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The Turkish national football team has officially revealed its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The inclusion of several young stars currently shining in top European leagues has raised public expectations for the team known as the Ay-Yildizlilar, Friday (5 June 2026).

According to reports from BolaSport.com, the Turkish Football Federation announced the final squad through its official Instagram account on Tuesday (2 June 2026).

Head coach Vincenzo Montella has combined experienced veterans with emerging young talents widely regarded as the golden generation of Turkish football.

Turkey’s return to the World Cup stage also marks a historic moment.

After 24 long years, they have finally broken their drought, returning to the tournament for the first time since their last appearance in 2002.

Turkey’s main strength at the 2026 World Cup is expected to lie in their midfield and attacking lines.

Among the standout names are Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz, and Hakan Calhanoglu.

Arda Guler, who currently plays for Real Madrid, is seen as one of the brightest talents Turkey has produced in recent years.

Meanwhile, Kenan Yildiz continues to impress with Juventus, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising young players.

On the other hand, Hakan Calhanoglu will serve as team captain and a vital source of experience for the Turkish squad.

The Inter Milan midfielder is expected to dictate the tempo of play and mentor the younger members of the team.

In addition to these three, Turkey also boasts several players accustomed to competing at the highest European level, including Ferdi Kadioglu, Orkun Kokcu, Merih Demiral, and Kerem Akturkoglu.

Turkey’s path to the 2026 World Cup was far from easy.

They were drawn into Group E of the European Qualifiers alongside Spain, Bulgaria, and Georgia.

Finishing second in the group, Turkey had to secure qualification through the play-offs.

In the play-off semi-final, they edged past Romania with a 1-0 victory.

They then faced Kosovo in the play-off final, where another narrow 1-0 win sealed their place in the 2026 World Cup finals.

The achievement was celebrated passionately across Turkey, as fans had been waiting over two decades to see their team return to football’s biggest stage.

Vincenzo Montella’s Influence

According to TribunJatim.com, Turkey’s resurgence cannot be separated from the influence of coach Vincenzo Montella.

The Italian tactician was appointed head coach of the Turkish national team in September 2023.

His experience managing major European clubs such as AC Milan, Fiorentina, and Sevilla has been instrumental in shaping the new-look team.

Under Montella’s leadership, Turkey has developed a more aggressive and attack-minded style of play.

Although they suffered a heavy defeat against Spain during the qualifiers, Turkey successfully reinforced their defence heading into the play-offs.

This improvement was evident as they recorded back-to-back clean sheets in victories over Romania and Kosovo.

Tough Challenge in Group D

In the 2026 World Cup finals, Turkey will compete in Group D alongside the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.

The group is considered highly competitive, with all four teams seen as having relatively equal chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

Turkey will kick off their campaign against Australia on 13 June 2026 in Vancouver.

They will then face Paraguay on 19 June before concluding their group stage against hosts the United States on 25 June 2026.

With a blend of youthful flair and seasoned experience across the squad, Turkey hopes to replicate their historic success from the 2002 World Cup, when they finished third.

Now, after a 24-year wait, Turkish fans once again place their hopes on this golden generation, led by Arda Guler and his teammates, to create new history at the 2026 World Cup.

Turkey’s Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers

• Mert Gunok
• Altay Bayindir
• Ugurcan Cakir

Defenders

• Ferdi Kadioglu
• Merih Demiral
• Abdulkerim Bardakci
• Zeki Celik
• Mert Muldur
• Caglar Soyuncu
• Eren Elmali
• Ozan Kabak
• Samet Akaydin

Midfielders

• Hakan Calhanoglu
• Orkun Kokcu
• Ismail Yuksek
• Salih Ozcan
• Kaan Ayhan

Forwards

• Arda Guler
• Kenan Yildiz
• Baris Alper Yilmaz
• Kerem Akturkoglu
• Irfan Can Kahveci
• Can Uzun
• Deniz Gul
• Oguz Aydin
• Yunus Akgun