A National Football Team faces Belgium at Gürsel Aksel Stadium in İzmir on Thursday for the UEFA Nations A League fifth match, with newly appointed coach Sergen Yalçın leading the squad for his first official fixture, as reported by CNN Türk.
Yalçın takes charge following the departure of Vincenzo Montella after previous matches against France, Belgium, and Italy. CNN Türk reported that the match begins at 20.00 local time and broadcasts live and free on TRT 1.
Yalçın addressed reporters at a press conference ahead of the fixture, detailing his short preparation window.
“Hazırlanmak için çok zamanımız yok biliyorsunuz. 6 günlük bir süreçte beraber oluyoruz oyuncularla.”
şeklinde konuştu Sergen Yalçın.
Paperwork and citizenship issues affect Arda Okan Kurtulan
Yalçın addressed inquiries regarding Göztepe player Arda Okan Kurtulan during the press conference. He explained that paperwork and citizenship procedures prevented the player from joining the squad, noting that the player must submit a formal petition to the federation.
TFF reported that Yalçın dismissed comments from Göztepe coach Stanimir Stoilov regarding the situation. Yalçın said that the player cannot play due to administrative procedures rather than missing paperwork alone.
Regarding overall roster management, Yalçın described a pool of over 50 players. He said that 80 percent of the squad forms a permanent core, while 20 percent changes based on recent performance.
“Kadro seçiminde bazı değişiklikler yaptık. 50’nin üzerinde bir oyuncu havuzumuz var. Kemikleşmiş bir millî takım kadrosu var,” said Yalçın, as documented by TFF.
Yalçın provides updates on player fitness for İzmir
Yalçın confirmed physical updates on key players ahead of the fixture in İzmir.
Ferdi Kadıoğlu enters the match at 100 percent readiness. Yalçın said that Kadıoğlu will start in the starting eleven, while Zeki Çelik remains a late-game option following a recent recovery from injury.
“Ferdi Kadıoğlu yüzde 100 hazır. İngiltere’de takımında son maçta da kadrodaydı. Yarın maça başlayacak,” said Yalçın, according to TFF.
Enes Ünal joins the team in attack. Ünal emphasized the importance of representing the country during the press conference at Gürsel Aksel Stadyumu.
“Bizim için millî takım hizmet yeri. Burada bulunmak, ülkemize hizmet edebilmek çok önemli,” said Enes Ünal, Millî Futbolcu, according to TFF.
Turkey and Belgium head into their 13th meeting
Turkey and Belgium meet for the 13th time in history. Anadolu Ajansı reported that past encounters include 8 official matches and 4 friendlies, resulting in 3 wins for Turkey, 4 wins for Belgium, and 5 draws.
The teams last met in October 2026 in Liege during the UEFA Nations League, where Belgium defeated Turkey 3-0, marking the largest margin of defeat in their head-to-head history, according to Anadolu Ajansı.
Turkey hosts Belgium for the fifth time on home soil. Previous meetings in Turkey include a 3-2 victory in Istanbul on September 7, 2010, and a 3-1 loss to Belgium in 1997, as recorded by Anadolu Ajansı.
Where to watch the Turkey versus Belgium match
Where does the Turkey versus Belgium match take place?
The match takes place at Gürsel Aksel Stadyumu in İzmir, as reported by CNN Türk.
What time does the match start?
The UEFA Nations League fixture kicks off at 20.00 on November 12, 2026, according to CNN Türk.
Which television channel broadcasts the match?
TRT 1 broadcasts the match live and free of charge, according to CNN Türk.
What was the score of the previous match between Turkey and Belgium?
Belgium defeated Turkey 3-0 in Liege during their October 2026 UEFA Nations League encounter, according to Anadolu Ajansı.
Who will start in attack for Turkey against Belgium?
Enes Ünal will start at centre-forward, according to statements made by Sergen Yalçın and recorded by TFF.
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