Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said Türkiye’s return to the FIFA World Cup after a 24-year absence has generated nationwide excitement, stressing that all 86 million citizens share the same pride and anticipation.
“With tomorrow’s match against Australia, our World Cup journey, which we have been eagerly awaiting as a nation, begins. This first World Cup excitement in 24 years has spread across every corner of our country. From Edirne to Kars, from Sinop to Hatay, from Istanbul to Diyarbakır, all 86 million citizens are united in the same feeling today.”
Recalling Türkiye’s historic third-place finish at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Erdogan said it is time to write a new legend together.
“Now is the time to write a new legend, and we will write it together,” he said in a message shared on his X account on Saturday.
Erdogan said the national team would feel the nation’s support in all matches and carry the backing of millions wherever they play.
“Even if you are thousands of kilometres away, hearts will beat with you in every home, every street, and every square of Türkiye. Now is the time to write a new epic. May your path and fortune be clear. May every shot you take be a goal,” he said.
He also added that the players would take the hopes, prayers, and pride of the nation onto the field, praising their determination and fighting spirit.
