Fatih Terim's assessment of the national team

The performance of the A National Football Team, which left the tournament with a victory after defeating the USA 3-2 in their final match of the 2026 World Cup Group D, has sparked various assessments among football authorities and fans. Experienced coach Fatih Terim also commented on the national team's tournament performance and future expectations on his own digital platform following this significant match.

In his statement after the match, Terim noted that the fact that the USA advanced from the group to face Bosnia reminded him that if Turkey had advanced, they could have faced a much more favorable matchup, and he expressed his regret with the following words:

“The fact that the USA, which advanced from the group, is directly matched with Bosnia reminds us of how far we could have gone. Naturally, we feel even more regret then. I mean, if we consider that if we had advanced from here, in an environment where Brazil is matched with Japan and Morocco with Holland, it would have been much better and more logical for the team advancing from here to be matched with Bosnia, we feel even more remorse.”

Pointing out what needs to happen after this tournament where the A National Team bid farewell to the organization, Terim emphasized the importance of the players recovering physically and mentally and starting preparations for the upcoming Nations League quickly. “The fact is that this tournament is over, now the Nations League begins. Everyone must undergo their own physical, spiritual, and mental recovery as soon as possible, and while returning to their respective leagues, we must also prepare ourselves for the Nations League organization. Okay, it ended badly. Or rather, let's say it didn't go as we wanted, but championships don't stop, life goes on. Secondly, it should not be forgotten that the team we have is at an age where they are likely to play in the next few organizations,” he said, underlining the process management.

During the broadcast, Terim was also asked which of the star strikers he would prefer. Terim responded to the question, “If you had to choose two of these names for your squad, who would you choose? Mbappe, Haaland, Kane, and let's add Osimhen to them,” with a detailed analysis.

“That's a difficult question. It lists 4 strikers and asks which is the ideal or best duo. Haaland is a typical number 9. He makes good runs behind the defense. He has a strong physique and is especially a goalscorer inside the 18-yard box. Haaland and Osimhen are somewhat similar. Osimhen is a bit more wearing, a bit more aggressive than him. He has tremendous jumping ability. His quickness, agility, and the way he transitions into action are agile. These two would disturb the defense. If I were a center-back, I wouldn't want to play against them. They would create trouble for the defense.”

Terim continued his remarks as follows:

“Osimhen also has quickness and athleticism. However, both of these need teammates. The ball has to come from somewhere, a through ball from a teammate or the midfield, or it has to come behind the defense. Because they can also play with their backs to the goal. They also open up space for you. Mbappe is not a classic 9. But his tremendous speed, stride, and quickness... In the changing football of recent years, he is a player who is hard to contain and fills the gap for technical and talented players.”

Touching on Kane's role, Terim explained his different competence with these words: “As for Kane, he is a footballer outside the 18-yard box activity we drew for Haaland and Osimhen. He is effective, but the place he plays is outside. He comes out, roams, and plays leading roles in the build-up of the attack. Tremendous technique. At the end of all this, which duo? Let's put Osimhen in for once. It would be great with Mbappe. One is quick. The other is wearing. Osimhen-Kane could do something else. Kane, who evolves and constantly roams while Osimhen stays in the center. Finally, put Osimhen-Haaland together. Think of bringing the balls from both sides. It would do something completely different. I would like to play all 4 of them.”