Bulgaria & Spain Showdown: Who Made the Cut for National Team Duty?

Montella Unveils Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers, Welcomes New and Returning Faces

Turkish National Team Manager Vincenzo Montella has announced his preliminary 28-man squad for the upcoming friendly against Bulgaria in Bursa on November 15th and the pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Spain in Seville on November 18th. The matches mark the conclusion of Group E qualifying and hold significant weight for Turkey's aspirations of securing a spot in the prestigious tournament.

Bulgaria & Spain Showdown: Who Made the Cut for Na...

The squad announcement brings with it a blend of established veterans and promising newcomers. Notably, Aral Şimşir, the young midfielder currently plying his trade with FC Midtjylland in Denmark, receives his first-ever call-up to the national team. This selection signals Montella's commitment to injecting fresh talent and dynamism into the squad.

Another notable inclusion is Yusuf Sarı,

Another notable inclusion is Yusuf Sarı, the RAMS Başakşehir FK winger, who returns to the national fold after an absence of nearly two years. His recall suggests that Montella is seeking to bolster the team's attacking options with Sarı's pace and creativity.

The squad boasts a strong core of experienced players, including goalkeepers Altay Bayındır, Mert Günok, and Uğurcan Çakır. The defensive line features familiar names like Çağlar Söyüncü, Merih Demiral, and Ferdi Kadıoğlu, while the midfield is anchored by Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Orkun Kökçü. The attack is spearheaded by the likes of Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Barış Alper Yılmaz, alongside the highly-rated young talent Arda Güler.

The team is scheduled to convene at the TFF Hasan Doğan National Team Camp and Training Facilities in Riva on Monday, November 10th, commencing preparations with their first training session later that day. The team's schedule is packed, with meticulous planning for travel and training between the two matches.

Following a training session on November

Following a training session on November 14th, the team will travel to Bursa for the friendly against Bulgaria. After the match, they will return to Istanbul before departing for Seville on November 17th.

The clash against Spain is undoubtedly the more significant fixture, with qualification for the 2026 World Cup hanging in the balance. Montella will be hoping his squad can deliver a strong performance and secure a vital result on Spanish soil. The manager and a player will hold a pre-match press conference in Seville, offering insights into the team's strategy and mindset ahead of the crucial encounter.