UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has praised Turkey's football infrastructure and national team, emphasizing the country’s successful hosting of major UEFA finals since 2019. Speaking ahead of the Europa League final in Istanbul, Ceferin highlighted that Turkey is not just an emerging football nation but a significant one. He noted that the country has all the necessary components for hosting major events, including passionate fans, strong media interest, and a dedicated government and federation. Ceferin pointed out that Turkey has demonstrated its ability to host large UEFA events successfully, with the 2019 UEFA Super Cup, 2023 Champions League final, and the upcoming 2026 Europa League final at Beşiktaş Park serving as proof. He also highlighted the country’s impressive stadiums, which give Turkey a significant advantage over many European countries in organizing major tournaments like the UEFA European Championship. Ceferin expressed his confidence that the Turkish national team will prove its worth at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that the team has both individual talent and a strong team spirit.

Turkish Clubs' European Progress Deserves Collective Recognition

Ceferin also commended Turkish clubs for their continued success in European competitions, noting that the return of Galatasaray to the spotlight in Europe is a significant signal. He highlighted the talent of players like Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu as key assets for the national team, praising the collective strength and unity that defines the Turkish squad.