Istanbul: Former French national footballer Lilian Thuram said he expects Trkiye to make a strong run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising the quality of the national team's players.

According to Anadolu Agency, Thuram assessed Trkiye's chances at the tournament, highlighting key players such as Calhanoglu from Inter Milan and Arda Guler from Real Madrid. He noted that Calhanoglu is one of the best midfielders globally and emphasized Guler's potential to challenge any defender. Thuram expressed his hope that Trkiye could advance significantly in the competition.

Thuram recalled Trkiye's impressive third-place finish at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, suggesting that it should serve as an inspiration for the current national team. He emphasized the importance of team strength and player belief in achieving success in international tournaments, suggesting there are no limits if the team aims to surpass their previous achievements.

In addition to discussing Trkiye's prospects, Thuram also spoke about the strength of the French national team. He commended the efforts of French coaches and youth developers for cultivating a squad filled with young, talented players. Despite acknowledging France's capabilities, Thuram warned against complacency, noting that having great players does not guarantee a World Cup victory.