Haji Wright: With the right development, Turkey will have a bright future

Soccer Haji Wright, a striker for the United States (U.S.) national team, said that Turkey has talented soccer players with high technical ability and that, with the right development, the team could have a bright future.

Haji Wright, who will compete for the U.S. at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, spoke with an IHA reporter on a wide range of topics—from the home-field advantage and the team’s tournament goals to their group stage match against Turkey and Turkish fans.

The 28-year-old soccer player began by noting that hosting the World Cup in the U.S. is a huge opportunity for the country’s soccer, saying, “The sport has already seen tremendous growth; however, hosting the World Cup in our own country gives young players the chance to see the highest level of play up close. “We hope this will inspire future generations and contribute to the continued growth of the sport. It’s also exciting for us as players because we get to represent our country in front of our own fans,” he said.

‘WE HAVE TALENTED PLAYERS’

Haji Wright also expressed his desire to contribute to the team’s victories in upcoming matches, saying, “We have a talented roster and many players who compete at the highest level. Playing at home makes this even more special. I want to contribute—whether by scoring goals, setting up plays, or giving my all for the team—and make our fans proud,” he said.

When asked about U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino’s expectations of him and the team, the striker replied, “Every coach wants intensity, discipline, and commitment to the team’s philosophy. He expects forwards to press, work hard, and be aggressive on offense. My job is to fulfill the coach’s expectations, bring energy, and be effective whenever I get the chance. We have a lot of quality forwards. As a forward, scoring goals is part of my job; I always trust myself to capitalize on opportunities when they arise. However, the most important thing is contributing to the team’s success. If I’m asked to score goals, I’ll do my very best to make that happen.”

‘I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR TURKISH SOCCER’

The American player, who once played for Antalyaspor, emphasized his great respect for Turkish soccer, saying, “Because I spent important years of my career there. The fans are passionate, and I have wonderful memories from there. However, once the match begins, it will simply become an ordinary game where both teams are trying to win,” he said.

‘THEY HAVE A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD’

Haji Wright noted that Turkey has always had talented players. Wright commented, “But now we’re seeing more young players on the team who have gained experience at Europe’s biggest clubs. They possess high technical ability. If they continue to develop well, they’ll have a bright future.”

The striker, emphasizing the need to focus on “team defense” at the World Cup, said, “Turkey has very talented players like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız. However, every team at the World Cup has quality players. That’s why the focus should be on playing solid defense as a team,” he said.

‘THE MOST PASSIONATE FANS I’VE EVER SEEN’

Haji Wright concluded his remarks by mentioning Turkish fans:

“Turkish fans are among the most passionate fans I’ve ever seen; the American fans, as the home crowd, will also be behind us all the way. These are the kinds of matches players dream of, because the energy in the stadium is incredibly high.”