2026-2027 Nations League: Turkey vs. Belgium, Probable Lineups

Turkey hosts Belgium on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at the Gursel Aksel Stadium in Izmir, in the fifth matchday of the Nations League group stage. The hosts are still stuck at zero points after four consecutive losses and are looking to bounce back in front of their home crowd. The situation is different for the Red Devils, who, with 6 points, are still very much in the running to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.

The biggest change for Turkey is on the bench: Yalcin will make his debut as head coach following Montella’s departure. The new coach is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Cakir in goal and a defensive line consisting of Kadioglu, Demiral, Kabak, and Elmali. In midfield, Yuksek and Kokcu will start, while Guler, Akgun, and Yilmaz will operate in the attacking midfield behind lone striker Unal.

Belgium is also expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Garcia is counting on the experience of De Bruyne, who will play in the attacking midfield behind De Ketelaere. Lukebakio and Trossard are expected on the wings, while Vanaken and Tielemans should start in midfield. In defense, in front of Lammens, Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, and De Cuyper are expected to start.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

TURKEY (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Kadioglu, Demiral, Kabak, Elmali; Yuksek, Kokcu; Guler, Akgun, Yilmaz; Unal. Head Coach: Yalcin.

BELGIUM (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Castagne, Mechele, Ngoy, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; De Bruyne, Lukebakio, Trossard; De Ketelaere. Head Coach: Garcia.