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Turkish supporters flooded Taksim Square waving flags and celebrating after the national team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Kosovo 1-0 in the European Qualifiers play-off final on April 1. The victory secured Türkiye's place in the global tournament.Iran carried out at least 5,471 missile and drone attacks targeting US bases and critical sites in seven Arab countries since Feb. 28, according to compiled official data. The UAE was the most impacted, intercepting 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,914 drones.President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared Friday that the post-World War II international system faces a "deep legitimacy crisis across nearly all domains," calling for renewed efforts to end tragedies and restore peace. Speaking at the Stratcom Summit in Istanbul, Erdoğan said Türkiye will maintain its principled, peace-centric stance focused on humanitarian values and justice.A foreign-flagged, Turkish-operated crude oil tanker was targeted in a drone attack in the Black Sea near Istanbul on Thursday, Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said, adding that no casualties were reported among the 27 Turkish crew members. The engine room was the apparent target.Israel signalled that its military campaign against Iran and Hezbollah will continue for weeks, with thousands of targets still ahead. Officials say over 10,000 munitions have already been used, as the conflict escalates across multiple fronts. The developments come amid regional instability affecting Lebanon and the wider Middle East.

Turkish supporters flooded Taksim Square waving flags and celebrating after the national team qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Kosovo 1-0 in the European Qualifiers play-off final on April 1. The victory secured Türkiye's place in the global tournament.Iran carried out at least 5,471 missile and drone attacks targeting US bases and critical sites in seven Arab countries since Feb. 28, according to compiled official data. The UAE was the most impacted, intercepting 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,914 drones.President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared Friday that the post-World War II international system faces a "deep legitimacy crisis across nearly all domains," calling for renewed efforts to end tragedies and restore peace. Speaking at the Stratcom Summit in Istanbul, Erdoğan said Türkiye will maintain its principled, peace-centric stance focused on humanitarian values and justice.A foreign-flagged, Turkish-operated crude oil tanker was targeted in a drone attack in the Black Sea near Istanbul on Thursday, Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said, adding that no casualties were reported among the 27 Turkish crew members. The engine room was the apparent target.Israel signalled that its military campaign against Iran and Hezbollah will continue for weeks, with thousands of targets still ahead. Officials say over 10,000 munitions have already been used, as the conflict escalates across multiple fronts. The developments come amid regional instability affecting Lebanon and the wider Middle East.

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Türkiye captain Calhanoglu proud to be 2024 Ballon d'Or nominee

16:23, 10/09/2024, Tuesday

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Türkiye captain Calhanoglu proud to be 2024 Ballon d'Or nominee

File photo

Hakan says, 'Not to brag, but this is the first time 21 years a Turkish player has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or'

After Türkiye's 3-1 win over Iceland in Monday's UEFA Nations League B, Group B4 match, captain Hakan Calhanoglu spoke about his nomination for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

"There's always criticism, I try to give it a deaf ear," said the 30-year-old midfielder.

“I don't want to brag, but this is the first time in 21 years a Turkish player has gotten the nod for the Ballon d'Or, and I'm proud of that. After all, I'm trying to represent my country in the best way possible. That's always been my goal.”

It was back in 2003 when Real Sociedad's Turkish attacker Nihat Kahveci was nominated for the Ballon d'Or, the top-tier football player award of the season.

Hakan also said he will remain at Italian Serie A club Inter Milan.

"There've been offers in recent months but I said I'm staying at Inter and Inter aren't letting me go. I will try to play at the highest level," he said.

"If my body wants it, if my body can do it, I will try to continue my football life as long as I can."

This year Real Madrid's Arda Guler, 19, has also been nominated for the under-21 Kopa Trophy, a sister honor to the Ballon d'Or.

Titles :Ballon d'Or Hakan Calhanoglu Inter Milan Italian Serie A Türkiye

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