Spain has secured its spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending their remarkable streak to 13 consecutive appearances in the tournament [[1]]. A 2-2 draw against Turkey in Seville on Tuesday night proved sufficient for La Furia Roja to claim the top spot in Group E of qualifying, despite a back-and-forth match at Estadio La Cartuja [[2]]. The result sends Turkey to the play-offs as they attempt to qualify for the first ever 48-team World Cup [[3]].
Jakarta –
Spain have secured their place in the 2026 World Cup after playing to a 2-2 draw against Turkey. The result in their final Group E qualifier was enough to send La Furia Roja through.
The crucial match between Spain and Turkey in 2026 World Cup qualifying took place at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Spain needed only to avoid a heavy defeat to clinch direct qualification to the tournament finals.
The home side got off to a dream start, taking the lead in just the fourth minute. Dani Olmo opened the scoring, finishing off a cross from Cucurella on the left flank.
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Turkey leveled the score three minutes before halftime. Following a corner kick flicked on by Yilmaz, Denis Gul slotted the ball into the net.
Salih Ozcan then put Turkey ahead in the 54th minute, driving a shot into the bottom left corner that Unai Simon couldn’t keep out.
Spain responded just past the hour mark, with Oyarzabal capitalizing on a rebound in the box to equalize for the hosts.
The draw sees Spain finish atop Group E with 16 points from six matches. Turkey will head into the play-offs after finishing as runners-up with 13 points. This result ensures Spain’s participation in the expanded 48-team World Cup.
Lineups
Spain: Simon; Llorente, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Merino, Garcia, Ruiz; Pino, Oyarzabal, Olmo
Turkey: Bayindir; Celik, Demiral, Akaydin, Soyuncu, Kardioglu; Kahveci, Kokcu, Ozcan, Yilmaz; Gul
(nds/pur)
