Türkiye's 2026 World Cup journey didn't go unnoticed by Brazilian legend Carlos Dunga. Dunga issued a stern warning to the national team after their early exit from the tournament. With a recent form of 3 wins and 2 losses in their last five matches, the team beat the USA 3-2 on June 26, 2026.

What did Dunga say?

A key member of Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning squad, Dunga highlighted the rule changes in the US-hosted tournament. "Regardless of the heat, football has changed everything" he said, pointing to the new rules allowing five substitutions and water breaks every 25 minutes.

Dunga named Spain and France as the tournament favorites, adding "Spain and France are among the top teams. Argentina isn't as strong but I always give them a chance." He also praised Brazil's popularity in Türkiye, saying "Turks truly love Brazilians-I witnessed it firsthand in Türkiye."

Future advice for the national team

Addressing Türkiye's early World Cup exit, Dunga noted "When expectations are high, the disappointment is huge. But these feelings fade over time." He stressed the need for Türkiye to prepare better for future tournaments, emphasizing technical and physical readiness.

What's next for the national team?

The national team will continue their preparations with a friendly against France on September 25, 2026. With three wins and two losses in their last five matches, the team aims for a strong start to the new season. As Dunga pointed out, Türkiye must adapt quickly to the new conditions to perform better in international competitions. Experts agree that tactical flexibility will be key in the evolving World Cup landscape.