Deniz Gul makes Türkiye’s 2026 World Cup squad in wildcard role | OneFootball

Deniz Gul has been named in Türkiye’s final 2026 World Cup squad, with the FC Porto forward the only orthodox striker selected by Vincenzo Montella. According to O Jogo, the list was confirmed hours before the squad’s departure for the Americas.

Gul strengthened his case by scoring in a 4-0 win over North Macedonia, his strike the 900th in Türkiye’s history.

Montella said he was pleased with the performances of Can Uzun, Simsir and Gul, noting they are adapting to the national team and that he believes in them. He declined to discuss whether Gul could start, saying he considers all players when devising strategies, gives no gifts, and can change from game to game.

Montella has often used wingers in a false nine role, with Baris Yilmaz and Akturkoglu tried there. Gul may be asked to make his impact from the bench.

Kaan Bayazit, a journalist who follows Turkish football, said he thinks Gul is the best option to lead the line because Türkiye lack another true centre-forward. He expects the coach to stick with a false nine, leaving him unsure how many minutes Gul might get.

Bayazit hopes Gul can be an impact substitute, seize a starting place and use the tournament to kick on with the national team.

Türkiye are in Group C and open on 14 June against Australia, followed by Paraguay on 20 and the United States of America on 23.

Source: O Jogo