Turkey’s 2026 World Cup Dream Rides on 19-Year-Old Superstar Arda Guler
Turkey is heading into the 2026 World Cup with a newly unified squad and a teenage star leading the charge.
Vincenzo Montella has brought harmony to the Turkish squad, shaping one of the country’s strongest teams ever around a generational talent: Arda Guler [161916][163973][163373]. The young playmaker is the key to Turkey’s hopes at the 2026 World Cup [161916][163973][163373].
Montella’s work has transformed the team’s atmosphere, creating a cohesive unit built around the 19-year-old’s creativity and skill [161916][163973][163373]. Guler, who plays for Real Madrid, is expected to be the focal point of Turkey’s attack in the tournament, which kicks off on 11 June [161916][163973][163373].
The team’s preparation comes as part of the Guardian’s 2026 World Cup Experts’ Network, a partnership with top media organizations from all 48 qualified nations [161916][163973][163373]. Turkey qualified for the tournament after a strong campaign, and fans are optimistic that Montella’s new-found harmony and Guler’s brilliance can lead to a deep run [161916][163973][163373].