17.11.2025 11:36
The Turkish National Team secured a 2-0 victory over Bulgaria, placing them in the first pot for the World Cup European Qualifiers. This situation reduced the likelihood of facing strong opponents in the playoff round. In the semifinals, Turkey's potential opponents will be Romania, Northern Ireland, Sweden, or North Macedonia, or Wales. In the final, they could face Poland, Czechia, Scotland, or Slovakia. Lastly, Turkey, which last participated in the World Cup in 2002, is close to returning to the world stage after 24 years.
```html
The National Team secured a spot in the first pot of the playoffs with a victory over Bulgaria. There are two matches left to reach the dream of the World Cup. A wide pool of opponents awaits us, ranging from Sweden to Romania in the semifinals. In the final, we will face one of Poland, Czechia, Scotland, or Slovakia.
ADVANTAGE OF THE FIRST POT
The National Team's 2-0 victory over Bulgaria in the 5th match of the World Cup European Qualifiers was a critical threshold for the playoff round. The Crescent-Stars guaranteed their place in the first pot with this result, significantly reducing the likelihood of facing strong opponents in the playoffs.
Mathematically, there is a chance to finish the group as leaders and go directly to the 2026 World Cup, but this possibility seems quite low against Spain, which is at the top of the FIFA rankings. The most realistic scenario is the playoff round we are focusing on.
POTENTIAL OPPONENTS IN THE SEMIFINALS
The potential opponents we may face in the playoff semifinals have taken shape. Accordingly, Turkey's possible opponents are:
- Definite: Romania, Northern Ireland, Sweden
- One of: North Macedonia or Wales
The most significant advantage is that the match will be played as a single match and at our home ground. The semifinal match will take place on March 26, 2026.
GIANTS IN THE FINAL
The opponents that the National Team will face in the final, if they pass the semifinals, have also largely become clear. The final will be played on March 31, 2026, and the host will be determined by a draw.
Teams we may face in the final:
- Czechia, Scotland, Poland, Slovakia
Although these teams are among the mid-level power balances in Europe, the playoff atmosphere has always been open to surprises.
GOAL: WORLD CUP AFTER 24 YEARS
Turkey, which last participated in the World Cup in 2002, is closer than ever to returning to the world stage after a 24-year hiatus. The advantage of being in the first pot, a strong home atmosphere, and the current form of the squad increase this hope.
POTENTIAL PLAYOFF POTS
Pot 1: Turkey, Italy, Ukraine, Poland
Pot 2: Wales, Scotland, Czechia, Slovakia
Pot 3: Ireland, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Pot 4: Sweden, Romania, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland
WHEN ARE THE MATCHES?
The semifinal matches in the playoff round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers will be played on March 26, 2026, and the final matches will be played on March 31, 2026. In the playoff, which will be played as a single match, the team that wins the final will receive the World Cup ticket. The teams in the 1st and 2nd pots will play their first matches at home. The host of the second matches will be determined after the draw.
```