Gică Hagi (60 years old) emphasized the significant advantage that Turkey has over Romania in the World Cup 2026 qualification playoff match.
Turkey and Romania will face off on Turkish soil in the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup qualification playoff. „The King” Hagi, who made history in Turkey with Galatasaray, stated that it is „a big advantage” for the Turks to have the support of the crowd.
Moreover, Hagi believes that "it's 50-50" between Romania and Turkey in terms of chances to progress.
"We play away, not at home, and it will certainly be very, very difficult, but nothing is impossible. It's all about having confidence, conviction, courage, and putting on a great performance. Approaching it with confidence and inspiration, everyone should give their very best.
From now on, in the remaining months until March, every player must focus on this match. They certainly have a very, very good, talented team, very talented. I've seen them in certain matches on TV, and they look very good. But we also have no shortage of talent.
Now it's important for all players to be in form, healthy, to show up well, there is a great need for experience, for experienced players with significant European experience. We hope to field a very good team, our players to be mentally and physically prepared, technically, tactically very well. Each one needs to be at their best and strive to surpass themselves.
Yes, playing at home, they have the crowd, it's clear that it's a significant advantage they have. But when we talk technically, on the field, we need players with good international experience. Their only advantage is playing on their home turf, otherwise it's 50-50," stated Gică Hagi in an interview with Fanatik.
The team that advances between Romania and Turkey will face the winner of the Slovakia - Kosovo match in the final of the World Cup qualification playoff.