The Turkish national team’s preparations for the World Cup have been engulfed in controversy after the publication of a video that has caused numerous reactions on social media.
The footage, which began circulating on the X platform over the weekend, allegedly shows several national team players on a hotel balcony just hours before the opening Group D match against Australia in Vancouver.
It has not yet been confirmed what substance the players were using in the video. The footage has been widely shared online, with speculation ranging from tobacco to other substances, but without any official confirmation.
Three members of the Turkish team are seen in the video, one of whom is identifiable as Fenerbahce centre-back Caglar Soyuncu. The other two players cannot be clearly identified.
Soyuncu’s inclusion has received particular attention, given that he is one of coach Vincenzo Montella’s key players and was expected to start in the match against Australia.
The incident has sparked huge debate in Turkey, with fans expressing concern about the team’s discipline and concentration ahead of a crucial match in the tournament.
The Turkish team is initially based at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa during preparations, before traveling to Canada for the opening match.
After Australia, Turkey faces Paraguay at Levi’s Stadium on June 19, while the final group match is against the United States on June 25 at SoFi Stadium.
