Mircea Lucescu Uncertainty Resolved in Romania: He Will Lead Team Against Turkey

Lucescu to Continue His Duties The uncertainty surrounding the health of Romanian national team head coach Mircea Lucescu has been clarified following an official announcement.
The 80-year-old experienced coach, who had been receiving treatment for a health condition and traveled to Belgium for a second opinion, will take his place on the bench for the 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final match against Turkey.
Lucescu, who was hospitalized three times in recent months due to health issues, returned to Romania after completing check-ups in Belgium following his treatment at the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital.
Meeting with federation officials, the veteran coach stated that he feels ready and does not want to leave the team during this critical period.
Full Support from the Federation Romanian Football Federation President Razvan Burleanu reaffirmed his support after meeting with Lucescu.
"We are happy to walk to the end of the path we started in the fall of 2024 together with Mr.
Lucescu.
His experience is an indispensable asset for the team at such an important moment.
We are confident that Romania will return to the World Cup after 28 years," Burleanu stated.
Target: 2026 World Cup Mircea Lucescu emphasized in his statement that he is fully focused on the play-off matches.
Noting that he has maintained communication with his assistants and players, Lucescu said, "We have a valuable and talented group of players.
I believe that together we will overcome this difficult hurdle and make the Romanian people happy." Romania will face Turkey away on March 26 to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
If the Romanians win this match, they will face the winner of the Slovakia-Kosovo pairing in the final.
Should Romania secure a spot in the tournament, they will be placed in Group D alongside the USA, Paraguay, and Australia.