Turkey Unveils 2026 World Cup Squad Blending Seasoned Veterans with Rising Stars

Turkey has unveiled its squad for the 2026 World Cup, selecting a mix of established performers and promising newcomers under the direction of coach Montella. The contingent will be captained by Hakan Calhanoglu and features several high-profile players including Real Madrid's Arda Guler, Juventus striker Kenan Yildiz, and defender Merih Demiral.

The goalkeeping contingent comprises Altay Binder, Mert Junuk, and Ugurzhan Çakir.

Montella's defensive selections include Abdul Karim Bardaksi, Eren Al Mali, Caglar Soyuncu, Mert Muldor, Ferdi Kadioglu, Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak, Samet Akaydin, and Zeki Celik.

The midfield roster features Hakan Calhanoglu, Ismail Yuksek, Can Ayhan, Orkun Cocu, and Salih Ozcan.

Turkey's attacking options encompass Arda Guler, Paris Albert Yilmaz, Yunus Akgün, Can Uzun, Deniz Gul, Irfan Can Kahveci, Kenan Yildiz, Kerem Akturkoglu, and Oguz Aydin.

The selection notably includes several young prospects, particularly Can Uzun and Deniz Gul, as the Turkish national team seeks to capitalize on its recent momentum under Montella's leadership.

Turkey's group stage schedule begins with a match against Australia on June 14 at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. The team will then face Paraguay on June 20 in the San Francisco Bay Area, followed by a fixture against the United States on June 26 in Los Angeles.

The Turkish federation aims to advance from the group stage and recapture the success of the 2002 World Cup, when the national team achieved a third-place finish in the tournament.