Turkey's 'Our Boys' return to World Cup stage, first opponent Australia

The Turkish national football team, "Bizim Çocuklar" (Our Boys), is set to make its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup stage. After a 24-year hiatus, the team will kick off their 2026 World Cup journey in Group D against Australia. The crucial opening match is scheduled for Sunday, June 14, at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada, with kickoff at 07:00 Turkish time.

Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela will officiate the match, assisted by compatriots Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno. Kevin Ortega from Peru will serve as the fourth official. This return to the global tournament signifies a significant moment for Turkish football, ending a lengthy qualification drought.

Coach Vincenzo Montella has announced a 26-player squad for the tournament. Key players include goalkeepers Altay Bayındır (Manchester United), Mert Günok (Fenerbahçe), and Uğurcan Çakır (Galatasaray). The defense features notable names like Çağlar Söyüncü and Merih Demiral, while the midfield is anchored by captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter) and Orkun Kökçü (Beşiktaş). The attacking line includes talents such as Arda Güler (Real Madrid) and Kenan Yıldız (Juventus).

Following the Australia match, Turkey will face Paraguay on June 20 in San Francisco, and conclude their group stage play against hosts USA on June 26 in Los Angeles. This tournament marks Turkey's 652nd match in its 103-year history. The team has a record of 259 wins, 151 draws, and 241 losses, having scored 903 goals and conceded 927. Notably, Turkey has faced Australia three times previously, winning both encounters.

One unique aspect of Turkey's history is a single awarded forfeit victory against Greece in 2015, after a match initially ended 0-0 but was later decided in Turkey's favor by FIFA due to Greece fielding an ineligible player. The match against Kosovo in 2014, which Turkey won 6-1, is not officially counted due to Kosovo's status at the time.