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A wave of Turkish international footballers is set to take the global stage at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States from June 15 to July 13.
Several national team players will represent elite European clubs in the expanded tournament, as Türkiye’s footballing presence continues to grow across the continent.
Veteran midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is expected to play a pivotal role for Inter, who will compete in Group E against River Plate (Argentina), Monterrey (Mexico), and Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan). Calhanoglu scored 11 goals in 47 appearances this season and was instrumental in Inter’s UEFA Champions League campaign.
Real Madrid’s rising star Arda Guler will look to solidify his place in the starting XI under newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso. The 19-year-old featured in 43 matches this season, scoring five goals. Madrid faces Salzburg (Austria), Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia), and Pachuca (Mexico) in Group H.
Forward Kenan Yildiz will represent Juventus, who are placed in Group G alongside Manchester City (England), Wydad Casablanca (Morocco), and Al Ain (UAE). Yildiz netted nine goals in 48 matches and is seen as one of the club’s brightest talents.
City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, whose departure has been speculated, could also feature in the same group if he remains at the English club.
Benfica will rely on two Turkish internationals—Kerem Akturkoglu and Orkun Kokcu—as they aim to advance from Group C, which includes Bayern Munich (Germany), Boca Juniors (Argentina), and Auckland City (New Zealand). Akturkoglu scored 16 goals in 49 matches, while Kokcu contributed 12 goals in 51 appearances.
Young forward Deniz Gul will hope for more playing time with Porto, who are set to compete in Group A against Palmeiras (Brazil), Al Ahly (Egypt), and Inter Miami (USA). Gul made 22 appearances last season, mostly off the bench, and scored twice.
The 2025 Club World Cup is set to feature a galaxy of football stars, including Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and Ousmane Dembele. For Türkiye, the tournament offers a chance to showcase the talent of a new generation of international players on football’s biggest club stage.
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