Article by Eduard Apostol, Cezar Titor – Published Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 9:40 p.m. / Updated Tuesday, January 13, 2026 9:40 p.m.
Daniel Bîrligea, 25 years oldthe striker of the red-blues and the Romanian national team, is prepared for the inferno that is announced on the shores of the Bosphorus. Message of strength from the new first representative team
The play-off match at the BJK Stadium, from March 26, between Turkey and Romania is fast approaching. The penultimate chance, we all hope, for a place at the World Championship this summer. Then there would be the final, the decisive match, for a ticket to the big competition. Whoever will beat the new Inonu will face the team that will win in the match Slovakia – Kosovo, away, on March 30.
3is the place occupied by Romania in the preliminary campaign for WC 2026, after Austria and Bosnia
Daniel Bîrligea about the atmosphere in which Turkey – Romania will play at BJK Stadium: “I also like it when they curse me, scream, it means they are afraid of me!”
“What would you choose between qualifying for the World Cup and the title with FCSB?” Daniel Bîrligea was asked in the training camp in Antalya. The 25-year-old star was the national team's rookie in the last three official matches – Austria (1-0), Bosnia (1-3, goal) and San Marino (7-1) – in which he started as a starter. He replied firmly to the GSP reporter's question.
“Personally, qualifying for the World Cup. Because it comes first. After… We also think about the championship. It will be a tough match in Turkey, we have to get there prepared, with a fighting attitude and fear no one! Let's fight until the end and believe.
Certainly, the Turks are also waiting for the match with us. I personally believe in us. If there's a 1% chance we'll qualify, I believe in it.
It's a pressure to play in such stadiums, but it's also nice when you play against other teams with supporters. I like him to curse me, to scream. When this happens, it means they are afraid of you. If you're softer, it doesn't help. It depends on what character you have.
If you know how to behave in these phases of matches, in such stadiums, it can be nice, but it depends on the character of each player”, reacted the striker of the champion.
7selections and two goals Daniel Bîrligea collected for the Romanian national team
