After a 24-year absence from the competition, Turkey are returning to the World Cup this summer for the first time since their run to the semi-finals in 2002.

They have been drawn in Group D alongside USA, Paraguay, and Australia, and Turkey have plenty of exciting young talent who will hope to make their mark this summer.

📔 What are the key stats and facts I need to know before betting on Turkey at the World Cup 2026?

🔥 What free bets are available for Turkey's World Cup games?

✅ What is the best bet for Turkey at the World Cup 2026?

🌍 How did Turkey qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Turkey were always up against it to finish top of Group E, as they were in the same group as Euro 2024 winners Spain, but they were able to comfortably secure second place. The Turks were able to dominate the lesser sides, Bulgaria and Georgia.

Turkey were successful in the playoffs, as they beat Romania 1-0 in the semi-final, thanks to a goal from Brighton’s Ferdi Kadioglu. Kerem Akturkoglu then scored in the final against Kosovo in another 1-0 win, booking his side’s spot in the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

It was a relatively comfortable qualifying experience for Turkey, who were able to control proceedings in both of those playoff matches, despite the narrow scorelines.

👔 Who is the Turkey manager at the World Cup 2026?

Vincenzo Montella took charge of Turkey in September 2023, marking his first role as a national team manager. He has an extensive CV when it comes to coaching, having taken charge of Roma, Fiorentina, AC Milan and Sevilla across his career.

Prior to taking the Turkey role, Montella was in charge of Adana Demirspor, and he guided them to Conference League qualification - the first time in their history they had featured in a European competition. Montella has plenty of experience, and he will hope for a positive experience this summer at the World Cup.

🔎 Who are Turkey's key players to watch at World Cup 2026?

Arda Guler

Arda Guler has had an exceptional season at Real Madrid, registering 14 assists and six goals across 51 appearances across all competitions. He played his part for Turkey during the qualifiers, recording four assists and one goal to help his side qualify.

The 21-year-old is the heartbeat of this Turkey side, and he is given plenty of attacking license by Montella to float around in advanced positions and find pockets of space to exploit.

Kenan Yildiz

Yildiz also finished the domestic season with 20 goal contributions under his belt, as he had 11 goals and nine assists for Juventus. The winger improved on his tally of 15 goal involvements from last season, which shows how he has continued on an upward trajectory, constantly improving.

Yildiz can be incredibly difficult to contain on his day, and he chipped in with three goals in seven appearances for the Turks in the qualifying campaign.

Hakan Calhanoglu

Hakan Calhanoglu is the experienced captain who will look to dictate play. He typically plays a bit deeper for his national side, in the double pivot, but his role going forward is just as large. Calhanoglu is likely to be the designated set-piece taker for his side, and potentially on penalties.

The 32-year-old helped Inter Milan comfortably win the Serie A title this season, and he contributed 12 goals and seven assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.

🔮 What is Andy's Bet Club and how does it work for World Cup 2026 tips?

Keep up with Andy's Tips, including World Cup Predictions and World Cup 2026 Free Bet Offers, on Andy's Bet Club.

For World Cup outright betting, check out our World Cup Group D Outrights, World Cup Players to Watch Tips, World Cup Golden Boot Tips, and World Cup Outrights Updates.

Best Free Bets, Offers & Betting Sites for World Cup 2026

The World Cup is the best time to create a new bookmaker account because the Bookmaker Offers are much better. Andy and the Andy's Bet Club experts have tried and tested the Free Bets, and here are their favourites:

• bet365 World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Betfair World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Betfred World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Betway World Cup Sign Up Offer

• BoyleSports World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Midnite World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Sky Bet World Cup Sign Up Offer

• Spreadex World Cup Sign Up Offer

• William Hill World Cup Sign Up Offer

* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.