Turkey's national football team named a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 2, 2026, selecting a mix of experienced internationals and promising young players [1, 2, 3]. The squad reflects a balance between leadership and emerging talent under coach Vincenzo Montella.
The team’s captain Hakan Calhanoglu leads the midfield alongside Ismail Yuksek, Kaan Ayhan, Orkun Kokcu, and Salih Ozcan [1, 2, 3]. Other key experienced outfield players include Arda Guler, Kerem Akturkoglu, Baris Alper Yilmaz, Yusuf Yazici, and defender Merih Demiral [1, 2, 3]. Notable young forwards Can Uzun and Deniz Gul earned spots, signaling a focus on youth integration [3].
Turkey's goalkeeping trio features Altay Bayindir from Manchester United, Mert Gunok of Fenerbahce, and Ugurcan Cakir from Galatasaray [1, 2, 3]. The defensive line includes Abdulkerim Bardakci, Caglar Soyuncu, Eren Elmali, Ferdi Kadioglu, Merih Demiral, Mert Muldur, Ozan Kabak, Samet Akaydin, and Zeki Celik [1, 2, 3]. Strikers selected are Arda Guler, Baris Alper Yilmaz, Can Uzun, Deniz Gul, Irfan Can Kahveci, Kenan Yildiz, Kerem Akturkoglu, Oguz Aydin, and Yunus Akgun [1, 2, 3].
Some notable absences from the squad are Sporting Braga midfielder Demir Ege Tiknaz and Danish league Player of the Season Aral Simsir [1, 2].
Turkey is drawn into Group D of the tournament, facing Australia, Paraguay, and the United States in the group stage [1, 2, 3]. Turkey’s first World Cup match will be against Australia on June 14 in Vancouver [3]. They will then meet Paraguay on June 20 in the San Francisco Bay Area, followed by the United States on June 26 in Los Angeles [3].
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico [3]. This marks Turkey’s first World Cup appearance since 2002, when the team finished third [3].
