Türkiye will feel nation's support at World Cup: Erdogan
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the national team will carry the backing of all 86 million citizens throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, as Türkiye’s national football team prepares to face Australia in their Group D opener on Sunday following a 24-year absence.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday pledged that Türkiye’s national football team will feel the full weight of the nation’s support throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, declaring that Türkiye is ready to write a new chapter in the country’s football history ahead of their Group D opener against Australia.
86 million behind the team
In a video message released ahead of Sunday’s match, Erdogan emphasized that the squad’s return to football’s biggest stage after 24 years has stirred nationwide excitement. "Now is the time to write new legend, and we will write it together," he said, referencing the country's third-place finish at the 2002 tournament. The president noted that all 86 million citizens are rallying behind the players.
Return after 24 years
Türkiye missed six consecutive World Cup editions following their semifinal appearance in 2002, when the nation celebrated a historic third-place finish. Türkiye last appeared at the tournament co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, and will now open their Group D campaign against Australia on Sunday. The match marks the team's first World Cup fixture in nearly a quarter-century.
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