The 2002 World Cup was not just a football tournament for Turkey; it was a story of unity, faith, and determination. Turkey faced significant challenges on the road to qualification, but these obstacles only strengthened the team's resolve. Under the leadership of coach Şenol Güneş, the Ay-Yıldızlılar crowned their participation in the tournament with a historic success.

In the group stages, Turkey faced Brazil, Costa Rica, and China. Their performance in all three matches showcased the harmony and unity the team had developed on the field. Particularly, the 3-0 victory against China in the last match of the group stage propelled Turkey into the knockout rounds.

Reaching the semifinals marked a turning point in Turkish football history. At this stage, Turkey faced Senegal. In the dying minutes of the match, İsmail Kartal’s assist and Hakan Şükür’s goal became a moment etched in Turkish football history. With this goal, Turkey achieved its first-ever semifinal.

In the semifinals, Turkey confronted one of the giants of world football, Brazil. Turkey’s performance was commendable, but they lost 1-0 to the strength of Brazil. This result led Turkey to crown the tournament with a third-place match.

In the third-place match, Turkey went head-to-head with South Korea. This match became one of the greatest successes in Turkey's World Cup history. The final score of 3-2 not only secured a historic third place for the Ay-Yıldızlılar but also sent the entire country into a celebratory frenzy. The 2002 World Cup was a turning point in Turkey's football history and established the Ay-Yıldızlılar on the global stage.

Today, as Turkey prepares for the 2026 World Cup, the success of 2002 continues to inspire a new generation of players. With the spirit and determination from that era, the Ay-Yıldızlılar are once again on a mission to reach the pinnacle of football.