World Cup 2026: Turkey inspired by 2002 legacy as Montella’s young stars chase new miracle

Turkey head into the 2026 World Cup with renewed belief and a clear ambition — to relive the magic of their unforgettable 2002 campaign, when they stunned the football world by finishing third.

Under head coach Vincenzo Montella, the Ay-Yıldızlılar arrive in North America as a balanced blend of youthful talent and experienced leadership, with expectations steadily rising around a squad ranked 22nd in the world.

Montella, who was part of Italy’s 2002 World Cup squad, has built a Turkish side that plays with structure, intensity and attacking flair. Since taking charge in 2021, the Italian tactician has overseen steady progress, including a historic qualification push that saw Türkiye finish second in their European qualifying group before edging Kosovo 1-0 in the play-offs to secure their place at the tournament.

At the heart of Turkey’s hopes is Arda Güler, the 21-year-old Real Madrid midfielder widely regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting creative talents. After breaking through at Fenerbahçe as a teenager, Güler has developed into a key figure at club level, and his influence is expected to be decisive on the world stage.

Turkey’s World Cup journey will begin in a competitive Group stage, where they face Australia, Paraguay and the United States. Their opening match against Australia on June 14 is already being viewed as a key test of their knockout ambitions.

History offers both inspiration and motivation. Turkey have only appeared at the World Cup twice before — in 1954 and 2002 — with their third-place finish in Korea-Japan remaining the nation’s greatest football achievement.

Montella’s side will look to draw confidence from that legacy, while writing a new chapter of their own.

Head-to-head records also give Turkey quiet confidence, with strong past results against Australia and mixed outcomes against the USA and Paraguay, suggesting a tightly contested group.

As kick-off approaches, the message from the Turkish camp is clear: this is not just about participation, but about chasing another miracle.