The Turkish national team’s performance at the 2026 World Cup has been marked by disappointment, culminating in a narrow 0-1 defeat to Paraguay. This loss followed their opening match, where they suffered a 2-0 setback against Australia, effectively ending Vincenzo Montella’s side’s hopes of advancing in the tournament. The unexpected early exit has left the nation in a state of mourning, with players facing significant backlash from local media, former coaches, and ex-national team players.
After the final whistle at the San Francisco stadium, the emotional toll was evident, as some players wept openly on the pitch. Arda Güler, the team’s attacking star, struggled to hold back tears, visibly distraught and in despair. Turkey had entered the competition as favorites in their group, making the losses particularly shocking to supporters and analysts alike.
In a poignant moment that quickly gained traction on social media, Turkish public television captured Güler’s immediate reaction following the match. The broadcast clearly recorded his first words, reflective of the team’s collective heartbreak:
“Oh my God. Why?” Arda said, gazing up at the sky for a few moments.
Prior to the match against Australia, controversy had surrounded the team as allegations emerged regarding the national team captain’s suspected smoking habits, adding to the turmoil surrounding the squad.