Turkey U21 manager Egemen Korkmaz has officially named his 25-man squad for the upcoming 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Ukraine and Hungary.
Currently sitting second in Group H with 11 points from six fixtures—just two points adrift of group leaders Croatia—the Crescent-Stars are gearing up for a pivotal double-header that could shape their qualification trajectory.
The squad will assemble in Istanbul on Monday, September 21, before traveling to face Ukraine at the DVTK Stadium in Miskolc, Hungary, on September 26. Korkmaz’s side will then return home to host Hungary at the Başakşehir Fatih Terim Stadium on October 6.
Tactical Continuity & High-Profile Inclusion
Korkmaz has opted for a balanced blend of domestic Süper Lig regulars and key overseas prospects across his core setup.
The defensive unit features versatile Aston Villa-owned defender Yasin Özcan alongside Schalke’s Mertcan Ayhan and Al-Hilal’s Yusuf Akçiçek. In central midfield, Brentford’s Yunus Emre Konak, Torino’s Emirhan İlkhan, and Pisa’s İsak Vural headline a press-resistant, technically gifted engine room.
Up front, Lille winger Başar Önal leads a dynamic attacking department alongside Trabzonspor’s Ali Habeşoğlu and Alanyaspor’s Arda Usluoğlu.
Official 25-Man Squad List
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Goalkeepers: Jankat Yılmaz (Galatasaray), Deniz Ertaş (Konyaspor), Serhat Öztaşdelen (Kocaelispor).
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Defenders: Ayberk Karapo (Kasımpaşa), Yusuf Akçiçek (Al-Hilal), Mertcan Ayhan (Schalke 04), Hamza Güreler (İstanbul Başakşehir), Yiğit Efe Demir (Fenerbahçe), Yasin Özcan (Beşiktaş), Deniz Emre Ofli (Karlsruher SC), Berkay Yılmaz (SC Freiburg).
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Midfielders: Yunus Emre Konak (Lincoln City / Brentford), Baran Ali Gezek (Alanyaspor), Emirhan Boz (Kasımpaşa), Emirhan İlkhan (Torino), İsak Vural (Pisa), İzzet Çelik (Alanyaspor), Hamza Akman (Eyüpspor).
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Forwards: Emirhan Acar (Erzurumspor), Başar Önal (Lille), Melih Bostan (Ümraniyespor), Ali Habeşoğlu (Trabzonspor), Arda Usluoğlu (Alanyaspor), Arda Çolak (Iğdır FK).
