Turkey starting lineup vs Australia confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
The Crescent-Stars return to the World Cup after 24 years.
Turkey celebrate their long-awaited World Cup return against a tenacious Australia team in Vancouver on Saturday night.
It had been 24 years since Türkiye appeared on soccer’s biggest stage. They needed the playoffs to secure a spot in North America this summer after placing second to Spain in qualification. Still, Vincenzo Montella’s attacking talent should not be underestimated.
The squad has a decent chance of winning a tight Group D. Turkey prepared for the event by defeating North Macedonia and Venezuela in warm-up games. Back home, excitement is high.
This roster has already performed admirably on the big stage. Montella’s team was a surprise quarterfinalist at Euro 2024.
Turkey’s confirmed lineup vs Australia for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Ugurcan Cakir
Defenders: Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ferdi Kadioglu
Midfielders: Hakan Calhanoglu, Ismail Yuksek
Forwards: Arda Guler, Orkun Kokcu, Baris Yilmaz, Kerem Akturkoglu
Substitutes: Bayindir, Mert, Yildiz, Caglar, Ozcan, Gul, Eren Elmali, Ozan Kabak, Kahveci, Muldur, Yunus, Kaan, Oguz, Akaydin, Can Uzun
Also read: Australia starting lineup vs Turkey confirmed for FIFA World Cup 2026 clash
Thoughts on lineup
There were no shocks on Vincenzo Montella’s 26-man roster, with Real Madrid’s Arda Güler heading the charge. Güler has matured into a midfield commander in the Spanish city. He will return to his No. 10 role for the World Cup.
To accommodate Guler in the attack, Montella is employing Baris Yilmaz on the left. He will add pace and more attacking threat in the assault alongside Guler.
Ferdi Kadıoğlu, who played 37 Premier League games for Brighton & Hove Albion last season, will start as a left-back. Merih Demiral, previously a prized defender on Juve’s roster, has also played a key role for the national team under Montella. He will command the backline in this tournament.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kerem Aktürkoğlu will add flair to this 2026 FIFA World Cup lineup.
When was the last time Türkiye played in the World Cup?
In 2002.
Is Arda Guler in the starting lineup?
Yes, he will play an important role.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.