Turkey vs Belgium

Türkiye vs Belgium: A New Turkish Chapter Meets Belgium’s European Ambitions

Türkiye arrive in İzmir with more than a difficult group position to repair; they also have a new coach trying to establish his authority in a demanding international setting. Sergen Yalçın takes charge of his first match as national-team manager after replacing Vincenzo Montella, and his opening assignment offers little room for a gentle introduction. Four defeats from four Group A1 matches have left Türkiye without a point, while Belgium occupy third place with six. The gap between the sides is reflected in the table, but the circumstances surrounding this meeting are more complicated than those numbers suggest. A home performance capable of changing the mood around the team would be valuable, even before considering the consequences for the group. For Yalçın, the immediate challenge is to make his ideas visible without asking the players to absorb too many changes at once.

Belgium have their own objectives, with a place among the top two still within reach and the possibility of reaching the Nations League quarter-finals dependent on the closing fixtures. Mark van Bommel’s side won the reverse meeting 3–0 in October, but the Belgian coach was careful not to describe that result as evidence that Türkiye had been outplayed throughout. He acknowledged that the Turkish team created opportunities in that match but failed to turn them into goals. That assessment matters because Türkiye’s attacking threat should not be dismissed simply because their points total remains empty. Belgium will want to control the rhythm, use their technical quality in midfield and avoid giving the home side easy opportunities to attack space. The absence of Romelu Lukaku also means Van Bommel must choose a different solution at centre-forward.

Yalçın has already provided two significant clues about his selection, confirming that Enes Ünal will start in attack and that Ferdi Kadıoğlu is ready to begin the match. Ünal gives Türkiye a recognised central reference point, something the coach specifically addressed during his pre-match media appearance. Ferdi’s availability offers another important option, particularly if Türkiye want to advance their full-backs and create overloads on the flanks. Belgium, meanwhile, have Jeremy Doku available again after his earlier injury absence, adding pace and direct dribbling to an attack that also includes Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Charles De Ketelaere. The tactical contest could therefore develop around whether Türkiye can disrupt Belgium’s midfield supply before the visitors find their wide attackers in favourable positions. Both teams have reasons to be assertive, but the balance between pressure and defensive protection may decide how the match unfolds.

The pre-match comments have carried a clear sense of urgency from the Turkish camp, with Yalçın saying his plans were built around winning and that his team needed all three points. He also acknowledged that several players were returning from injury and might be used for only certain periods, making the management of substitutions an important consideration. Van Bommel has spoken about applying a high press, moving the ball quickly and spreading his team across the pitch, while also preparing for the tactical adjustments expected under Türkiye’s new manager. His comments suggest Belgium will not simply rely on the memory of their previous victory. The match is scheduled for Thursday, 12 November, at Gürsel Aksel Stadium in İzmir, with kick-off at 20:00 local time. Türkiye need a response, Belgium need points to protect their position, and the meeting offers a revealing test of two teams approaching the final stretch of the group from very different circumstances.

🚑 Official Injury Report and Confirmed Absences

Türkiye

Belgium

Availability note: These tables include confirmed injury-related absences only. No long-term injury classification has been added without an official confirmation. Türkiye coach Sergen Yalçın said Zeki Çelik was very unlikely to start, but did not announce him as ruled out; Ferdi Kadıoğlu was confirmed fit and expected to start. Jeremy Doku has returned to fitness for Belgium and is available.

🔵 Matchday Personnel: Confirmed Choices and Squad Leaders

The full official starting XIs had not been published in the pre-match information used for this preview. The tables below therefore distinguish the two Turkish players specifically confirmed by Yalçın from other selected squad members who are important to the tactical picture. They should not be read as confirmed complete starting lineups.

Türkiye – Confirmed Choices and Key Personnel

Belgium – Key Squad Personnel

What the Coaches Said Before Kick-off

Sergen Yalçın: Türkiye must pursue the win

At his pre-match press conference, Yalçın said Türkiye had prepared with the aim of taking all three points. He stressed the importance of remaining in League A and said the team had a chance of reaching the play-out route if it could collect points in the remaining fixtures. He confirmed Enes Ünal would start and said Ferdi Kadıoğlu was fully ready. He also noted that three or four players were returning from injury and could be used in selected periods of the match.

Mark van Bommel: Belgium expect a different tactical challenge

Van Bommel said Belgium were preparing for a different Türkiye under their new coach. He emphasised that the previous 3–0 result did not mean his team had dominated every aspect of that encounter, pointing out that Türkiye had created chances. He outlined a desire to press high, play quickly and use the width of the pitch. He also confirmed that Lukaku would miss the match because of his hip problem, while Doku’s return gives Belgium another attacking option.

Key Tactical and Match Factors

• Türkiye’s new approach: Yalçın’s first match in charge will reveal how quickly the team can apply his tactical adjustments.
• Enes Ünal as the focal point: His confirmed starting role gives Türkiye a central forward around whom the attacking combinations can be built.
• Belgium’s high press: Van Bommel has openly discussed pressing aggressively and moving the ball quickly, which could test Türkiye’s build-up under pressure.
• Doku’s return: His pace and ability to beat defenders provide Belgium with a direct route into the final third.
• Lukaku’s absence: Belgium must find a different central attacking reference without their experienced striker.
• Group consequences: Belgium are third on six points, while Türkiye have no points after four matches. A Turkish victory is essential if they are to avoid being confirmed in fourth place at this stage.

Match Information