Türkiye

Profile

Türkiye return to the World Cup for the first time since their famous third-place finish in 2002, armed with the most exciting generation in their footballing history. Arda Güler has announced himself as one of Real Madrid's most dazzling talents, combining outrageous technique with precision goals that have lit up the Bernabéu. Kenan Yıldız is only 20 but already a starting player at Juventus, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu orchestrates Inter Milan's midfield with a vision and authority that make him arguably the best deep-lying playmaker in world football. Vincenzo Montella has been given the tools to build something special, and Türkiye topped their UEFA qualifying group with some stunning performances including a 6-1 thrashing of opponents along the way. Group D contains the United States, Paraguay and Australia — all winnable games. Expect the fanbase, thousands of miles from Istanbul, to make the most noise of any travelling support in the tournament.

Türkiye fixtures

Players to watch

• Arda Güler

  Midfielder · Real Madrid

  Dubbed the new Messi in Turkey, Güler dazzled from his first moments at Real Madrid with breathtaking goals and technique. A creative attacker who operates between the lines and dribbles through congested areas with ease, his performances at Euro 2024 — including a stunning strike against Georgia — announced him globally.

• Kenan Yıldız

  Forward · Juventus

  One of the most technically gifted teenagers in European football, Yıldız chose Türkiye over Germany and immediately became a starter for Juventus. His balance, two-footedness and ability to create something from nothing in the final third mark him as a future superstar who is already performing at the highest level.

• Hakan Çalhanoğlu

  Midfielder · Inter Milan

  The best deep-lying playmaker in Serie A, Çalhanoğlu has reinvented himself at Inter Milan with an authoritative midfield presence that drives their Champions League campaigns. His passing range, set-piece delivery and reading of the game give Türkiye a platform of control that allows their attacking talents to flourish.

Group D table