After two defeats in a row against Australia and Paraguay to start the tournament, Türkiye's exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026™ was sealed early. The team travelled to North America expecting to go far, but were disappointed when they could not get the ball in the back of the net.
"It's really difficult that we haven't yet scored in two games," 21-year-old youngster Kenan Yildiz said ahead of their last group game against co-hosts USA. "But our two opponents so far were staying really far back, had a really deep defence. We tried a lot of things to score but it didn't work out, which is disappointing.
"Statistically, we're in first place in several categories: shots, duels in the opponent’s half. In both games we did well, but that’s how it is in football – statistics don’t win the games. They scored the goals, and we went out."
"We had high expectations – all of our country was supporting us and thought we'd come very far. I want to say sorry to the fans who came here to watch our matches and support us. I know it's disappointing, but we'll give our best for future tournaments to make you proud again."
"For the last game, we're going to try our best to attack, and I’m sure we'll score in our last game," Yildiz promised.
"Obviously, we're upset and disappointed – myself most of all," Türkiye's Italian coach Vincenzo Montella said. "But I'm also very motivated for the future, and especially for tomorrow. So, I'm asking the country to support these guys and stand by them, because they, too, are very upset, and I'm so sorry."
Their trip home may be confirmed already, but Türkiye want to seize the opportunity and show themselves against the USA. "We want to give our best and we want to go out with pride. We want to show us and still go out in a good way," Yildiz said. "I hope, in the future, I will have a lot of tournaments with Türkiye and I'll give my best for that."
Sources: FIFA Official
