Turkey Names Porto Striker Gül in World Cup Squad as Braga's Tiknaz Misses Cut

Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella has included FC Porto striker Deniz Gül in his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, while Sporting Braga midfielder Demir Ege Tiknaz travels to North America as a reserve option.

The squad announcement marks a pivotal moment for Turkey's Portuguese-based contingent. Gül's selection rewards his breakthrough season at Porto, while Tiknaz faces the frustration of travelling with the squad without guaranteed participation in Turkey's first World Cup campaign in 24 years.

Gül's Porto Form Earns World Cup Nod While Braga's Tiknaz Falls Short

Deniz Gül's inclusion represents the culmination of an impressive rise through Portuguese football. The FC Porto forward has earned his place among Turkey's attacking options for their Group D campaign against the United States, Australia and Paraguay.

Reserve Status for Tiknaz Despite Strong Season

Sporting Braga's Demir Ege Tiknaz finds himself in an agonising position. While he travels with the squad to North America, his reserve status means he can only feature if injuries strike the main 26-man roster.

The midfielder's omission from the final squad highlights the intense competition for places in Montella's setup. Turkey's midfield depth proved too strong, with established stars like Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan) and Salih Özcan (Borussia Dortmund) securing their spots.

Attacking Depth Favours Gül

Gül joins a forward line packed with talent from Europe's top leagues:

• Arda Güler (Real Madrid)
• Kenan Yıldız (Juventus)
• Yunus Akgün (Galatasaray)
• Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt)

His selection ahead of other Portuguese league players demonstrates Montella's faith in the Porto striker's ability to provide a different dimension to Turkey's attack.

Turkey's Portuguese Connection: Benfica Alumni Join the Squad

The Portuguese influence extends beyond current Primeira Liga players. Former Benfica stars Orkun Kökçü and Kerem Aktürkoğlu have secured their places in Montella's squad, bringing valuable experience from their time in Lisbon.

Kökçü Returns After Benfica Spell

Orkun Kökçü, now with Beşiktaş, provides creative midfield options for Turkey. His stint at Benfica, though brief, added European pedigree to his CV before returning to Turkish football.

The midfielder's inclusion offers Montella tactical flexibility in a squad built around a core of domestically-based players from Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray.

Aktürkoğlu's Versatility Key

Kerem Aktürkoğlu's journey from Benfica back to Fenerbahçe has positioned him as a crucial attacking option. His ability to play across the front line gives Turkey valuable flexibility in their group stage matches.

The 26 players called up to compete in the final phase

This statement from Montella's announcement underscores the finality of these selections, with players like Tiknaz left hoping for late changes.

Group D Challenge: Can Turkey End Their World Cup Drought?

Turkey faces a challenging but navigable path in Group D. Their opening fixture against co-hosts United States on home soil presents an immediate test, followed by matches against Australia and Paraguay.

Squad Composition Points to Tactical Evolution

Montella's selections reveal a squad built on domestic strength supplemented by strategic foreign-based inclusions. The breakdown shows:

• 13 players from Turkish Super Lig clubs
• 13 players from European leagues
• 3 goalkeepers including Manchester United's Altay Bayındır

Key Dates for Turkey's Campaign

The expanded 48-team format offers Turkey their best chance to progress beyond the group stage. With the tournament running from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the squad faces an intensive summer campaign.

Turkey's Portuguese league contingent will be crucial to their hopes of ending a World Cup absence stretching back to 2002.

What Happens Next

Turkey's squad departs for North America with Tiknaz among the travelling reserves, maintaining hope of a late call-up should injuries strike. The team's preparation camp will determine Montella's tactical approach for their Group D opener.

For Gül, the World Cup represents an opportunity to showcase his talents on the global stage, potentially boosting his value to Porto and attracting interest from bigger leagues. Tiknaz must remain ready, knowing that tournament squads often require late adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Turkey qualify from Group D at the World Cup?

Turkey has a strong chance to advance from Group D, which includes USA, Australia and Paraguay. The expanded format means the top two teams qualify automatically, with some third-place teams also progressing. Turkey's blend of experienced players and emerging talents gives them a realistic shot at reaching the knockout stages.

When does Turkey play their first World Cup match?

Turkey's World Cup campaign begins in Group D during the tournament's opening phase between 11-26 June. Their exact fixture dates against USA, Australia and Paraguay will determine their match schedule. The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026.

Who are Turkey's key players for the 2026 World Cup?

Turkey's squad features Real Madrid's Arda Güler, Inter Milan's Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Juventus striker Kenan Yıldız as headline names. FC Porto's Deniz Gül adds Portuguese league quality to the attack. The squad balances domestic stars from Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray with players from top European leagues.

Why isn't Demir Ege Tiknaz in Turkey's final World Cup squad?

Sporting Braga midfielder Demir Ege Tiknaz missed the final 26-man cut but travels as a reserve option. Manager Vincenzo Montella preferred other midfield options including Orkun Kökçü and Salih Özcan. Tiknaz can still be called up if injuries occur before or during the tournament.

How many Portuguese league players are in Turkey's World Cup squad?

Turkey's World Cup squad includes one current Portuguese league player in FC Porto's Deniz Gül. Former Benfica players Orkun Kökçü and Kerem Aktürkoğlu also made the squad after spells in Portugal. Sporting Braga's Demir Ege Tiknaz travels as a reserve option.