11.06.2026 12:00
A planned squad change occurred in our National Football Team, which is in camp in Arizona for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Turkish Football Federation announced that the camp periods for young talents Aral Şimşir and Demir Ege Tıknaz, whom head coach Vincenzo Montella took to the USA to gain experience, have been completed and they will return to Turkey.
As the countdown continues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the grand organization to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, exciting moments are taking place in our National Football Team as they continue preparations in Arizona. The planned squad reduction before the tournament has been officially announced for our team with the star and crescent. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced through official communication channels the two names that will leave the camp squad.
THEY WERE TAKEN TO GAIN EXPERIENCE
According to the statement made by the TFF, the camp process has ended for Aral Şimşir and Demir Ege Tıknaz, who were not included in the National Team's final 26-man World Cup squad but were added to the delegation to experience the senior team atmosphere, feel the tournament excitement firsthand, and gain experience.
THEY ARE RETURNING TO TURKEY
It was stated that the two young players were included in the extended camp squad at the special request of Italian head coach Vincenzo Montella. It was expressed that the young talents, who worked with the team in intensive training sessions at the Arizona preparation base and gained National Team experience, will leave the camp as previously planned and begin their return journey to Turkey.
THE NATIONAL TEAM CONTINUES WITH THE 26-MAN MAIN SQUAD
Following the farewell of the young footballers, our National Team will continue their work in Arizona without slowing down with the main 26-man tournament squad that will compete in the tournament.