Turkey welcomes Spain to the Medas Konya Büyüksehir Stadium for a crucial Group E clash in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Softfootball reported when Spain easily brushed aside Bulgaria 3-0 with goals from Oyarzabal, Moreno, and Cucurella, Turkey also got off with a 3-2 victory against Georgia in a dramatic encounter that saw Vincenzo Montella’s side nearly throw away a two-goal lead.
That victory was Turkey’s fourth in their last five matches, continuing a promising run as they aim to qualify for their first World Cup since 2002.
Spain uploaded a video of the team’s preparation ahead of the game on the team’s official X account.
Watch the video below:
Montella will be without winger Barış Alper Yılmaz, suspended after his red card against Georgia. Arda Güler, who has been very reliable for both Real Madrid and his country, is expected to be the key man again against Spain and will be supported by Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Kenan Yıldız in attack. Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu anchors the midfield.
Spain, fresh from their recent victory against Bulgaria, are heavy favourites. Luis de la Fuente’s men have not lost a competitive match in over two years and opened Group E with a comfortable win thanks to goals from Álvaro Morata and Lamine Yamal. Defensively, they remain solid, keeping 10 clean sheets in their last 14 World Cup qualifiers away from home.
Spain has uploaded the team’s official starting XI on their X account:
The history also favours La Roja. Spain have won six of the last 11 meetings and are unbeaten against Turkey since 1954. The hosts, however, have scored before half-time in each of their last four competitive games, suggesting they could trouble Spain early.
Expect intensity, goals, and a true test of Turkey’s credentials against one of world football’s most consistent forces.
