Türkiye’s A National Football Team is set to begin its crucial preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, commencing in September, with a highly anticipated friendly match against co-hosts USA today. The encounter, scheduled to kick off at 10:40 PM Turkish time (22:40 TSI) at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut, will be broadcast live on TV8.
Following this initial fixture, “Bizim Çocuklar” (Our Kids) will face another World Cup co-host, Mexico, on Wednesday, June 11, at 04:00 TSI, to conclude their U.S. training camp.
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Squad Changes Due to Injuries
Ahead of the American tour, the national team’s provisional squad has seen some significant changes due to injuries. Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, along with Uğurcan Çakır, Mustafa Hekimoğlu, and Salih Özcan (who picked up an injury in training), have all been withdrawn from the roster. In response, Ahmed Kutucu from Galatasaray has been called up to join the team for the trip to the USA.
Historical Head-to-Head
Today’s match will mark the fifth time the Turkish men’s national team has faced the USA. In the four previous encounters, one official and three friendlies, the USA holds a slight advantage, with two wins to Türkiye’s one, and one match ending in a draw.
Crucial Qualifiers Ahead
The importance of the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers was highlighted by 27-year-old national team defender Merih Demiral. “The first two matches are very important. Georgia away and Spain at home. Those two matches will determine our destiny,” Demiral emphasized. “I believe that we will prepare in the best way and get the best results. We will do our best to participate in the World Cup.”
Predicted Lineups
USA Possible Starting XI: Turner; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Arfsten; Cardoso, Adams, Luna, Tillman, Wright; Agyemang
Türkiye Possible Starting XI: Altay; Zeki, Merih, Çağlar, Eren; İsmail, Orkun; Barış, Arda, Kenan; Kerem
