Turkey returns to the World Cup after 24 years

Turkey has officially announced the squad that will represent the nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking its first appearance at football's biggest tournament since the memorable run to third place at Korea/Japan 2002.

The team managed by Vincenzo Montella arrives with one of the most exciting generations in recent Turkish football history and hopes of making a strong impact on the world stage.

Much of the country's optimism centers around young stars Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz, two of the brightest talents currently emerging in European football.

Turkey's official squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers

Mert Günok — Fenerbahçe SK
Altay Bayindir — Manchester United FC
Ugurcan Çakir — Galatasaray SK

Defenders

Zeki Çelik — AS Roma
Merih Demiral — Al Ahli FC
Çağlar Söyüncü — Fenerbahçe SK
Eren Elmalı — Galatasaray SK
Abdülkerim Bardakci — Galatasaray SK
Ozan Kabak — TSG Hoffenheim
Mert Müldür — Fenerbahçe SK
Ferdi Kadioglu — Brighton & Hove Albion FC
Samet Akaydin — Çaykur Rizespor

Midfielders

Salih Özcan — Borussia Dortmund
Orkun Kökçü — Beşiktaş JK
Hakan Çalhanoglu — Inter Milan
Ismail Yüksek — Fenerbahçe SK
Kaan Ayhan — Galatasaray SK

Forwards

Kerem Aktürkoglu — Fenerbahçe SK
Arda Güler — Real Madrid CF
Deniz Gül — FC Porto
Kenan Yildiz — Juventus FC
Irfan Can Kahveci — Kasımpaşa SK
Yunus Akgün — Galatasaray SK
Baris Alper Yilmaz — Galatasaray SK
Oguz Aydin — Fenerbahçe SK
Can Uzun — Eintracht Frankfurt

Head Coach

Vincenzo Montella

Player to watch

The biggest star of this Turkish squad is Arda Güler, the Real Madrid midfielder who has become the face of a new generation of Turkish football.

At just 21 years old, Güler has already established himself as one of the most exciting young playmakers in the game. His creativity, vision, and ability to change matches with a single moment of brilliance make him the centerpiece of Montella's project.

Alongside Kenan Yildiz, another elite young talent, Güler will carry the hopes of a nation eager to make a successful return to the World Cup.

Montella trusts youth and talent

The squad reflects Vincenzo Montella's commitment to building around a talented young core that is already competing at the highest levels of European football.

In addition to Güler and Yildiz, players such as Ferdi Kadioglu, Orkun Kökçü, Deniz Gül, and Can Uzun represent the future of Turkish football. They are complemented by experienced leaders like Hakan Çalhanoglu, Merih Demiral, and Mert Günok, who bring valuable experience and leadership.

Among the most notable omissions are Enes Ünal, currently with Bournemouth, as well as Yusuf Akcicek and Aran Simsir. Goalkeeper Berke Ozer is also absent after stepping away from the national team setup earlier this year.

Everything you need to know about Türkiye at the World Cup

Turkey hopes to make history again

Returning to the World Cup gives Turkey an opportunity to reconnect with one of the greatest moments in its football history.

The squad combines youth, technical quality, and international experience, making Turkey one of the most intriguing teams to watch at the tournament. Expectations are high for a generation that many believe has the talent to compete against the world's best.

Now, Montella and his players will look to turn that potential into results and bring Turkey back into the spotlight on football's biggest stage.

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