Turkey Makes Decision on Vincenzo Montella's Future

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has thrown its full support behind national team coach Vincenzo Montella and the players, despite their early exit from the World Cup. This decision confirms that Montella will retain his position.

Montella's squad suffered defeats in their first two matches of the 2026 World Cup, losing 0-2 to Australia and 0-1 to Paraguay. While they weren't outplayed, numerous missed opportunities proved to be decisive in both encounters.

"We stand firmly behind the coach and the players. This isn't a club team where a lack of consistency often leads to failure. We can't simply release 15 players and bring in 15 new ones," commented Federation President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu.

In their final group stage match, Turkey is set to face co-hosts USA, who currently boast a perfect record of six points from two victories.

Former Italian international Montella took charge of the team in 2023 and successfully guided them to the World Cup finals for the first time in 24 years. Expectations were high for the squad, featuring stars like Real Madrid's Arda Güler, Juventus' Kenan Yıldız, and captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu from Inter, but the reality on the pitch proved different.

"You can't fire the coach and bring in another. You can't oust the president and back a new one. That's why we're sticking with the players. We won't so lightly replace those with whom we've embarked on this journey with others we've just met along the way," Hacıosmanoğlu added. He further noted that the Turkish public also supports the coach and the team "after what these lads have achieved, and they believe they will bring us future success."