Türkiye face the United States at Los Angeles Stadium in the early hours of Friday morning, eliminated from the 2026 World Cup and playing solely to salvage some pride from a deeply disappointing group stage.
Vincenzo Montella’s side have lost both their fixtures without scoring — 2–0 to Australia, 1–0 to Paraguay — conceding early in each game before dominating possession and shooting volume to little effect. With no tournament implications remaining, this fixture at least offers Türkiye’s considerable attacking talent the freedom to finally express itself.
Montella is expected to make few changes despite back-to-back defeats. The coaching staff believe in the quality of their players and will not abandon the system at the final hurdle. Kenan Yıldız, managing a calf issue, is likely to be available and is expected to keep his place in the attacking line.
Yunus Akgün is doubtful, with Barış Alper Yılmaz the likely replacement on the right flank. Arda Güler continues in the no. 10 position, operating as the creative hub between midfield and attack.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu retains his role as the deeper of the two central midfielders, partnered again by İsmail Yüksek. Çalhanoğlu needs one more goal to surpass Tuncay Şanlı as the national team’s fourth-highest scorer of all time.
Vincenzo Montella’s side have lost both their fixtures without scoring — 2–0 to Australia, 1–0 to Paraguay — conceding early in each game before dominating possession and shooting volume to little effect. With no tournament implications remaining, this fixture at least offers Türkiye’s considerable attacking talent the freedom to finally express itself.
Montella is expected to make few changes despite back-to-back defeats. The coaching staff believe in the quality of their players and will not abandon the system at the final hurdle. Kenan Yıldız, managing a calf issue, is likely to be available and is expected to keep his place in the attacking line.
Yunus Akgün is doubtful, with Barış Alper Yılmaz the likely replacement on the right flank. Arda Güler continues in the no. 10 position, operating as the creative hub between midfield and attack.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu retains his role as the deeper of the two central midfielders, partnered again by İsmail Yüksek. Çalhanoğlu needs one more goal to surpass Tuncay Şanlı as the national team’s fourth-highest scorer of all time.
2 months ago
