Before the World Cup, Turkey were considered one of Europe’s ‘dark horses.’ They had last appeared at a World Cup in 2002 and missed the next five editions. Returning after 24 years only to go out in the group stage is therefore a major disappointment — all the more so given their star-studded squad. With stars such as Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, supporters’ expectations were sky-high. But that dream collapsed in just two matches. Beaten 2–0 by Australia and 1–0 by Paraguay, Turkey were eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Why this exit? Let us try to find the answer.
Aimless attacking
A team’s core strength lies in the accuracy of its attacks. If attack after attack fails to find the net, it all counts for nothing. For Turkey, this can be seen as the main reason: aimless attacking. As a result, Arda Güler, Çalhanoğlu and the others attacked repeatedly but never found the goal. The statistics are startling. Turkey took 62 shots across the two matches — and, most remarkably, not one of them found the net. That earned Vincenzo Montella’s side an unwanted record: the first team in World Cup history to remain goalless across two consecutive matches despite so many attempts.
Failure in finishing
The biggest reason for Turkey’s exit was their dreadful finishing. They took 30 shots against Australia and 32 against Paraguay without scoring. Yet, looking at the matches, Turkey were ahead on every count — dominance, possession and attacking play. But the Turks repeatedly lost their way once inside the opposition box. For want of proper finishing, they failed to score a single goal in two games.
Lack of a number nine
Turkey’s midfielders were well positioned and did their job. But although Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız created chances, the team lacked a reliable ‘number nine’ to convert them. The absence of a genuine striker up front hurt them badly in both matches, and the Turks broke down time and again in front of goal. Many Turkish supporters and analysts believe this squad-building weakness was evident throughout the tournament. The failure against Paraguay was especially frustrating: the opponents played the entire second half with 10 men. The numerical advantage, nearly 80 percent possession and relentless attacks were all in Turkey’s favour — but there was neither a plan to break the resolute defence nor any effective attack. Instead, countless crosses and long-range shots went to waste off target.
The coach’s awkward tactics
Questions are also being raised about coach Vincenzo Montella’s tactics. His attacking plans at times left the defence exposed, and the opposition exploited the openings. The two goals Australia scored on the counter-attack were the product of the coach’s awkward tactics. And by conceding within just 64 seconds against Paraguay, Montella put his plans further in doubt. After falling behind so quickly, Turkey could not draw level despite piling on pressure throughout the match.
Sunk by over-reliance
Another major reason for Turkey’s collapse was over-reliance on star players. The team had become too dependent on a few stars, with most attacks built around Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız. Sensing this, opponents shut them down with tight marking, and Turkey showed no alternative plan. Their attack became monotonous and predictable — and the opposition took full advantage.
Returning to the World Cup after 24 years, Turkey’s aim was to reach the knockout round. But the reality is that, despite a talented generation, an inability to score, tactical weaknesses and indecision in pressure moments made them one of the tournament’s biggest disappointments. Sixty-two shots, zero goals and zero points in two matches — those figures alone explain why Turkey’s World Cup journey ended so quickly.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report