Turkey is set to return to the FIFA World Cup after some good performances in the qualification round. In the group stage, The Crescent-Stars finished in the second position, while they claimed close wins in the Playoffs to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Turkey were in Group E in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification (UEFA), where their opponents were Spain, Georgia, and Bulgaria. While they lost against Spain by 6-0 at home, they had an away draw by 2-2 against the same team. However, The Crescent-Stars claimed four wins in that group stage, mostly with comfortable performances, as they finished in the second position in Group E.
In the UEFA Playoffs, Turkey faced Romania in the Semi-final and Kosovo in the Final, and they won both matches by 1-0 to secure their qualification for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
Turkey's performances in the FIFA WC 2026 Qualification UEFA Group E
Georgia 2 – 3 Turkey
Turkey 0 – 6 Spain
Bulgaria 1 – 6 Turkey
Turkey 4 – 1 Georgia
Turkey 2 – 0 Bulgaria
Spain 2 – 2 Turkey
UEFA Playoffs (Second Round) – Path C
Semi-final: Turkey 1 – 0 Romania
Final: Kosovo 0 – 1 Turkey
Turkey's Complete FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualification Stats
Matches played: 8
Won: 6
Drawn: 1
Lost: 1
Goals Scored: 19
Goals Conceded: 12
Leading Goal Scorer: Kenan Yıldız and Kerem Aktürkoğlu – 3 goals each
Turkey FIFA World Cup records
Turkey is ready to make their comeback in the FIFA World Cup, as the upcoming 2026 edition will be their first WC challenge since 2006. It will be their only third FIFA World Cup appearance. While they were eliminated from the group stage in the 1954 edition, they stunned everyone in the 2002 edition by finishing in the third position.
Turkey group stage schedule in the FIFA World Cup 2026
Turkey will start their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey in Group D, while their opponents will be Australia, Paraguay, and the United States.
June 13: Australia vs Turkey at BC Place, Vancouver (21:00 local time)
June 19: Turkey vs Paraguay at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (20:00 local time)
June 25: Turkey vs United States at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood (19:00 local time)
