Turkey vs Romania: prediction & betting odds 26 March 2026

Turkey National Team Form

Vincenzo Montella’s side secured a place in the play-offs thanks to finishing second in Group E. Turkey avoided defeat in five of their six matches, recording four wins. The national team’s only loss came against group winners Spain, but it was a very painful one – 0:6. It is worth noting that this is the only time in Turkey’s last 18 World Cup qualifying matches that they have failed to score. For the second consecutive campaign, Turkey have the chance to reach the World Cup via the play-offs, but last time around the team fell at the semi-final stage.

• At least three goals have been scored in 9 of Turkey’s last 10 World Cup qualifiers.
• At home, the national team have avoided defeat in 7 of their previous 8 World Cup qualifying matches (4 wins, 3 draws).
• Turkey have conceded in 7 of their last 9 home matches in this tournament.

Potential Turkey Lineup (4-3-3)

Ugurcan Cakir – Zeki Celik, Samet Akaydin, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Ferdi Kadioglu – Hakan Calhanoglu, Orkun Kokcu, Yunus Akgun – Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz, Baris Yilmaz.

Romania National Team Form

Romania finished only third in their group. Their three defeats (4 wins, 1 draw) came against Austria and Bosnia, who ended up above them. However, excellent results in the Nations League, where Mircea Lucescu’s men posted a perfect record, have given the team a chance to fight for a place at the 2026 World Cup. The last time Romania came this close to qualifying for the World Cup was in 2013. Back then, after finishing second in their group, they lost their play-off tie to Greece (1:3, 1:1).

• The team have scored in seven straight World Cup qualifying matches.
• Away from home in this tournament, Romania have failed to win 5 of their last 7 matches (2 draws, 3 defeats).
• In 7 of their previous 8 away World Cup qualifiers, the national team have not conceded more than two goals.

Potential Romania Lineup (4-4-2)

Ionut Radu – Andrei Burca, Radu Dragusin, Alexandru Chipciu, Andrei Ratiu – Ianis Hagi, Razvan Marin, Vlad Dragomir – Dennis Man, Daniel Birligea, Valentin Mihaila.

Goalkeeper Ionut Radu has returned to the national team camp. Goalkeeper Mihai Popa has been released due to injury. Forward Denis Dragus has not been called up due to suspension.

Match Officials

Francois Letexier (France)

Matches – 12 (International fixtures, 2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 32;

Yellow cards per match – 2.7;

Red cards shown – 1;

Fouls per match – 20;

Penalties – 33%.