The Turkish national team kicked off its FIFA 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers campaign with a thrilling 3-2 away victory against Georgia. The win, sealed by a brace from Kerem Aktürkoğlu and a goal from Mert Müldür, puts Turkey in a strong position ahead of a crucial match against Spain.
Real Madrid’s young star Arda Güler, who has already made a name for himself in La Liga this season, delivered another standout performance. He was instrumental in the team’s victory, earning praise for his “delicious football” and overall impact on the game.
Following the win, Güler turned his attention to Turkey’s next opponent, sending a direct message to Group E powerhouse Spain.
“In the European Championship, they only lost to us in the group. They were defeated again today,” Güler said, referencing Turkey’s strong track record against the Spanish side. “We showed a very good game. We got the three points we wanted. Let it be a gift to the Turkish people.”
Güler’s confidence extended to the upcoming match in Konya. “It’s also a difficult match for Spain. Let’s not underestimate ourselves,” he said. “They don’t know the atmosphere in Konya. We will try to do our best. I hope we will play a very good game.”
Mert Müldür, who scored Turkey’s opening goal, echoed his teammate’s optimism. “It was a bit like a déjà vu, but whoever scores the goal doesn’t matter. The important thing is that we started very well,” Müldür stated. “We fought very well. Everyone gave 100%. We are very happy. Hopefully, we will show the same performance in the second match.”
Turkey is set to host Spain on Sunday, September 7, in what is expected to be a highly charged and pivotal match in Group E.
