World Cup Qualification 2026: Bulgaria-Turkey, the likely lineups

The kickoff at 8:45 p.m. for Bulgaria–Turkey, a match valid for the third day of Group E of the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. For the hosts it&#8217s already the last resort: in case of defeat the chances of finishing at least second will be slim. Montella&#8217s selection must redeem itself after the humiliating 6-0 loss to Spain: second place is the former Aeroplanino’s goal.

Nikolov is the focal point of the Bulgarian attack, Petkov, Milanov and Kirilov play behind him. Kraev and Taenovic are the two midfielders.

Montella relies on Akturkoglu as the central point, behind him space for Akgun, Guler and Yildiz. The keys to the direction are given to Calhanoglu, alongside him is Orkun.

Bulgaria-Turkey, the probable lineups
Bulgaria (4-2-3-1): Vutsov; Minkov, Dimitrov, Bozhinov, Nedyalkov; Kraev, Taenov; Petkov, Milanov, Kirilov; Nikolov. All: Dimitrov.
Turkey (4-2-3-1): Bayındır; Celik, Demiral, Abdulkerim, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Orkun; Akgun, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu. All: Montella.