Turkey began their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Georgia at the Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, a result that puts them in a strong position ahead of their clash against Spain. The win marks a fourth success in five matches for the nation that famously finished third at the 2002 World Cup.
The visitors were quick to assert their dominance. Mert Muldur, who also scored in the recent Euro 2024 encounter between the two sides, broke the deadlock just three minutes into the game with a powerful header from an Arda Guler delivery. Despite relentless attacking pressure, Turkey was unable to find a second goal until a few minutes before halftime, when Kerem Akturkoglu expertly guided a shot into the net to double the lead.
Akturkoglu was on fire, and he completed his brace just seven minutes into the second half with a clinical finish from close range. At 3-0, the match seemed decided. However, Georgia fought back, with Zuriko Davitashvili scoring a consolation goal in the 63rd minute.
The game became heated in the 71st minute when Turkey’s Baris Alper Yilmaz was shown a red card for a horror tackle. The tension was also felt on the sidelines as Georgia manager Willy Sagnol was also given his marching orders. Georgia continued to push for a comeback, and deep into injury time, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored with a perfectly placed shot from the edge of the area, but it was not enough to salvage a point.
The victory gives Turkey a perfect start to their qualifying campaign and sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown with Group E favorites Spain on Sunday.
