Turkey’s 4-0 demolition of North Macedonia on Monday night marked a statement of intent ahead of the World Cup, with Real Madrid forward Arda Güler making his first appearance for the national team in a dominant performance at Istanbul’s Chobani Stadium. The match, a nine-year reunion between the rivals, ended with Turkey extending their lead in the Balkans while North Macedonia’s progress in recent qualifiers hit a stumbling block. With Turkey targeting their first World Cup since 2002, the result sent a clear message: the Crescent-Stars are ready to reclaim their place among football’s elite.
Why This Game Was More Than Just a Friendly
The encounter wasn’t just a routine international break. For Turkey, it was a chance to test squad depth ahead of their World Cup campaign, while North Macedonia—despite missing the 2026 tournament—saw this as an opportunity to gauge their own resilience. The 4-0 scoreline wasn’t just a statement of dominance; it was a tactical masterclass. Turkey’s attack, led by players like Cenk Özkaya (who scored twice) and Enes Ünal, moved with a fluidity that belied their recent defensive struggles in qualifiers. North Macedonia, meanwhile, struggled to contain Turkey’s width, with full-backs like Halil Dervişoğlu and Ozan Kabak forced into defensive overruns.
What made the result even more significant was the timing. The last meeting between these two teams was a scoreless draw in Skopje nine years ago, under Fatih Terim’s management. Since then, Turkey has undergone a rebuild—one that now appears to be paying dividends. Their 14-9 goal record against North Macedonia in previous encounters speaks to a historical advantage, but this wasn’t just about past form. The Turkish team’s ability to control tempo and dictate play from the outset suggested they’ve addressed the defensive vulnerabilities that cost them in recent qualifiers.
For North Macedonia, the defeat was a setback in what had been a promising qualifying cycle. Though they fell short of World Cup qualification, their recent performances had shown they could compete with established sides. This result, however, exposed gaps—particularly in midfield organization and defensive solidity—that will need urgent attention if they’re to challenge for Euro 2028 qualification.
Arda Güler’s Debut: A Real Madrid Star Steps Up for Turkey
Güler’s 62nd-minute appearance was the highlight of the night—not just for his presence, but for what it symbolized. The Real Madrid winger, who has been a standout in La Liga this season, has long been Turkey’s most coveted attacking talent. His inclusion in the starting XI would have been ideal, but manager Şenol Güneş’s decision to bring him on late suggested a measured approach, ensuring he didn’t arrive fatigued ahead of the World Cup. Güler’s impact was immediate; though he didn’t score, his movement and link-up play added a creative dimension that Turkey’s frontline had lacked in recent friendlies.
The timing of his debut is crucial. With Turkey’s World Cup squad still taking shape, Güler’s form for Madrid has made him a prime candidate for inclusion. His ability to operate in both wide and central roles gives Güneş flexibility, and his chemistry with players like Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Kerem Aktürkoğlu could be decisive in the tournament. The question now is whether Güler will be fully fit for Turkey’s opening group games—and whether his presence will be enough to silence critics who’ve questioned the team’s attacking options.
The Bigger Picture: Turkey’s World Cup Ambitions and the Road Ahead
Turkey’s 4-0 win wasn’t just about beating North Macedonia; it was about sending a message to the football world. Their last World Cup appearance in 2002 ended with a bronze medal, but since then, they’ve struggled to replicate that form. The 2026 tournament is their chance to reclaim their place among the sport’s top nations—and this result was a strong opening salvo.
Yet challenges remain. Turkey’s defensive record in qualifiers has been inconsistent, and their reliance on set-pieces has been exposed in recent knockouts. The win over North Macedonia showed they can dominate possession and create chances, but sustaining that against deeper sides like Spain or Portugal will be the real test. With Güneş’ squad still fine-tuning their tactical approach, the next few friendlies—including a clash with Croatia in July—will be critical.
For North Macedonia, the defeat is a wake-up call. Their recent qualifying campaigns have shown flashes of promise, but this result underscores how far they have to go to compete at the highest level. Without key players like Arijan Ademi (who has been linked with a move to a top European club), their attack may lack the creativity needed to trouble stronger opposition. The focus now shifts to Euro 2028 qualification, where they’ll need to address their defensive frailties and midfield control.
How to Watch: Where and When to Catch the Highlights
While the match itself has concluded, the story isn’t over. For fans in the U.S., the game was available via Fubo and ViX, offering a rare chance to see Turkey’s World Cup preparations up close. The streaming platforms provided access to a range of channels, including beIN SPORTS and FOX Soccer Plus, ensuring viewers could follow Turkey’s journey even if they missed the live action.
Looking ahead, Turkey’s next major test comes in July against Croatia—a game that will be a true litmus test for their World Cup readiness. If they can replicate Monday’s dominance, they’ll arrive in the U.S. as dark horses. But if they falter, questions will persist about whether they’ve truly turned the corner.
The North Macedonia defeat, while disappointing, isn’t the end of the road. With a young, hungry squad, they still have time to develop. But for now, Turkey’s message is clear: they’re back, and they’re hungry for redemption on the world stage.
