Turkiye team profile - FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Turkiye.
FIFA World Ranking: 22
Confederation: UEFA
Who is Turkiye’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
The head coach of Turkiye for FIFA World Cup 2026 is former Italy international striker Vincenzo Montella. The former AC Milan and Sevilla boss took charge back in September 2023 after a stint in the Turkish Super Lig with Adana Demirspor.
Who is Turkiye’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
The captain of the national side for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Hakan Calhanoglu, who was again instrumental in Inter Milan winning Serie A this season. The 32-year-old became Turkiye captain in March 2022 after the retirement of Burak Yilmaz.
How many times have Turkiye participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
2 – 1954, 2002
What is Turkiye’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
Semi-Finals – 2022
How did Turkiye qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Turkiye qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026 through the UEFA playoffs after the group stage of UEFA qualification saw them finish runners-up in their group.
In a very tough Group E in UEFA qualifying alongside European champions Spain and Georgia, as well as Bulgaria, Turkiye collected 13 points from their six matches, enough for second-place.
They went into Path C of the UEFA playoffs as a seeded side and managed to edge past Romania by a goal to nil before defeating Kosovo by the same scoreline in Prishtina in the final on March 31, 2026, thus officially securing qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026
Who are Turkiye’s star players?
Turkiye have some really exciting young attackers that could really light up the tournament this summer with the star attraction being Arda Guler (Real Madrid).
Guler has become more and more important for what was an underperforming Madrid side this season and he should be key alongside attacker Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), who has also been instrumental for the Bianconeri.
Beyond those two, the aforementioned Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan) will again be fundamental to the balance of Turkiye and offers both defensive and offensive qualities from midfield.
Having broken through into becoming one of the more sought after full-backs in Europe after UEFA EURO 2024, Ferdi Kadioglu (Brighton and Hove Albion) has enjoyed a strong Premier League campaign and could have a big role to play at FIFA World Cup 2026.
A big thing for Turkiye could also be the emergence of Kerem Akturkoglu (Galatasaray) as a striker nowadays, rather than a winger, providing them with a much-needed focal point up-front.
Who is in Turkiye’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
USA
Paraguay
Australia
Turkiye
Turkiye’s Group D fixtures are as follows:
Australia v Turkiye: Saturday June 13, 2026 – 12:00am ET, 5:00am UK
Turkiye v Paraguay: Friday June 19, 2026 – 12:00am ET, 5:00am UK
Turkiye v USA: Thursday June 25, 2026 – 10:00pm ET, 3:00am UK (Friday)
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Turkiye’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Arizona Athletic Grounds, Mesa, Arizona
Expert prediction for Turkiye’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
Turkiye have a very impressive squad but it has actually become something of a cliché or a joke to suggest that they are ‘dark horses’ for a major tournament – even if they do fall perfectly into that category.
The sheer level of technical quality in the final third that they possess is very exciting with Guler and Yildiz playing well in Germany two years ago but having matured into real stars now.
The depth of their defence is one thing, but there is a concern though that Turkiye could be exposed at the back and as much as they are capable of outscoring everyone in their group, the knockout stage could see them run into trouble.
An evenly matched group should suit a Turkish side with real match winners but whether or not they have the control and composure to go too deep at FIFA World Cup 2026 is uncertain.
What round will Turkiye reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Round of 32
