The National Football Team will face Australia tomorrow at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada, in their first match of Group D at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at a media event held at Killarney Park before the match, captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu said the team is ready and their goal is to win.
Çalhanoğlu noted that the preparation process went well and they have adapted to the warm weather. The national player expressed that they want to play their own game on the field without resorting to excuses, respect their opponents, but do not underestimate any team.
Warning About Physical Challenge from Australia
The 32-year-old footballer emphasized that Australia is a physically strong team. He said they need to be careful with set pieces and believes their own team is more talented and will demonstrate this strength on the field.
Regarding the evaluations made by Australian players about the national team, Çalhanoğlu said he has seen these comments and that the team's ambitious nature is a positive factor for them. According to him, Turkey has a squad composed of experienced and high-level players.
Pride in Captaincy and First World Cup Excitement
Çalhanoğlu expressed pride in being the captain and thanked his teammates for their support. Recalling the experience at the European Championship, the national player stated that they want to represent the country better in this tournament.
Sharing the head coach Vincenzo Montella’s remarks about the structure of the tournament, Çalhanoğlu explained that the organization is different from the European Championship, and the weather conditions and setup require a new adaptation process for the players. The national team's goal is both to enjoy the tournament and to represent Turkey in the best possible way.
Çalhanoğlu said they are pleased with the interest from foreign fans and thanked Turkish supporters for their backing. He added that this interest is a sign that the team is on the right path and their goal is to bring Turkey more into the spotlight.
He also mentioned discussing Australia with Manuel Akanji, his teammate at Inter, and said they expect a tough match. The captain emphasized that the team has reached this stage not through individual efforts but as a united group, underlining that the focus should be on the team rather than individuals.
