Türkiye to host Georgia in World Cup qualifiers
Kerem Aktürkoğlu emphasized the match's final nature, saying, "This match will determine the fate of the group. If we win, our playoff chances will be much clearer. We are 100% motivated. We feel the support of the entire country."
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) announced before the match that revenue from the stands would be donated to civilians in Gaza. The TFF statement read, "We cannot remain silent in the face of the human tragedy being experienced by our brotherly peoples."
The Turkish National Team defeated Georgia 3-2 away in their first group match. Türkiye's goals were scored by Mert Müldür and Kerem Aktürkoğlu (2), while Georgia's goals came from Zuriko Davitaşvili and Kviça Kvaratskhelia. The team's fast attacks and wing formations in that match caught the attention of the coaching staff, and Montella stated that he might implement the same strategy again against Georgia.
Turkey suffered their heaviest defeat of the group, losing 6-0 to Spain in Konya in their second match. They then boosted their morale with a 6-1 away win against Bulgaria on September 10th. The team sits in third place with three points from three matches. Leaders Spain are top with six points, while Georgia is just behind Türkiye in fourth place on goal difference.
If Türkiye wins this match, they will increase their points to 6, strengthen their second-place position and gain a chance to qualify for the playoffs from Pot 1.
The play-offs will be played in March 2026 and will feature the 12 group runners-up and four teams from the UEFA Nations League.
A total of 16 teams will compete to secure the last 4 World Cup tickets.
The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, while 16 teams from across Europe will qualify for the World Cup. Twelve countries that finish first in their groups will advance directly, while the remaining four will secure their spots through the playoffs.
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