Turkey sack Montella after World Cup and Nations League disappointments

The Turkish Football Federation has dismissed Vincenzo Montella with two years remaining on his contract following disappointing campaigns at the World Cup and in the UEFA Nations League.

Montella, appointed in 2023, led Turkey to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals and became the first foreign coach to qualify the country for a World Cup. However, Turkey exited the 2026 tournament in the group stage after defeats to Australia and Paraguay. Poor results in their first Nations League A campaign further increased pressure, with Turkey losing their opening four matches against Belgium, France and Italy and facing the prospect of relegation. The 52-year-old leaves with a record of 21 wins and 14 defeats from 40 games, having also overseen a significant rise in Turkey's FIFA ranking.

Shakhtar Donetsk coach and former Turkey captain Arda Turan has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed him.