Turkish football has been waiting 24 years for this moment. Turkey last appeared at the World Cup in 2002 – finishing third in South Korea and Japan in one of the most celebrated achievements in the nation’s sporting history.
Since then they have consistently fallen short in qualification, making their return to North America under Italian coach Vincenzo Montella all the more significant. This is only Turkey’s fourth World Cup appearance.
How they got there
Turkey finished second in UEFA qualifying Group E behind Spain before entering the European playoffs. They beat Romania 1-0 in the semi-final before Kerem Akturkoglu’s winning goal against Kosovo in the playoff final sealed their place in North America.
The campaign was built on defensive discipline and the creative influence of their two young attacking stars – with Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz combining for 20 goal contributions across the entire qualification campaign.
Best ever World Cup finish
Turkey’s greatest football achievement remains their run to third place at the 2002 World Cup. They eliminated Japan and Senegal in the knockout stages before losing to eventual champions Brazil in the semi-finals.
A 3-2 victory over South Korea in the third-place play-off sealed bronze. It was in that match that Hakan Sukur scored the fastest goal in World Cup history – finding the net just 11 seconds after kick-off.
Iconic moments
Sukur’s record-breaking goal against South Korea in the 2002 third-place play-off remains Turkey’s most celebrated footballing moment. The strike has never been beaten and is confirmed as the fastest goal in the tournament’s history by Guinness World Records.
Sukur finished his international career as Turkey’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals.
Players to watch
Arda Guler (Real Madrid) – The 21-year-old is one of the most naturally gifted attacking midfielders of his generation. Guler scored six goals and provided 14 assists for Real Madrid in all competitions this season – leading the club in chances created. A left-footed playmaker with elite vision and long-range shooting, he is Turkey’s most dangerous creative force.
Kenan Yildiz (Juventus) – The other half of Turkey’s devastating young attack. The 21-year-old was named Serie A’s Best Under-23 Player for the 2025-26 season after scoring 10 goals and providing six assists for Juventus. Born in Germany to a Turkish father, Yildiz chose Turkey over Germany and has become one of the most exciting forwards in European football.
Fixtures
13 Jun: Australia vs Turkey – BC Place, Vancouver – 06:00 SAST
20 Jun: Turkey vs Paraguay – Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara – 05:00 SAST
26 Jun: Turkey vs USA – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – 04:00 SAST
Photo: Seskim Photo/MB Media/Getty Images
