Turkey is heading to the World Cup in 2026 with what could be their strongest team ever, built around generational talent Arda Guler.
Vincenzo Montella has created harmony within the squad. This marks Turkey’s return to the World Cup after a 24-year absence.
Qualifying Journey and Montella’s Impact
Turkey secured their place in the tournament by navigating a tense playoff path. They eliminated Romania and then Kosovo. Montella has guided the national team to back-to-back international tournaments.
During their qualifying campaign, Turkey suffered only one defeat against Spain. They secured 13 out of a possible 18 points. Montella expressed his faith in the team after the Kosovo win, stating, “I wouldn’t trade these players for anyone. They have shown they can make sacrifices.”
Key Players and the Team’s Structure
The team now revolves around Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. Guler, who plays for Real Madrid, and Yildiz, of Juventus, are considered genuine wonderkids.
Ugurcan Cakir, coming off a league title with Galatasaray, is expected to be the goalkeeper. The centre-back pairing of Abdulkerim Bardakci and Merih Demiral provide a fairly solid defence. Ferdi Kadioglu is well known to Brighton fans after a terrific season. Hakan Calhanoglu has assumed a deep-lying playmaker role, while Orkun Kokcu is in hot form.
- 13 June v Australia, Vancouver
- 19 June v Paraguay, San Francisco
- 25 June v USA, Los Angeles
The Striker Dilemma
The team is young, but the spine remains largely unchanged from the Euros two years ago. Montella still seeks a proven striker. Can Uzun is a contender for the position. The side will enter the World Cup capable of magic and madness.
Montella’s Influence and Tactical Approach
Vincenzo Montella has been the architect behind the national team’s resurgence since his appointment in 2023. He has immersed himself in the Turkish culture. Montella says that Turkish culture is very close to that of the place where he spent his childhood, as he was born and raised near Naples.
Montella has managed the team better than most Turkish coaches of the past. The Italian’s default is a 4-2-3-1 setup, but he is not afraid to mix things up and has proven to be an astute tactician.
The team will enter the World Cup capable of magic and madness.