midfielder later revealed that wearing the "Black Eagles" shirt was a childhood dream.
Looking back, that could be one of the most correct decisions in his career. Kokcu is a midfielder who works silently but is extremely effective. Besides his ability to support defense and pass the ball, the 25-year-old player also has a great influence on the attacking front.
Last season, he scored 10 goals and had 9 assists in all competitions for Besiktas.
Possessing good technique, accurate passing ability and abundant energy, Kokcu is expected to play an important role in Turkey's journey at the 2026 World Cup.
