Türkiye National Team Announces Squad for Crucial World Cup Playoff Against Kosovo

Priština, Kosovo – March 31, 2026 – The Turkish national football team, known as A Millî Takım, has announced its 23-man squad for the decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off final against Kosovo. The match, set to be played in Priština, represents a pivotal moment for Turkish football, as the team seeks to end a 24-year drought from World Cup participation.

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Montella’s Squad Selection

Head coach Vincenzo Montella has named a squad aiming to secure a spot in the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The selection process wasn’t without its challenges, as several players were ruled out due to injury or technical decisions. For Turkish fans, this match carries significant weight, representing a chance to rejoin the global stage of football after a prolonged absence.

Injuries and Omissions

Merih Demiral and Aral Şimşir will miss the crucial match due to injuries, impacting the defensive options available to Montella. Semih Kılıçsoy has been released to join the Turkey Under-21 national team. Further omissions from the 23-man squad include Muhammed Şengezer, Ahmetcan Kaplan, Mustafa Eskihellaç, and Oğuz Aydın, all of whom were deemed not to fit into Montella’s tactical plans for this particular encounter. These decisions highlight the competitive nature of the squad and the difficult choices faced by the coaching staff.

The 23-Man Squad

Montella has assembled a squad blending experience and emerging talent, hoping to overcome the challenge posed by Kosovo. The team will be looking to capitalize on their attacking prowess and defensive solidity to secure the vital victory needed to qualify for the World Cup. Here’s a breakdown of the squad:

• Goalkeepers: Altay Bayındır, Mert Günok, Uğurcan Çakır
• Defenders: Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Mert Müldür, Ozan Kabak, Samet Akaydin
• Midfielders: Atakan Karazor, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, İsmail Yüksek, Kaan Ayhan, Orkun Kökçü, Salih Özcan
• Forwards: Arda Güler, Barış Alper Yılmaz, Deniz Gül, İrfan Can Kahveci, Kenan Yıldız, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Yunus Akgün

What’s at Stake

The stakes are incredibly high for A Millî Takım. A victory against Kosovo would not only end their 24-year World Cup absence but as well inject renewed optimism into Turkish football. The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 teams, presents a greater opportunity for nations to compete on the world stage, making this play-off even more critical. Failure to qualify would prolong the wait and potentially lead to questions about the future direction of the national team.

The match in Priština is expected to be a fiercely contested affair, with Kosovo aiming to cause an upset on home soil. Montella’s team will need to navigate a potentially hostile atmosphere and deliver a performance worthy of securing their place in the tournament. The pressure will be immense, but the players will be motivated by the desire to represent their nation and achieve a historic feat.

Key Players to Watch

Several players will be crucial to Turkey’s success in this pivotal match. Arda Güler, the young attacking midfielder, is expected to play a key role in unlocking the Kosovo defense with his creativity and technical ability. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the experienced midfielder, will be vital in controlling the tempo of the game and providing a creative spark. Defensively, the partnership between Abdülkerim Bardakcı and Ozan Kabak will be essential in keeping the Kosovo attack at bay.

The goalkeeping position will also be under scrutiny, with Altay Bayındır, Mert Günok, and Uğurcan Çakır all vying for a starting spot. Montella’s decision on who to start in goal could prove to be a significant factor in the outcome of the match.

Looking Ahead

Following the match against Kosovo, the focus will immediately shift to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, should Turkey qualify. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be a spectacle of global football, and A Millî Takım will be eager to create their mark. The team’s performance in the qualifying campaign and the subsequent World Cup will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.

For now, all attention is on Priština and the challenge that awaits. The Turkish national team knows that a single match stands between them and a return to the World Cup stage. The nation will be united in support, hoping to witness a historic victory and the end of a long wait.

The match is scheduled for March 31, 2026, with kickoff time to be announced locally in Priština. Fans can follow the match through official FIFA channels and Turkish sports media outlets for live updates and coverage.

What are your predictions for the match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!