Bulgaria & Spain Showdown: The National Team's Chosen Warriors Revealed!

Bulgaria & Spain Showdown: The National Team's Chosen Warriors Revealed!
Sports 07 November 2025

**Montella Announces Turkey's Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers Against Bulgaria and Spain**

Bulgaria & Spain Showdown: The National Team's Cho...

Turkey's national football team manager, Vincenzo Montella, has unveiled his 28-man preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Bulgaria and Spain. These final two Group E fixtures are critical for Turkey's hopes of securing a spot in the prestigious tournament.

The squad announcement features a blend

The squad announcement features a blend of established names and fresh faces, signaling Montella's intent to inject new energy into the team. Notably, Aral Şimşir, a promising talent currently playing for FC Midtjylland in Denmark, has earned his first-ever call-up to the national side. Adding to the excitement, Yusuf Sarı of RAMS Başakşehir FK returns to the national team fold after a near two-year absence, offering Montella another attacking option.

The selected players are scheduled to convene at the Turkish Football Federation's (TFF) Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp and Training Facilities in Riva on Monday, November 10th, commencing preparations for the crucial matches. The team's first training session is slated for the same day, marking the official start of their campaign.

Turkey will first face Bulgaria in a highly anticipated home match at the Atatürk Sports Complex Matlı Stadium in Bursa on Saturday, November 15th. Following the Bursa encounter, the team will immediately return to Istanbul before embarking on their journey to Seville to face Spain on Tuesday, November 18th at La Cartuja Stadium.

Montella and a selected player will

Montella and a selected player will address the media in pre-match press conferences at both venues, providing insights into the team's strategy and mindset ahead of these pivotal games.

The 28-man preliminary squad boasts a strong contingent of goalkeepers and defenders. The goalkeeping options include Altay Bayındır (Manchester United), Mert Günok (Beşiktaş), Muhammed Şengezer (RAMS Başakşehir), and Uğurcan Çakır (Galatasaray). The defensive line is bolstered by Abdülkerim Bardakcı (Galatasaray), Çağlar Söyüncü (Fenerbahçe), Emirhan Topçu (Beşiktaş), Eren Elmalı (Galatasaray), Ferdi Kadıoğlu (Brighton & Hove Albion), Merih Demiral (Al-Ahli), Mert Müldür (Fenerbahçe), and Samet Akaydin (Çaykur Rizespor). The remainder of the squad, including midfielders and forwards, is expected to be announced shortly.

With a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, Montella is aiming to guide Turkey to vital victories in these final qualifying matches, keeping their World Cup dreams alive. The nation will be watching with bated breath as the Crescent-Stars take to the field.

D
Editor
Daniel Johnson

Sports journalist covering games, athletes, and sporting events.

Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!