PRISTINA, Kosovo — The United States men’s national soccer team has confirmed its final opponent for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Türkiye, noted for its blend of talent and unpredictability, secured its spot in Group D with a hard-fought 1-0 playoff victory over Kosovo in Pristina.
A goal by Kerem Aktürkoglu in the 53rd minute propelled Türkiye to its first men’s World Cup appearance since reaching the semifinals in 2002, where they were defeated by the eventual champions, Brazil.
Ranking 22nd in the FIFA World Rankings—six spots below Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. squad—Türkiye will match up against the World Cup co-hosts in Group D’s concluding game in Los Angeles on June 25. Both teams will have already faced off against Paraguay and Australia. Should the U.S. not secure wins in their first two matches, the impending clash with Türkiye at SoFi Stadium could be pivotal for their aspirations of topping the group or even advancing to the round of 32.
What should the U.S. anticipate from Vincenzo Montella’s team, which features promising talents like the young Real Madrid star Arda Güler and Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz? Here’s a look at Türkiye’s strengths and weaknesses, which could make them formidable contenders in the World Cup this summer.
How did Türkiye qualify for the World Cup?
Türkiye faced a tough road to qualification, ultimately navigating the playoffs by defeating Romania and then Kosovo, after finishing second in UEFA Group E behind European champions Spain.
Despite registering wins against Bulgaria and Georgia (both home and away), Türkiye’s two matches against Spain demonstrated both their competitive potential and their susceptibility to falter under pressure — as seen during Euro 2024 when they were expected to defeat the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, only to lose.
Turkey suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat at home to Spain but managed a commendable 2-2 draw in their final group stage match in Seville.
The lesson with Türkiye is clear: expect the unexpected.
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Who are Türkiye’s standout players?
The standout performer for Türkiye is midfielder Güler, supported by an impressive cast that includes Yildiz and Internazionale‘s Hakan Çalhanoglu.
At just 21 years old, Güler is becoming the foundation of the Türkiye squad. His poise and control were evident during their match against Kosovo, allowing Türkiye to dominate. Although he hasn’t yet secured a regular starting position at Real Madrid, it won’t be long before he becomes integral to Alvaro Arbeloa’s lineup. He possesses the vision of Luka Modric and can also push forward effectively. Coach Pochettino will be keen to assess the combination between Güler and winger Yildiz, as they pose significant threats.
Yildiz, at 20, is a classic winger, adept with both feet and featuring prominently on the left. In the match against Kosovo, he was pivotal in creating chances through his dynamic runs and willingness to cross or shoot. While he can be inconsistent at times, his future in the game looks bright. The duo of Güler and Yildiz could very well become stars this summer.
Çalhanoglu, the experienced 32-year-old Inter midfielder, plays a vital role in anchoring the team. After Türkiye took the lead in Pristina, he expertly slowed the game to maintain control. In the heat of a U.S. summer, such an experienced player who can manage the tempo will be crucial.
What surprises could Türkiye have in store?
Fullbacks Zeki Çelik and Ferdi Kadioglu are integral to Montella’s 4-2-3-1 setup, often acting as auxiliary wingers when the team attacks. Both players possess speed and tenacity, coupled with defensive skills. Any opposing team will need a strategy to contain Çelik and Kadioglu, who play for Roma and Brighton respectively, and keep them pinned in their own half.
Having gained critical experience at the Euros with Türkiye, neither player is likely to be intimidated by the World Cup stage. While all eyes may be on Güler and Yildiz, Türkiye’s two dynamic fullbacks could be just as threatening.
What are Türkiye’s vulnerabilities?
As previously mentioned, Türkiye has previously struggled under pressure, which could pose challenges at the World Cup given the expectations of securing a top-two finish in Group D.
However, having succeeded in the pressure-packed playoffs against Romania and a young Kosovo team, they may draw strength from that triumph.
On the field, though, Türkiye does have areas that can be exploited.
One area of concern is a lack of a dependable goalkeeper; Galatasaray‘s Ugurcan Çakir holds the starting position with 37 caps since debuting in 2019, but he may not be of the caliber that top nations require. His backup against Kosovo was Manchester United‘s inconsistent second-string Altay Bayindir. Çakir might be adequate to guide Türkiye through the World Cup, but they would face significant challenges if he were to be injured or suspended.
On the offensive front, Türkiye also lacks a proven goal scorer, a role once filled by legends like Hakan Sukur, Burak Yilmaz, and Tuncay Sanli. Match-winner Aktürkoglu scored only three goals during qualification, and other attacking options lack impressive scoring records.
In summary, Türkiye has defensive vulnerabilities—having conceded 12 goals in six qualifiers—and insufficient striking power. If Güler, Yildiz, and Çalhanoglu are effectively neutralized, Türkiye’s offensive threat significantly diminishes.
Is Türkiye a threat to the USMNT?
Yes, Türkiye’s inclusion in Group D complicates matters for Pochettino and his squad.
Despite their weaknesses, Türkiye’s ability, highlighted by players like Güler, Yildiz, and Çalhanoglu, means they can challenge any opponent.
If Kosovo had qualified, they would have clearly been seen as underdogs in Group D. However, with Türkiye’s roster, their overall skill level positions them as legitimate contenders to top the group.