Turkey's potential opponents in the 2026 World Cup have become clear

In the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the National Team achieved an important victory by defeating Bulgaria 2-0 in their fifth match in Group E. With this result, Turkey has guaranteed a top-two finish in the group, earning the right to participate in the play-off stage.

The Crescent-Stars will face Spain in the final match of the group. If Turkey finishes in second place, they will need to play in the play-offs for a World Cup ticket. However, if the national team manages to finish as the group leader, they will earn the right to participate in the tournament directly.

The results obtained after the fifth matches have largely determined the teams that the National Team could face in the play-off stage.

PLAY-OFF SYSTEM

The play-off round will feature 12 teams from the European Qualifiers and 4 teams from the Nations League. A total of 16 teams will be divided into four different pots. The semi-final stage will be formed by pairings from the first pot to the fourth pot, and from the second pot to the third pot.

The draw will be held on Thursday, November 20, and the pairings will be finalized on that date.

MATCH DATES

The semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup European Qualifiers play-off round will be played on March 26, 2026. The final matches, which will be played as single-leg ties, will take place on March 31, 2026. The team that wins the final will be the one to secure a visa for the 2026 World Cup.

Countries in the first and second pots will play their semi-final matches on their home turf. The home-field advantage in the final will be determined after the draw.

POTENTIAL OPPONENTS

The teams that the National Team could face in the play-off round are listed as follows:

North Macedonia

Wales

Sweden

Romania

Northern Ireland