Article by Alexandru Stanciu – Published Saturday, 06 December 2025, 07:18 / Updated Saturday, 06 December 2025 07:44
Although they did not qualify for the final tournament, the Turks, through the voice of the president of the Football Federation, are already the winners group D at the 2026 World Cup.
The United States of America, Paraguay and Australia await their last opponent in the group, which will be decided at the end of March next year, between Slovakia, Kosovo, Turkey and Romania.
Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu: “It is essential that Turkey win the group”
Romania is Turkey's first opponent on the way to the World Championship. The winner of this match will face the winner of Kosovo and Slovakia in the play-off final for a ticket to the final tournament.
Although there is no certainty that they will qualify, the president of the Turkish Football Federation is confident that his national team can easily win Group D of the final tournament.
“It's one of the best draws possible. Australia, Paraguay and the United States. I think our boys will win the group. After we get here, it's essential that Turkey win the group. I think our brave boys will achieve that“, said Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, the president of the Federation, according to milliyet.com.tr.
On the other hand, coach Vicenzo Montella is only thinking about the playoffs at the moment.
“Actually, my focus is on March. But of course I like the draw we had. For now, we'll focus on the March barrage.
Yes, it has been 24 years since I last participated in the World Championship and I have worked hard to achieve this goal. We are very close and will take the most important step in March. Our dreams are the same as those of Turkish citizens and we work together,” said the Turkey coach, according to the source cited earlier.
Turkey will host the semi-final of the play-off with the Romanian national team on March 26, 2026. In the event of a qualification, the “tricolors” will play the final away, with the winner between Slovakia and Kosovo.
