Prediction: Turkey vs North Macedonia

Verdict: Total home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: 888sport

Stepping up their preparations for World Cup 2026, an in‑form Turkey side welcome North Macedonia to Chobani Stadium at Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu on Monday evening.

The Crescent‑Stars will look to carry momentum into the tournament, while the Lynxes arrive hoping to end a winless run and claim a respectable result.

Turkey

Turkey head into this friendly in excellent condition, with Vincenzo Montella’s side building real momentum ahead of their first World Cup appearance in 24 years. Qualification was secured in dramatic fashion with a 1–0 playoff victory over Kosovo at the end of March, thanks to a decisive second‑half goal from Kerem Akturkoglu.

That result not only confirmed their place in North America but also extended Turkey’s unbeaten run to six matches, a sequence that includes five victories dating back to a resounding 6–1 triumph over Bulgaria. Confidence has steadily grown during that period, supported by strong defensive displays and an improving attacking output.

The Crescent‑Stars have conceded just four goals in their last six matches and have recorded three clean sheets in their most recent four outings, underlining the balance that Montella has sought to instil. At the same time, they have scored 16 goals across that same stretch, highlighting their ability to control games at both ends of the pitch.

With their opening World Cup fixture against Australia approaching quickly on June 14, this fixture represents a crucial opportunity to fine‑tune tactics and maintain rhythm. Turkey’s home form provides additional encouragement, with just one defeat recorded on home soil since June 2024.

Team News

However, Montella will have to manage a handful of absences. Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz is unavailable as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury, depriving Turkey of one of their most versatile attacking threats. Captain Hakan Calhanoglu is also dealing with a minor muscle issue and is unlikely to feature, meaning Borussia Dortmund midfielder Salih Ozcan is expected to partner Ismail Yuksek in central midfield.

In defence, Ahmetcan Kaplan remains sidelined through injury, forcing Montella to rely on a centre‑back pairing of Ozan Kabak and Abdulkerim Bardakci. Out wide, Zeki Celik and Ferdi Kadioglu are set to provide width and support in both phases of play.

Further forward, Baris Alper Yilmaz is expected to step into the attacking unit alongside Orkun Kokcu and Arda Guler, supporting striker Kerem Akturkoglu, who continues to lead the line with confidence after his recent decisive contributions.

North Macedonia

North Macedonia approach this match from a very different standpoint, having once again fallen short in their attempt to reach the World Cup. Despite a solid start to qualifying, picking up seven points from their opening four matches, their campaign unravelled in the closing stages, with three defeats in their final four games leaving them well short of the playoff positions.

Even so, the Lynxes have shown signs of resilience in recent outings. Back‑to‑back goalless draws against Bosnia‑Herzegovina and the Republic of Ireland highlight their defensive organisation, even if attacking struggles continue to limit their effectiveness.

Indeed, scoring goals has been a major issue. North Macedonia have failed to find the net in four of their last five matches, with their only recent goal coming in a heavy 7–1 defeat to Wales during qualifying. That lack of cutting edge has contributed to a seven‑game winless run, a sequence they will be eager to end in Istanbul.

Despite those struggles, there are some encouraging signs. The Lynxes have lost only two of their last eight matches and have recorded three clean sheets in their last five, demonstrating their ability to remain competitive, particularly against stronger opponents.

Team News

North Macedonia are missing winger Daniel Musovski, reducing their attacking options on the flanks. As a result, a combination of Eljif Elmas and Bojan Miovski is expected to provide support behind central striker Elmin Rastoder.

Defensively, head coach Goce Sedloski is likely to name an unchanged back three, with Gjoko Zajkov, Darko Velkovski and Visar Musliu forming the core of a disciplined defensive setup. Veteran goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski is expected to marshal the back line, as North Macedonia aim to frustrate their hosts and remain compact.

Conclusion

Turkey come into the contest with clear momentum, even if injuries to key figures such as Çalhanoğlu and Yıldız limit some of their attacking fluidity. Their balance, defensive solidity and strong home form should still make them favourites to secure a positive result ahead of the World Cup.

North Macedonia’s recent performances suggest they can remain organised and competitive, but their lack of attacking threat continues to be a concern. If they are to take anything from this match, they will need to rely heavily on defensive discipline and moments of individual quality.

While the visitors may offer resistance, Turkey’s superior form and attacking options should ultimately see them come out on top, continuing their preparations on a high note before heading to North America.

Verdict: Total home goals over 2.5

Best odds: 23/20

Bookmaker: 888sport