Turkey's 2026 World Cup squad: Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız lead the new wave

⚡ Key points AI generated

Turkey returns to the World Cup after 24 years without participating, with their last appearance in 2002 when they finished third
Arda Güler (Real Madrid) and Kenan Yıldız (Juventus) lead a new generation of young talents under the direction of Vincenzo Montella
The team will compete in Group D alongside hosts United States, with Hakan Çalhanoğlu as experienced captain with 104 international caps

Turkey returns to the big stage after 24 years in the wilderness (their last appearance was 2002, when they finished third) and they're doing it with a squad that's got people excited. Montella has gone for youth and technical quality in Group D, which is hosted by the USA.

🌟 Arda Güler (Real Madrid) is the face of the project: at 21, a match-winner with that special touch. For the Spanish football fan, a familiar name at the Bernabéu (and his rivalry with Lamine).

⚽ Alongside him, Kenan Yıldız (Juventus), another gem, and the leadership of Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter), the captain with the most experience (104 caps).

❌ Missing out are Enes Ünal (Bournemouth), Yusuf Akçiçek and Aral Şimşir; goalkeeper Berke Özer is also absent.

🦅 24 years later, Turkey returns to the World Cup with one of Europe's most promising generations. The new Ottoman wave wants to reclaim the spot they had in 2002.

📋 Full squad · Manager: Vincenzo Montella

🧤 Goalkeepers

Mert Günok (Fenerbahçe), Altay Bayındır (Manchester United), Uğurcan Çakır (Galatasaray)

🛡️ Defenders

Zeki Çelik (Roma), Merih Demiral (Al-Ahli), Çağlar Söyüncü (Fenerbahçe), Eren Elmalı (Galatasaray), Abdülkerim Bardakcı (Galatasaray), Ozan Kabak (Hoffenheim), Mert Müldür (Fenerbahçe), Ferdi Kadıoğlu (Brighton), Samet Akaydın (Çaykur Rizespor)

⚙️ Midfielders

Salih Özcan (Borussia Dortmund), Orkun Kökçü (Beşiktaş), Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter, captain), İsmail Yüksek (Fenerbahçe), Kaan Ayhan (Galatasaray)

⚽ Forwards

Kerem Aktürkoğlu (Fenerbahçe), Arda Güler (Real Madrid), Deniz Gül (Porto), Kenan Yıldız (Juventus), İrfan Can Kahveci (Kasımpaşa), Yunus Akgün (Galatasaray), Barış Alper Yılmaz (Galatasaray), Oğuz Aydın (Fenerbahçe), Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt)

🏆 Group D

⚽ Opponents: United States, Paraguay and Australia

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Frequently asked questions

Who is Turkey's coach for the 2026 World Cup?

Vincenzo Montella is Turkey's coach for the 2026 World Cup.

Which group is Turkey in at the 2026 World Cup?

Turkey is in Group D of the 2026 World Cup, alongside the United States, Paraguay and Australia.

How many players does Turkey call up for the 2026 World Cup?

Turkey presents a squad of 26 players for the 2026 World Cup, according to the FIFA format established for the tournament.

Where does Turkey play its matches at the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Turkey plays in Group D against the United States, Paraguay and Australia.

Turquía Convocatoria Mundial 2026 Arda Güler Kenan Yıldız Montella Grupo D

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