Türkiye’s World Cup story is one of the quirkiest in world soccer.

Before punching its ticket to 2026 by beating Kosovo in the UEFA playoffs, the Crescent-Stars had only two previous appearances: 1954 and a stunning third-place finish in 2002.

That run in Japan and South Korea left the world wondering if a new soccer powerhouse had arrived—only for Türkiye to vanish from the global stage afterward.

This time, however, the roster isn’t just a group of surprise performers. With a mix of experienced stars and two dazzling young talents (more on them shortly), Vincenzo Montella’s side looks ready to make some noise in North America—especially given a relatively kind group featuring the United States, Paraguay and Australia.

The Road to the World Cup

Qualification record (including playoffs) : 6W-1L-1D

Goals for / against (including playoffs): 19 / 12

Top scorers: Kenan Yıldız, Kerem Aktürkoğlu (3)

Assist leaders: Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu (4)

Türkiye’s qualification campaign was more impressive than…