And their stars are ready to put the pressure and expectations of a nation on their backs and make them proud.
Back in 2002, Turkey famously made a run to the semi-finals and ultimately finished third.
Nobody could have predicted the drought that would follow.
That will end for the world No.22 against Australia at Vancouver's BC Place on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
"It's a long time, very long time and everyone is waiting for tomorrow," captain Hakan Calhanoglu said at training on Friday.
"I just want to say that we are proud after 24 years to be back again.
"Everyone knows how it feels and how the pressure at the same time it is for us to represent our nation.
"So the moment comes now, tomorrow is the day and we prepare these two or three weeks very good. Our focus is just for the game tomorrow."
Hoffenheim defender Ozan Kabak, 26, can't even remember the last time Turkey featured on football's grandest stage.
"It's a really big achievement for myself, for my country. We haven't been in the World Cup since 2002, as you know," Kabak said.
"So it's a big proud (moment) for our nation, so hopefully we can do something big.
"I was two years old at the time when they played (in 2002) but obviously I grew up watching them ... they are our idols.
"Hopefully we can make our history here."
With the weight of 86.7 million Turks, plus a huge diaspora around the world - including in Australia - this team carries a weight of pressure, expectation and emotion.
"Obviously it's big pressure, but we expect them to expect something because we haven't been there in this stage, biggest stage in the world," Kabak said.
"So let's just focus our game, not thinking about pressure and playing our game.
"I think we can achieve something big and make them proud."
All eyes will be on Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, who trained with his teammates and looks set to play after a calf injury, and Real Madrid phenomenon Arda Guler.
Kabak backed Guler to shine, while reminding media the 21-year-old was "still a young lad".
Inter Milan midfielder Calhanoglu stressed it didn't all sit on his shoulders and that the players shared the pressure.
"But at the same time we enjoy also the moment,'' he said.
"We cannot forget the moment, because as a child you always dreamed for that, so now your dream came true."
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