(foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Turkey's national team travelled to the World Cup accompanied by a spectacular convoy of supporters and vehicles through Istanbul.
Turkey's journey to the World Cup began with extraordinary scenes in Istanbul, where the national team received a farewell rarely seen even among football's biggest nations.
After a convincing 4-0 victory over North Macedonia in a recent warm-up match, the Turkish squad completed its preparations at the Riva Hasan Doğan National Team Training Centre before departing for the airport.
What followed quickly became one of the most memorable pre-tournament moments of the week.
Massive convoy accompanies the national team
As the team bus left the training centre, it was joined by a huge convoy of Togg vehicles, the main sponsor of the Turkish national team and a source of considerable national pride as Turkey's domestic automotive brand.
Hundreds of vehicle owners reportedly responded to a public call and participated in the escort.
The convoy transformed the roads around Istanbul into a sea of Turkish flags, creating remarkable images as supporters accompanied the players on the first stage of their World Cup journey.
Football fever grips Turkey
Videos and photographs quickly spread across social media, attracting attention well beyond Turkey.
The images reflected the growing excitement surrounding a national team that many supporters believe could become one of the country's strongest generations in recent decades.
Turkey arrive at the tournament with increasing expectations after several years of steady progress on the international stage.
A talented generation carries national hopes
The squad features several players who have become established names across European football.
Arda Güler continues to attract global attention with his performances, while Hakan Çalhanoğlu remains one of the team's most experienced leaders.
Young forward Kenan Yıldız is also viewed as one of the brightest talents in European football and forms part of a new generation expected to carry Turkish football into a new era.
Judging by the scenes in Istanbul, the country will be following every step of their World Cup adventure.