Turkey is making its return to the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time since 2002, when they reached the semi-finals, ending a 24-year absence from the tournament [1, 2]. The team will open its 2026 campaign in Group D against Australia at Vancouver's BC Place stadium on Saturday, June 11 [1, 2].
The Turkish squad will be led by 21-year-old attacking midfielder Arda Guler, who stands out as a key player despite concerns over a hamstring injury he sustained late in the club season while playing for Real Madrid [1, 2]. Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella praised Guler’s abilities, saying, "He has talent, intuition, reading of the game; he knows when to slow down, when to go vertical, and he knows how to score. He has an innocent face, but he is very clever. He has talent, plays at a high level, and handles a lot of pressure" [1].
Australia, also in Group D alongside co-hosts the U.S. and Paraguay, enters the tournament with a youthful squad. The team features potentially 17 World Cup debutants, including two uncapped players, 25-year-old Tete Yengi and 22-year-old Cristian Volpato [1, 2]. The Australian squad reached the last 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Australian defender Milos Degenek noted the pressure Turkey faces from its long World Cup absence but expressed confidence: "I think Turkey's got a lot of pressure as well because they haven't been to a major tournament World Cup since 2002. There's a lot hope on them and a lot pressure, but we're ready for that definitely" [1]. Meanwhile, Australian coach Tony Popovic said the team's relative inexperience will not be a handicap, describing the squad as "a lot of young exuberance, a lot of exciting talent, which is the start of a new cycle" [1].
The Group D opener at BC Place will mark the first World Cup match Turkey has played since their 2002 semi-final run. The match is set for June 11, 2026 [1, 2].