11.06.2026 16:50
Galatasaray Technical Director Okan Buruk made a prediction about the National Team's World Cup adventure. The experienced coach, who sees the star and crescent team's chance of advancing from the group as 99%, said, "We will start by winning the first match."
Galatasaray Head Coach Okan Buruk spoke about the FIFA 2026 World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The successful coach made remarkable comments about the Turkish National Football Team in his statements to CNN Türk.
"2002 WAS A LEGENDARY YEAR FOR US"
Stating that 2002 comes to his mind first when the World Cup is mentioned, Buruk said, "Since I experienced it, 2002 comes to mind first. That group where we participated, reached the semi-finals, and became third in the world, that atmosphere and what we went through... 2002 was a legendary year for us. We are participating again for the first time. That's why I feel a special excitement. Even though I am not there, due to many of our players being involved, as a Turkish person, I have returned to the spirit of 2002."
"I SEE IT AS 99 PERCENT"
Evaluating the national team's chances in the tournament, Buruk stated, "Turkey will advance from the group. I think we will start well, especially in the first match, by winning. Two teams advance, and third-placed teams also have a chance. Therefore, I see our probability of advancing from the group as 99 percent."
"I DON'T SET LIMITS"
Continuing his words, the successful coach assessed, "I don't set limits. Opponents matter; teams like Spain can change things, but we have a very good generation. Player quality is high, and team camaraderie is also very good. I believe they will be very successful."
LEGENDARY WORLD CUP XI
Responding to the question about the best eleven in World Cup history, Okan Buruk formed his squad with the following names:
Taffarel, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Cannavaro, Maldini, Xavi, Iniesta, Maradona, Pele, Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo.