12.04.2026 17:20
FIFA Global Football Development Director Arsene Wenger spoke about our National Football Team. Wenger stated that the National Team has significant offensive strength and expressed his eagerness to watch the crescent-star team's matches in the World Cup.
FIFA Global Football Development Director Arsene Wenger stated that the national football team has significant offensive strength and expressed his eagerness to watch the crescent-star team's matches in the World Cup. "FIFA Arena" project’s official opening in Turkey brought Wenger to Istanbul, where he gave an interview for the communication channels of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF).
ARSENE WENGER'S COMMENT ON THE WORLD CUP
In the interview published by TFF, Wenger referred to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 in partnership with Mexico, Canada, and the USA, drawing attention to the fact that the tournament will feature 48 teams.
Wenger explained that last year FIFA organized the Under-17 World Cup for the first time with 48 teams, stating, "It was quite an interesting and balanced tournament. We realized that after getting out of the group, it takes 4 matches to reach the final. It is almost a mental marathon. Those who could be 'more teams' than others managed to get through tough matches and reach the final. The two teams that reached the final were also very strong mentally." he said.
''WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENTER THE GAME FOR 1 MINUTE''
Wenger also touched on the updated game rules, saying, "We introduced an 8-second rule for goalkeepers during goal kicks. This did not exist before. We also introduced an 8-second rule for throw-ins. Players who fake injuries will have to wait on the sidelines for 1 minute before returning to the field. You only have 10 seconds for player substitutions. If the outgoing player does not leave the game within 10 seconds, the incoming player will not be able to enter the game for 1 minute." he explained.
Wenger added that these rules have yielded good results, stating:
"When we implemented the goalkeeper rule last year, we saw that it produced better results. Because people want to watch a high-energy game. The energy a team displays while responding to another in a football match feeds off the fluidity of the game. Therefore, I think we need to push the limits to make the game as fast and uninterrupted as possible."
''I WATCHED TURKEY AGAINST ROMANIA''
Speaking about the national football team's participation in the World Cup after 24 years, Arsene Wenger said he watched the match against Brazil in the 2002 World Cup.
Wenger noted that the crescent-star team had a very good squad at that time and unfortunately lost the match, saying, "Coming to the present, I watched Turkey against Romania. They did not fully reflect their potential, did not play very comfortably, and were tense. This is normal because the pressure was quite intense. This was a qualifying match, and reaching the goal was important. On the other hand, not conceding a goal in both playoff matches provided significant defensive confidence. We already know that your national team has significant offensive potential. I am eagerly waiting to see how Turkey will perform in the World Cup. Turkey is in a group where all four teams have a chance to advance to the next round, and let’s not forget that the best 8 third-placed teams will also advance. Therefore, attention to goal difference is crucial. This is why it is essential to stay concentrated in all matches until the end." he said.
Wenger also shared his thoughts on the future of football, saying:
"In my opinion, the future of football will feature players who use both feet at a high level of quality, with flawless individual technical skills. Due to the pressure factor, the quality and speed of passing will become much more important. Secondly, to be dangerous, football will require being very dynamic and constantly in motion. Finally, teams will need to establish a very good balance between physical strength and tactical intelligence. These three factors will be of great importance in the future."