Turkey U19: Failure to Qualify & Allegations of Favoritism | Veli Kavlak Era

ISTANBUL, Turkey – The Turkey Under-19 national team will not be competing in the 2026 UEFA European Championship finals after a 1-1 draw with Italy on March 31st, 2026, effectively ending their qualifying hopes. The result has reignited a debate surrounding the selection process for the national youth team, with criticism focused on the limited representation of players from Trabzonspor U19, the current leaders of the Turkish U19 League.

The team, now under the leadership of Veli Kavlak following the unsuccessful tenure of Sabri Sarıoğlu, continues to struggle for results. The draw against Italy followed a recent 3-0 defeat to Kosovo, raising serious questions about the direction of the program. The failure to qualify adds to the growing frustration surrounding the development of young Turkish talent.

Kadro Choices Under Scrutiny

A central point of contention has been the composition of Kavlak’s squad. While Trabzonspor U19 currently dominates the domestic league, only one player, Onuralp Çakıroğlu, was included in the recent international call-ups. Notably, Çakıroğlu saw limited playing time during the qualifying matches, a decision that has drawn considerable criticism from observers.

The situation echoes concerns raised last year under Sarıoğlu, when players from Trabzonspor U19, who were enjoying success in the UEFA Youth League, were reportedly overlooked. This pattern suggests a systemic issue within the selection process, potentially hindering the development of promising young players.

Allegations of Favoritism and Influence

The recent squad selections have fueled accusations of favoritism and undue influence from agents within Turkish football. Following the defeat to Kosovo, social media erupted with complaints that the starting eleven lacked representation from the top-performing teams in the U19 Türkiye Ligi. Critics pointed out that the squad heavily featured players from Beşiktaş, Fenerbahçe, and Galatasaray – clubs not currently among the league’s elite at the U19 level.

This imbalance has led to speculation that factors beyond merit are influencing team selection, potentially undermining the integrity of the youth development system. The lack of opportunities for players from leading clubs like Trabzonspor raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process.

Onuralp Çakıroğlu: A Rising Star Limited by Opportunity?

Onuralp Çakıroğlu, born December 5, 2007, in Of, Trabzon, is a promising midfielder currently playing for Trabzonspor U19. According to Transfermarkt, he has been a key player for the club, featuring in 25 matches and scoring 8 goals as of March 9, 2025. His inclusion in the U19 national team was seen as a positive step, but his limited playing time has sparked debate about whether he is being given a fair chance to showcase his talent on the international stage.

Çakıroğlu’s development is being closely watched by fans and analysts alike, and many believe he has the potential to turn into a valuable asset for both Trabzonspor and the Turkish national team. However, his progress may be hampered if he continues to be overlooked at the youth level.

A Familiar Pattern?

The current situation is not an isolated incident. Last year, Sabri Sarıoğlu faced similar criticism for not giving adequate opportunities to Trabzonspor’s youth players, particularly those who had excelled in the UEFA Youth League. His eventual dismissal suggests that the Turkish Football Federation recognizes the need for a more equitable and merit-based selection process.

However, the fact that the same issues persist under Veli Kavlak raises questions about whether the underlying problems have been addressed. The ongoing debate highlights the challenges of building a successful youth development system in Turkey, where external pressures and internal politics can often overshadow sporting considerations.

The Turkish U19 team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 UEFA European Championship serves as a stark reminder of the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the youth development program. Addressing the concerns surrounding squad selection, promoting transparency, and prioritizing meritocracy are crucial steps towards nurturing the next generation of Turkish football stars.

The team will now focus on rebuilding and preparing for future challenges. The next steps for the U19 squad remain unclear, but a thorough review of the selection process and a commitment to fairness will be essential to restoring confidence in the program. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on the team’s plans and hoping to see a more representative and competitive squad in the future.