Turkey National Football Team, Squad, Injuries, Schedule and Stats

Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu -TFF

The Turkish Football Federation (Turkish: Türkiye Futbol Federasyonu) is the governing body of association football in Turkey. It was formed on 23 April 1923 after independence. The body joined FIFA in the same year but had to wait until 1962 to join UEFA. Since Turkey lies on two continents, there was a long discussion about whether to join the AFC or the UEFA. Ultimately, the latter got the vote.

The TFF is responsible for picking the Turkey National Football Team manager, the Turkey Football Team, and also organizing the Turkish Football League and the Turkish Cup.

The TFF is an ambitious board as it has multiple plans to host major tournaments, including the World Cup. After multiple failed bids, the country will host the UEFA Euro 2032. The country also hosted a few Champions League finals.

History of the Turkey National Football Team

The Turkey National Football Team played its first game at Taskim Stadium in Istanbul against Romania. Zeki Riza Sporel, considered one of the best Turkey National Football Team players of all time, scored a brace in the game.

The team participated in the 1924 Summer Olympics to mark their official debut. They even qualified for the 1950 World Cup but had to miss out due to financial problems. It didn't matter four years later as they made their debut in 1954. After the stars of the 1950s retired, the national team regressed as it endured a barren run from the 1960s to the 1980s. Faith Terim guided them to the Euros for the first time in 1996, ending a long wait for major tournament football. The 2000 Euros were even sweeter as Turkey made it to the quarters for the first time.

Turkey played their best football in 2002 when they finished third at the FIFA World Cup. Turkey won the Bronze Medal after beating South Korea 3-2 in the placement match. Another third-place finish at the Confederations Cup in 2003 increased their stock. The 2008 Euros saw them make an epic run to the semis before losing to Germany 3-2 after a last-minute goal. The national side then became a regular contender for tournament finals in the next decade. They will be aiming to cause a few upsets and lift their first major trophy.

Turkey National Football Team Stadium

The Turkey National Football Team has multiple stadiums, but primarily plays in the Atatürk Olympic Stadium. Located in the Basaksehir district of Istanbul, it is the largest-capacity stadium in the country, with 76,000. Named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. It is a 5-star sports complex awarded by UEFA and hosted Champions League finals. Multiple Turkish clubs like Galatasaray, Beşiktaş and Istanbul Basaksehir use it as a home ground as well.

Turkey National Football Team: Achievements and Honours

Turkey are yet to win a major trophy in their history. The Bronze medals they won at the World Cup and the Confederations Cup are their best achievements.