The Wait Is Over: Turkey Returns to Kadıköy

The stadium lights flicker. The crowd holds its breath. After 1,696 long days, the Turkish national football team is back on home soil. Turkey national football team returns to Chobani Stadium in Istanbul for a historic milestone: their 650th match in 103 years of existence. The opponent? North Macedonia. The stakes? Pride, preparation, and the relentless march toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This isn't just another friendly. It’s a statement. The last time Turkey played in Kadıköy was October 8, 2021, a 1-1 draw against Norway. Since then, silence. Now, the roar returns. The match kicks off at 20:30 local time, broadcast live on ATV, marking the first of two pre-World Cup friendlies.

Injuries, Absences, and the Starting XI

Coach Vincenzo Montella faces a puzzle. Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Kenan Yıldız, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, and Mustafa Eskihellaç are undergoing treatment. Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu trains separately. Yet, the starting lineup is set, a testament to depth and resilience.

Turkey: Altay, Mert, Ozan, Çağlar, Eren, Salih, Orkun, Yunus, Can, Oğuz, Deniz.

North Macedonia: Dimitrievski, Fetai, Velkoski, Zajkov, Despotovski, Elezi, Atasanov, Alioski, Miovski, Eljif Elmas, Omeragikj.

Montella’s 35-man squad boasts global stars: Altay Bayındır (Manchester United), Arda Güler (Real Madrid), Salih Özcan (Borussia Dortmund), and Yusuf Akçiçek (Al-Hilal). The bench is deep, the talent undeniable, but consistency remains the ultimate question.

Next Stop: Venezuela and the World Cup

This is only the beginning. The second friendly awaits on June 7 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, against Venezuela at Inter Miami FC Stadium. Then, the real test: Arizona Mesa, the main training camp, and the group stage opener against Australia.

Turkey’s history is etched in 257 wins, 151 draws, and 241 losses. They’ve faced 92 nations, scored 897 goals, and conceded 926. Only once have they earned a walkover, a 3-0 ruling against Greece in 2016. Now, they seek another chapter. The 650th match is more than a number. It’s destiny. And destiny doesn't wait.