Turkey
FIFA #25
Third place in 2002 and now one of Europe's most expensive leagues — Turkish football is having a moment. Passionate beyond reason, capable of incredible highs, and always worth watching.
📍 In the US
Based in the New York/New Jersey area, where one of the largest Turkish-American communities in the US is concentrated. Paterson, New Jersey is sometimes called 'Little Istanbul,' and the crescent-and-star will be everywhere in the local restaurants from the moment the group schedule drops.
Style
Counter-attacking and physical, absorbing pressure before releasing quickly through dangerous runners who thrive in open space.
Rivals
Turkey's greatest rival is consistency. Capable of beating anyone on a good day, they've spent twenty years since their 2002 bronze medal trying to have that day more regularly.
Home Base
Istanbul is Europe's most populous city and one of its most football-obsessed — Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, and Beşiktaş divide it into three passionate tribes. Turkish football culture runs hot, and the atmosphere at the Atatürk Stadium on a big European night has produced some of sport's most extraordinary atmospheres.
Human Rights
Freedom House
Political rights and civil liberties score (higher = more free)
Reporters Without Borders
Press Freedom Index ranking (lower = more free, out of 180 countries)
UN Human Development Index
Human Development Index score (higher = more developed, 0–1 scale)
Transparency International
Perceived public sector corruption — higher is cleaner
ILGA World
Legal status of same-sex relationships