Ambitious message from Hacıosmanoğlu ahead of the World Cup

The training session of the A National Football Team, which is continuing its preparations for the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D against Australia, was attended by Turkish Football Federation (TFF) President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, as well as Bayburt Mayor Mehmet Mete Memiş and IBF lightweight world champion boxer Elif Nur Turhan, who visited the national team camp.

In his statement to the press, President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu noted that they need boxers like Elif Nur Turhan, saying, "We need a boxer; we need to land blows. I congratulate my sister Elif. I just learned that she is a world champion. Hopefully, there is one more belt; if she wins that, she will hold 4 belts. It is a first in our Republican history. She will face an American opponent here," he said.

Regarding the Australia match, Hacıosmanoğlu stated, "Our goal is clear, but we must take it step by step. Our first match is against Australia. We want to leave there with a victory. We know how advantageous it is to finish the group as leaders. God willing, we will finish as group leaders and continue our journey. It is hot, but there is no humidity. The sun has set, and the weather is breezy. You cannot get results without sweating. The boys are working hard. It is currently perfect training weather," he said.

Elif Nur Turhan also stated that seeing the Turkish flag in Arizona gave her great strength, adding, "It was motivation before the match. Even though our disciplines are different, our hearts will be one, and we will serve a single purpose; we want to represent our flag in the best way possible," she said.

Mehmet Mete Memiş said, "There is no such thing as coincidence in life. Hopefully, Elif will defend her title here, and our national team will reach the place we desire in our hearts. I wish success to both Elif and our national team," he said.