Turkey is one of a record 48 teams that will be playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America this summer. The tournament, which will be the biggest ever in terms of the number of teams competing and matches being played, is another chance for Turkey to show they belong on the international stage. After failing to qualify for Qatar 2022, they will be going all out to prove their credentials in the coming weeks.
One Of The Favorites To Progress
Turkey have been drawn in Group D at the 2026 World Cup alongside Australia, Paraguay and the USA, one of the co-hosts. They will get their campaign underway on Sunday, June 14 against Australia, before taking on Paraguay on Saturday, June 20 and wrapping up their group stage fixtures against the USA on Friday, June 26.
It’s fair to say that the teams competing in Group D are evenly matched to an extent, with Turkey, alongside the USA, favorites to automatically progress according to odds at Tooniebet and other reputable sports betting platforms. And, the immediate target for Turkey will be to secure qualification for the Round of 32 knockout stage as soon as possible.
Third Place Is An Optional Safety Net
While Turkey will not only fancy their chances of making it out of Group D, but winning it, there are eight third-place spots up for grabs that will enable teams to advance. Due to the new format, the best eight third-placed teams in the group stage will enter the Round of 32 knockouts, but Turkey will be hoping they don’t need to utilize that safety net.
With the USA being regarded as the strongest nation in the group, the fact that Turkey will play Australia, the perceived weakest team, and then Paraguay, before meeting the USMNT, means that qualification for the next round could already be in the bag if Turkey were to be victorious against both.
A Squad Full Of Quality
Turkey, who are managed by Italian Vincenzo Montella, have a squad littered with talent. In many ways, you could describe the group of players at Montella’s disposal as underrated, making them one of the real dark horses ahead of the World Cup kicking off. At the top of the pitch alone, Montella can call on the attacking midfielders like Arda Guler and Can Uzun, with winger Kenan Yildiz another young superstar in their ranks.
Uzun is 20, and Yildiz and Guler are both 21. They’re already playing at the top level, with Yildiz at Juventus and Guler at Real Madrid, and they will inject energy, skill and confidence into Turkey’s attack. However, Montella can also call on the experienced heads of players like captain Hakan Calhanoglu, goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir and central defender Merih Demiral. Turkey has a balanced squad, and that balance could be key in North America this summer.
Final Thoughts
Turkey being absent from the 2022 Qatar World Cup was a blow. But it’s how a team responds to setbacks that tells you what they’re really about. They head to the 2026 World Cup with renewed belief and a squad that is more than capable of progressing out of Group D without a hitch. On paper, Vincenzo Montella’s side has what it takes to win the group, which would be a great achievement and give them confidence heading into the latter stages.
