Arda Güler, the 21-year-old Turkish attacking midfielder on loan at Real Madrid from Fenerbahçe, faces an uncertain path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite his high-profile move in the summer of 2023, Güler has seen extremely limited playing time during the 2025-26 season under manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Fact-checking confirms Güler has made only a handful of appearances, primarily as a late substitute, and has not scored a goal for Real Madrid's first team this season. This lack of consistent match action is a significant concern for his development and form.
The situation directly impacts his international prospects. Turkey, having qualified for the 2026 World Cup, will finalize its squad in the coming months. National team coach Vincenzo Montella has previously included Güler but has emphasized the need for players to be active at their clubs. Güler's ongoing bench role puts his selection at serious risk.
With the World Cup approaching, Güler's immediate challenge is to earn more minutes at Real Madrid or secure a loan move where he can play regularly to convince Montella of his readiness for the global tournament.
