The Turkish Volleyball Federation officially announced the extended squad of 30 players for the participation of the 'Sultans of the Net' in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) in 2026. The selection by head coach Daniele Santarelli caused a significant stir in international circles, primarily due to the absence of several established names, including long-time captain Eda Erdem Dündar. Eda Erdem is expected to return to the squad for the upcoming European Championship.
The Italian specialist's decision clearly indicates a strategic change
a focus on rejuvenation and expanding competition within the squad, which will directly impact the upcoming matches, including the one against Bulgaria.
The two teams will face each other on June 8 in Brazil, in the fourth match of the first VNL tournament. Last year, the teams met during the World Championship in Thailand, with the Bulgarians losing 3-0 to our southern neighbor.
Extended squad of Turkey for VNL 2026
Setters:
Cansu Özbay, Elif Şahin, Dilay Özdemir, Buse Ünal Pehlivan, Arelya Karasoy Kocaş
Outside Hitters:
Ebrar Karakurt, Yaprak Erkek, Hande Baladın, İlkin Aydın, Saliha Şahin, Ayşe Çürük, Lisa Safronova
Opposite Hitters:
Melissa Vargas, Aylin Uysaldıcan, Tutku Burcu Yüzgenç, Beren Yeşilırmak, Defne Başyolcu
Middle Blockers:
Yasemin Güveli, Zehra Güneş, Sinead Jack Kısak, Berka Buse Özden, Deniz Uyanık, Aslı Kalaç, Carmen Aksoy, Ezel Balık, Merve Atlıer
Liberos:
Eylül Akarçeşme Yatgın, Gizem Örge, Merve İzbiliroğlu, Melis Yılmaz
