Vincenzo Montella dismissed as head coach of the Turkish national football team

On October 9, 2026, the Turkish Football Federation officially announced the dismissal of 52-year-old Vincenzo Montella from his position as head coach of the national team, ending a five-year tenure. This decision follows a series of poor performances, specifically four consecutive defeats in the Nations League where Turkey conceded 11 goals while scoring only twice, losing to Italy, Belgium, and France. Additionally, the federation cited the team's early exit during the group stage of the recent North American World Cup as a significant factor in the decision.

Following Montella's departure, reports indicate that the federation is actively seeking a replacement. Arda Turan, the 39-year-old former professional footballer who currently manages Shakhtar Donetsk, has emerged as the primary candidate for the role. Turan, known for his distinguished career at clubs like Galatasaray, Atletico Madrid, and Barcelona, as well as his 100 caps for Turkey, is considered the frontrunner to take over the team management according to Italian media reports.