Turkey delivered a statement performance in their World Cup warm-up, dismantling North Macedonia 4-0 at Istanbul's Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium. The victory came despite the absence of Juventus attacking star Kenan Yıldız, sidelined through injury, showcasing the depth Vincenzo Montella has at his disposal. The hosts were in control from the opening whistle, with Orkun Kökçü firing them ahead in just the second minute. Can Uzun doubled the lead after 16 minutes, effectively ending the contest before halftime. Further goals from Arda Güler in the 53rd minute and Barış Alper Yılmaz in the 70th underlined a dominant display that sends a clear message to their Group F rivals.
Montella was forced into an early change when fullback Eren Elmalı suffered an injury in the 27th minute, prompting the introduction of Roma defender Zeki Çelik. The switch did little to disrupt Turkey's rhythm; indeed, the backline remained resolute throughout, limiting the North Macedonians to half-chances. Hakan Çalhanoğlu, the Inter playmaker, was given a brief late run-out, adding further quality to an already impressive midfield. For North Macedonia, Napoli's Eljif Elmas started in the center of the park but could not inspire a response, as the visitors struggled to match Turkey's intensity.
The performance underlined the squad's cohesion and tactical flexibility. Without Yıldız, Montella opted for a more direct approach, using the pace of Uzun and Yılmaz on the flanks, while Kökçü orchestrated from the middle. The early blitz set the tone, and the controlled second half suggested a team peaking at the right time. With the World Cup just weeks away, Turkey's ability to win convincingly without one of their key men will be a significant psychological boost.
Meanwhile, in Oslo, Norway brushed aside neighbors Sweden 3-1 in a Nordic derby that also served as a litmus test for both nations' World Cup readiness. Missing their two biggest names—Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard—the Norwegians still produced a clinical performance at the Ullevaal Stadion. Jørgen Strand Larsen struck twice, in the 8th and 37th minutes, sandwiching a goal from Antonio Nusa in the 18th minute, to put the game beyond Sweden before the break. Alexander Isak pulled one back in the 76th minute, but it was mere consolation for the visitors.
Norway's lineup featured a strong Serie A contingent, with Bologna's Emil Heggem starting in defense, while Genoa's Leo Østigård and Torino's Marcus Pedersen came on as substitutes, alongside Sassuolo's Kristian Thorstvedt in midfield. The absence of Haaland and Ødegaard, both rested as a precaution, allowed others to step into the spotlight. Larsen, in particular, showcased his finishing prowess, while Nusa's artistry on the wing provided a different dimension. For Sweden, striker Viktor Gyökeres was given a full rest, and manager Graham Potter experimented with his lineup, giving starts to Atalanta's Isak Hien and Udinese's Jesper Karlström. The disjointed performance, however, raised questions about their attacking fluidity without their talismanic forward.
The result continues Norway's strong form in their World Cup qualifying group, which also includes Italy, and every positive performance builds momentum. Despite the missing stars, the team's structure under coach Ståle Solbakken looked solid, and the depth on display will be crucial in tournament play. Sweden, on the other hand, will need Gyökeres at full fitness to lead the line, as the supporting cast struggled to break down a well-organized Norwegian defense.
Elsewhere, Montenegro secured a 1-0 away win over Bulgaria in Plovdiv, courtesy of a 68th-minute strike from Marko Sekulić of FK Mostar. The victory, overseen by former Juventus and Roma striker Mirko Vučinić, represents a positive step for a team looking to build consistency. In Slovakia, the home side edged Malta 2-1 with a dramatic 97th-minute winner from Róbert Galčík. Malta had equalized through Joseph Mbong after an early goal from Lukáš Haraslín, but the late heartbreak highlighted the resilience needed at this level. For Slovakia, Cagliari's Adam Obert started in defense, while Verona's Tomáš Suslov was deployed in attack, earning a yellow card.
These friendlies provided valuable minutes for fringe players and a final opportunity for coaches to fine-tune their plans. For Turkey, the comprehensive win without Yıldız signals a squad ready to compete on the biggest stage. Montella's men have now won four of their last five matches, and the attacking firepower across the front line will be a weapon in the group phase. Norway's ability to dominate a regional rival without their two captains underscores a collective strength that could propel them deep into the tournament. Sweden, however, must rediscover their scoring touch quickly, while Montenegro and Slovakia will take confidence from hard-fought victories.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup intensifies, these results offer glimpses into each team's state of preparation. The real tests await, but the foundations laid in these friendlies will shape the narratives in the coming weeks. Based on reporting from Tuttosport.