Sports
Turkey Faces Bulgaria After Devastating Loss in Qualification Match

Ankara, Turkey – Turkey’s national football team looks to bounce back from a crushing 0-6 defeat against Spain in their last group match. They will face Bulgaria in an away game that presents a challenging opportunity to revive their World Cup 2026 hopes.
The loss has weighed heavily on the team’s morale, as they prepare for a matchup against a Bulgarian squad that has never lost at home to Turkey, with three consecutive victories in their previous meetings.
Head coach Vincenzo Montella has confirmed that he will stick with the same lineup from the defeat against Spain. He stated, “We cannot afford any more mistakes if we want to keep our qualification hopes alive.”
The upcoming match holds special significance for midfielder Hakan Çalhanoglu, who is set to make his 100th appearance for the Turkish national team if he plays. His experience could be vital in overcoming Bulgaria’s defense.
In contrast, Bulgaria is struggling. Currently at the bottom of the group, they have not won a match since defeating Luxembourg in the Nations League nearly a year ago. Coach Iliev will aim to turn their fortunes around, having lost their last three matches without scoring a single goal and conceding ten.
The game is crucial for both teams as they seek to improve their standings in the group. Turkey needs to secure points to maintain their pathways to the World Cup, while Bulgaria is desperate to climb out of the bottom.