Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Turkey-Northern Macedonia, likely lineups

The preparation of Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey, which is expected to play its first friendly test in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup against North Macedonia led by Goce Sedloski, is now in full swing. The Bizim Çocuklar come to this historic fixture after snatching the rainbow pass in the decisive play-off against Kosovo, bringing the Turkish selection back to the final stage of the tournament a full 24 years after the historic third place in 2002. Montella has confirmed the qualification group en bloc, ready to rely on the pure talent of Guler and Yildiz to make it through a group that looks on paper affordable and will see the Turks opposing the United States, Paraguay and Australia. Opposite mood at home in the Macedonian side, where they saw their World Cup dream vanish in the playoff semifinals at the hands of Denmark and are still looking for their first win under new technical management, which will test an experimental national team lacking key elements such as Bardhi, Bejtullai and Trajkovski for the occasion.

Montella will field a solid, offensive team, in front of Cakır, the defense will be led by Demiral and Bardakcı, with Celik and Kadıoglu at full-back. In the midfield, Calhanoglu’s absence launches the Kokcu-Ozcan pair, while the top-quality trio of Kahveci, Akturkoglu and the talented Arda Guler will act in the three-quarter, all supporting the lone striker Yılmaz.

Sedloski responds with a specular form. Dimitrievski between the posts protected in the center by Musliu and Serafimov, with Zaikov and Alioski on the side lanes. Atanasov and Bardhi will act as filter in the middle of the field, while Churlinov, Dimoski and star Elmas will have the task of triggering the offensive terminal Miovski.

Probable lineups

Turkey (4-2-3-1): Cakır; Celik, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoglu; Kokcu, Ozcan; Kahveci, Guler, Akturkoglu; Yılmaz. All. Montella.

Macedonians of the North (4-2-3-1): Dimitrievski; Zaikov, Musliu, Serafimov, Alioski; Atanasov, Bardhi; Churlinov, Elmas, Dimoski; Miovski. All. Goce Sedloski.

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