Vancouver, June 13 -- Turkiye head coach Vincenzo Montella on Saturday described his team's return to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as an emotional moment, saying the side is fully prepared and motivated as they gear up for their opening clash against Australia, marking their first appearance at the tournament in 24 years.

Turkiye's last featured in the FIFA World Cup in 2002, when the national side achieved its best-ever finish by securing third place.

Speaking on the eve of the clash, Montella said the team has been waiting for this moment for more than two decades and enters the tournament with belief and pride.

"This is the day before something that we have been waiting for 24 years, we are very emotional and we trust we are going to do ...