Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Playoffs

Turkish World Cup video featuring Erdogan prompts backlash

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 1:41 PM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Turkish World Cup video featuring Erdogan prompts backlash

Summary

A video released by the Turkish Football Federation has stirred controversy ahead of the World Cup, displaying scenes of political projects alongside national team highlights. Commissioned by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the music video features the song 'All of You – We Are Turkey', which includes imagery of various military assets and Erdogan in public appearances. Critics, including members of opposition parties, argue the video prioritizes political propaganda over football. Amidst the backlash, Turkey is set to play its opening match against Australia on Saturday, with additional group stage matches against the United States and Paraguay.

Source Links

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Key Details

•The video includes military scenes and Erdogan's public appearances
•Opposition figures criticize the political focus over football
•Turkey plays Australia in its first World Cup match on Saturday
•The national team represents a shared value, not a political tool
•The video was produced with some assistance from Artificial Intelligence

Latest Updates

1:41 PMYahoo Sports — Turkish World Cup video with Erdogan scenes causes controversy

What they're saying

"
A Turkish Football Federation video at the start of the World Cup has led to controversy in the country because apart from footballers it also shows projects of the governing AK Party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The music video for the song “All of You – We Are Turkey” was commissioned by Erdogan and is based on a reinterpretation of a traditional folk song, state news agency Anadolu said.
— Yahoo Sports

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