Hakan Çalhanoğlu

Analysis: Calhanoglu is most likely ready to start and should captain his national team in the summer competition, offering a steady source of passing and ball recovery stats in holding midfield. His eventual addition to the initial lineup will lead to reduced involvement for Salih Ozcan and possibly Orkun Kokcu. In addition to his open play value, Calhanoglu is a solid set-piece taker, having scored five times from the penalty spot for Inter Milan in 2025/26 while also delivering corners and free kicks for both club and country. During the World Cup qualifying stage, he recorded one goal and four assists throughout seven games.

Jun 1, 2026

Will captain Turkiye

Calhanoglu (calf) has been named in Turkiye's World Cup squad and will captain the side throughout the competition despite managing a small injury ahead of the tournament.

Analysis: Calhanoglu ended the Serie A season with nine goals and four assists across 22 appearances in the Italian top flight for Inter Milan, continuing to establish himself as one of the most complete deep-lying playmakers in European football with his ability to score, create and dictate the tempo of matches. Calhanoglu is being monitored carefully ahead of the tournament but his importance to Turkiye's system makes him effectively irreplaceable, with coach Montella's entire midfield structure built around his ability to control possession and distribute with precision. Calhanoglu heads into the World Cup as the most important player in the squad with Ardu Guler and the creative and spiritual heartbeat of a Turkiye side with genuine ambitions of making a deep run in the competition.

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