Turkey women's volleyball team to start VNL Ankara stage without Ebrar Karakurt

The Turkish Volleyball Federation announced the official roster for the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Ankara stage. Head coach Daniele Santarelli listed 17 players, including setters Cansu Özbay, Dilay Özdemir and Elif Şahin; opposites Hande Baladın, İlkin Aydın, Saliha Şahin and Yaprak Erkek; middle blockers Zehra Güneş, Sinead Jack Kısal, Karmen Aksoy, Deniz Uyanık and Berka Buse Özden; and liberos Eylül A. Yatgın and Gizem Örge. Wing spikers Melissa Vargas, Aylin Uysalcan and Defne Başyolcu replace the injured star setter Ebrar Karakurt, who was diagnosed with fluid accumulation and bone‑marrow edema in her right sacroiliac joint. Medical staff estimate a 4‑6‑week recovery period.

Turkey’s first match of the Ankara leg is scheduled for 19:30 on 17 June 2026 against Belgium at Ankara Sports Hall. The team will also face France, Germany and China in the group stage and aims to win every match. Santarelli emphasized the home‑court advantage and strong fan support, noting tickets sold out quickly.

The absence of Karakurt is described as a major shock for supporters, but the expanded squad is expected to maintain competitive performance throughout the tournament.