Türkiye finish 35th as Montella keeps his job

Türkiye finish 35th at the 2026 World Cup

Your team ended the tournament ranked 35th out of 48. That is the final word on a campaign that never got going (1). A squad worth 473.7 million euros, quarter-finalists at Euro 2024, and a group with Paraguay and the United States. The numbers do not lie.

Three European sides failed to advance, Africa dominated the groups

Türkiye are not alone in the wreckage. Only three European teams failed to reach the knockout stage, and your team is one of them (2). Africa sent more sides through than any other continent. Tunisia made it. You did not. The comparison stings.

Montella stays, Hacıosmanoğlu backs him publicly

TFF president İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu has stated Vincenzo Montella will continue as manager. The backing is public and unambiguous. The final group match against the United States is a dead rubber, a chance to rotate and give minutes to players who have not featured.

Zendejas poised for World Cup debut against Türkiye

USMNT winger Alex Zendejas could earn his first World Cup appearance when the two sides meet. The fixture will be officiated by Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal.