Arda Güler just picked up a Player of the Match award at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and at 21 years old, he’s making it look routine. The Real Madrid midfielder has been one of the tournament’s breakout stars, turning Turkey’s return to the world stage into must-watch football.
Turkey hadn’t appeared at a World Cup since 2002. That’s a 24-year drought, roughly the same amount of time it takes for an entire generation to grow up never seeing their country compete at the highest level.
The goal that changed everything
Güler’s most pivotal moment so far came against the United States, one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico. He scored Turkey’s equalizer, a goal that kept his team’s World Cup hopes alive and turned him into one of the most talked-about players in the competition.
Turkey named a 26-man squad around June 2, 2026, and Güler has featured in at least two group stage matches. His Player of the Match recognition further cements him as the focal point of a Turkish side that has surprised many observers at this tournament.
