Türkiye
Key Players
Squad
Goalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
About
Türkiye return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since their legendary third-place finish in 2002, ending a 24-year absence from football's greatest stage. Under Italian coach Vincenzo Montella, the Turkish national team has been revitalized by a golden generation of talent that blends Süper Lig experience with players starring at Europe's biggest clubs. The squad is headlined by Arda Güler of Real Madrid, one of the most exciting young players in world football, whose creativity and finishing ability make him a genuine threat at the highest level. Alongside him, Kenan Yıldız has emerged as a key player at Juventus, while the experienced Hakan Çalhanoğlu provides world-class midfield orchestration from Inter Milan. Ferdi Kadıoğlu adds Premier League quality at left-back from Brighton, and Barış Alper Yılmaz offers explosive wing play. Placed in Group D with hosts USA, Paraguay, and Australia, Türkiye are genuine contenders to top the group. The blend of youthful exuberance and big-game experience, forged during a strong Euro 2024 campaign where they reached the quarterfinals, makes them a formidable proposition for any opponent. With the deepest squad of emerging talent since the 2002 generation, Türkiye are expected to advance from the group stage comfortably. A Round of 16 appearance is the minimum expectation, with a quarterfinal run representing a realistic ambition for a team that has the individual quality to compete with anyone on their day.
Group Stage Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the coach of Türkiye at World Cup 2026?
Vincenzo Montella is the head coach of Türkiye at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Italian manager has revitalized the team by integrating a golden generation of young talent while maintaining tactical discipline. He led Türkiye to the quarterfinals of Euro 2024.
What group is Türkiye in at World Cup 2026?
Türkiye are in Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the United States (co-hosts), Paraguay, and Australia. Türkiye are considered strong contenders to advance from the group, potentially as group winners.
When was Türkiye's last World Cup?
Türkiye last appeared at the FIFA World Cup in 2002 in South Korea/Japan, where they achieved their best-ever result — third place. They defeated South Korea in the third-place match after losing to Brazil in the semifinals. The 2026 tournament marks their return after a 24-year absence.
Is Arda Güler in Türkiye's World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes, Arda Güler of Real Madrid is in Türkiye's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder is considered one of the brightest talents in world football and is expected to be the creative fulcrum of Montella's team.
Who are the key players for Türkiye at World Cup 2026?
Türkiye's key players include Arda Güler (Real Madrid), Kenan Yıldız (Juventus), Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan), Ferdi Kadıoğlu (Brighton), and Barış Alper Yılmaz (Galatasaray). This blend of world-class experience and emerging young talent makes Türkiye one of the most exciting teams in the tournament.