Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella has dismissed any suggestion that he could step down after his side’s disappointing FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. The Italian manager insisted he remains fully committed to the national team despite Turkey being eliminated before the end of the group stage. His comments came ahead of the team’s final match against co-hosts the United States.
Turkey’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds were ended after consecutive defeats in their opening two fixtures. A 2-0 loss to Australia was followed by a narrow 1-0 defeat against Paraguay, leaving Montella’s side without a point and unable to progress regardless of the result in their final group game.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Montella rejected speculation surrounding his future. The former Italy international said the difficult experience had only strengthened his determination to continue leading the national team rather than convincing him to walk away.
“Will I resign? The answer is no,” Montella said. “I still have the energy, I still have the enthusiasm, and I actually feel stronger after this experience. If anyone wants me to resign, they will have to accept that I won’t.”
The 52-year-old also defended his players against criticism that has intensified following Turkey’s early exit. Montella said many of the attacks had become personal and urged supporters to remember that the current squad represents the future of Turkish football. He insisted the players deserve respect despite the disappointing results.
“They are the same players who are here today and who will probably still be here in the future,” he said. “I ask everyone to respect them because they are our players. I’ve seen personal attacks, and I cannot accept that.”
Tensions surrounding the team were evident when Turkey arrived at their hotel in Los Angeles on Tuesday. A small group of supporters shouted for Montella to leave his position, while also directing chants at Turkish Football Federation president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu before attempting to provoke captain Hakan Calhanoglu. Montella downplayed the incident, saying only three or four individuals were involved and emphasizing that many other supporters had continued to back the team.
The former AC Milan, Sampdoria, and Fiorentina coach also pointed to the match statistics as evidence that Turkey’s performances had been better than the results suggested. He argued his side had created opportunities and competed well in key areas, even if they ultimately failed to convert those displays into victories.
Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz echoed that assessment, saying Turkey had performed well in several statistical categories, including total shots and duels won. However, the 21-year-old admitted that football is ultimately decided by goals rather than numbers, acknowledging that stronger performances alone are not enough at World Cup level.
Despite the disappointment, Montella said he remains motivated by the confidence shown by both the Turkish Football Federation and his players. He expressed hope that Turkey can finish its World Cup campaign on a positive note when it faces the United States in its final Group C fixture.
