Turkey at the World Cup: full history and record
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Turkey has appeared in just 2 FIFA World Cups (1954 and 2002) across their history, playing 10 matches with a record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 4 losses, scoring 19 goals while conceding 17 for a positive goal difference of +2.
Their best performance came on home soil in 2002 when they reached the semi-finals and finished third, marking one of the most remarkable underdog stories in World Cup history.
Turkey's World Cup journey began in 1954 in Switzerland, where they made their tournament debut. However, it was their second appearance nearly five decades later that would define their World Cup legacy.
The Magical Run of 2002
As co-hosts of the 2002 World Cup alongside Japan, Turkey exceeded all expectations by reaching the semi-finals. Led by players like Hakan Şükür and Rüştü Reçber, they defeated several strong opponents before falling to Brazil in the semi-final. They bounced back to beat South Korea 3-2 in the third-place playoff, securing their bronze medal finish. This remains Turkey's greatest achievement in international football and one of the tournament's most inspiring stories.
For the 2026 World Cup, Turkey will be hoping to end their 24-year absence from the tournament. Fans can follow Turkey's qualification campaign and potential World Cup matches on Bola 2026, where live scores and tournament brackets will be available throughout the competition.
Frequently asked questions
How many World Cups has Turkey qualified for?
Turkey has qualified for 2 World Cups in their history: 1954 in Switzerland and 2002 in South Korea/Japan, where they finished third.
What is Turkey's best World Cup performance?
Turkey's best World Cup finish was 3rd place in 2002 when they co-hosted the tournament with Japan, reaching the semi-finals before losing to Brazil.
Will Turkey qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Turkey is currently competing in UEFA qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. They haven't appeared in a World Cup since their memorable 2002 semi-final run.