Türkiye’s World Cup build-up has been overshadowed by controversy after footage emerged appearing to show several national team players smoking on a hotel balcony ahead of their opening match.
The video began circulating on X on Saturday, just hours before Türkiye’s Group D opener against Australia at BC Place in Vancouver.
It is still unclear what the players were smoking. The footage spread quickly online, with speculation ranging from tobacco to marijuana, but there has been no official confirmation of what the substance was.
Çağlar Söyüncü spotted in viral video
The video featured three members of the Turkish national team on the balcony, with one identifiable face being that of center back and Fenerbahçe star Çağlar Söyüncü. The two other members of the squad could not be clearly identified in the footage.
Söyüncü’s involvement is significant. He is an established part of Vincenzo Montella’s side and was tipped to start against Australia. The incident has already sparked debate among fans back home, with concerns over focus and discipline ahead of a crucial game.
Uncertainty over hotel location
Türkiye have been based at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa during their World Cup preparations, before flying to Canada ahead of the opener.
Local reports said the squad arrived at Vancouver International Airport and then travelled to a hotel in Downtown Vancouver. However, the name of the hotel has not been officially confirmed.
The timing of the incident is far from ideal. With the United States having already beaten Paraguay 4-1 in Group D, Türkiye cannot afford a slow start.
Potential impact on Türkiye’s World Cup campaign
Türkiye take on Australia at BC Place, with kick-off set for 9 p.m. local time on June 13, or 9:30 a.m. IST on June 14.
Opta’s pre-match model makes Türkiye favorites, giving them a 55 percent chance of victory, compared to 24 percent for a draw and 20 percent for an Australia win.
After Australia, Türkiye face Paraguay at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on June 19, before meeting the United States at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 25.
On paper, Montella’s side have the quality to progress from Group D, led by the likes of Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yıldız and Söyüncü himself. But distractions like this could become a talking point if results do not go their way early on.
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