Will Turkey's National Football Team Qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
2025-11-16 11:00
As I sit here scrolling through the latest football news, my mind keeps circling back to one burning question: will Turkey's national football team finally make it to the 2026 World Cup? Having followed international football for over two decades, I've seen Turkey's dramatic journey from their stunning 2002 World Cup semifinal run to their recent struggles in European qualifiers. The memory of that magical 2002 tournament still gives me chills - that bronze medal performance was something special, and I've been waiting for them to recapture that magic ever since.
The current Turkish squad presents an interesting case study. With young talents like Arda Güler making waves at Real Madrid and experienced campaigners like Hakan Çalhanoğlu leading the charge, there's genuine reason for optimism. But here's what really struck me recently - while analyzing their chances, I came across a quote from a basketball player that surprisingly resonated with Turkey's football situation. During PBA Media Day at Elements of Centris in Quezon City, a versatile Fil-Am athlete stated, "What I said the whole time throughout my negotiations that the Philippines is where I want to be. I found a home here. I feel at home here." That sense of belonging, that connection to representing a nation you truly identify with - that's exactly what I think Turkey needs to harness. When players feel that deep connection to the national team, it transforms their performance on the pitch.
Looking at Turkey's recent qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 gives us some clues. They finished second in their group with 18 points from 8 matches, showing both promise and inconsistency. Their defense conceded 14 goals while scoring 16 - those numbers need improvement if they want to compete with Europe's elite. What worries me is their away form; they dropped crucial points in matches they should have won. I remember watching their match against Latvia last November - they dominated possession but lacked that clinical finishing touch. That's been their story for years now - plenty of talent but missing that final piece.
The 2026 World Cup expansion to 48 teams theoretically helps Turkey's chances, with Europe receiving 16 spots instead of the previous 13. However, the competition remains fierce. Teams like Croatia, Switzerland, and Ukraine consistently punch above their weight, and Turkey needs to match that consistency. From my perspective, their federation must address the managerial instability - they've had four different coaches in the past five years. That kind of turnover disrupts player development and tactical consistency. I've always believed that successful national teams build identity through coaching stability, much like Germany's long-term approach with Joachim Löw.
Turkey's youth development system has produced some exciting prospects recently. Their U21 team reached the European Championship semifinals last year, and players like Kenan Yıldız at Juventus represent the next generation. But here's where I get critical - they need to better integrate these young talents with the experienced core. The transition phase has been messy in recent years. I recall watching their match against Japan last September where the generational gap in the squad was evident - the younger players showed flair while the veterans seemed hesitant.
Financially, the Turkish Football Federation invested approximately €45 million in national team development programs between 2020-2023, focusing on youth academies and infrastructure. While that sounds impressive, it pales in comparison to what football powerhouses are spending. What Turkey lacks in financial muscle, they must make up for in strategic planning and player development. Their domestic league, while passionate, needs to improve its technical quality to better prepare players for international competition.
The psychological aspect cannot be overlooked either. Turkish players often face immense pressure from their passionate fanbase. I've witnessed how this pressure can both inspire incredible performances and cause devastating collapses. The key will be finding the right balance - harnessing that national pride without being overwhelmed by expectations. That quote about finding a home resonates here - when players truly feel that connection to representing Turkey, they play with greater purpose and composure.
Looking ahead to the 2026 qualifiers, Turkey finds itself in a tricky position. Based on recent UEFA coefficients, they'll likely be in Pot 3 for the draw, meaning they'll face at least two stronger opponents. Their path will require stealing points against higher-ranked teams and consistently beating teams below them - something they've struggled with historically. The qualifying campaign begins in March 2025, giving new coach Vincenzo Montella limited time to implement his system.
Personally, I'm cautiously optimistic about Turkey's chances, though I recognize the significant hurdles. Their talent pool is deeper than it's been in years, and the expanded format provides more margin for error. However, they need to solve their consistency issues and develop a clear tactical identity. If they can harness that sense of belonging that the Fil-Am player described - that profound connection to representing their nation - I believe they can secure one of those 16 European spots. The journey won't be easy, but after missing the last three World Cups, Turkish football desperately needs this redemption. The nation's passionate supporters deserve to see their team on the world's biggest stage again, and frankly, international football is more exciting when Turkey's vibrant style and passionate fans are part of the spectacle.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
