The footballing giants clash in Konya as Turkey hosts the reigning European champions, Spain, in what promises to be the standout fixture of Group E’s early 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds. Spain arrive as favorites with their golden generation in full flow under Luis de la Fuente, while Turkey, energized by their passionate home support and emerging talents like Arda Güler, aim to upset the continental champions in their own backyard.
Both teams began their qualifying campaigns with victories – Turkey edging Georgia 3-2 in a thrilling encounter, while Spain dismantled Bulgaria 3-0 with characteristic dominance. This fixture represents an early litmus test for both nations’ World Cup ambitions, with the winner likely to seize early psychological advantage in the group.
Turkey vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Match, team news, H2H, lineups, and prediction
Match INFO
- Teams: Turkey vs Spain
- Date: Sunday, September 8, 2025
- Time: 17:45 CEST (15:45 UTC)
- Venue: Konya Büyükşehir Stadyumu, Konya, Turkey
- Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification – UEFA Group E
This encounter pits the current group leaders, Spain, against second-placed Turkey in what could prove decisive for automatic qualification. Spain sits atop Group E with a perfect record and impressive +3 goal difference after their commanding opening victory. Turkey occupies second position, having shown resilience to overcome a spirited Georgian comeback and maintain their own qualification hopes.
The venue in Konya provides Turkey with a significant advantage – the passionate Turkish support at Konya Büyükşehir Stadyumu creates one of Europe’s most intimidating atmospheres. Spain will need to overcome both the hostile environment and Turkey’s renewed confidence under Vincenzo Montella, who has transformed the team into an entertaining, attack-minded unit.
Turkey and Spain Soccer team Recent Form
Turkey – Last 5 Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 4, 2025 | Georgia | W 3-2 | WC Qual |
| Jun 11, 2025 | Poland | W 2-1 | Friendly |
| Jun 7, 2025 | Italy | D 0-0 | Friendly |
| Mar 23, 2025 | Hungary | L 0-3 | Nations League |
| Mar 20, 2025 | Hungary | W 3-1 | Nations League |
Spain – Last 5 Matches
| Date | Opponent | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 4, 2025 | Bulgaria | W 3-0 | WC Qual |
| Jun 8, 2025 | Portugal | L 2-2 (pens) | Nations League |
| Jun 5, 2025 | France | W 5-4 | Nations League |
| Mar 23, 2025 | Netherlands | W 3-3 (pens) | Nations League |
| Mar 20, 2025 | Netherlands | D 2-2 | Nations League |
Head to Head
The historical record heavily favors Spain, which has dominated this fixture across multiple generations. Spain has secured 6 victories in 12 total meetings, compared to Turkey’s 2 wins and 4 draws. The goal difference tells an even more compelling story, with Spain outscoring Turkey 17-5 across all encounters.
However, Turkey’s victories have come exclusively on home soil, highlighting the importance of playing in familiar surroundings. Spain has remained unbeaten in their last four encounters against Turkey, with their most recent defeat dating back to 1967. This psychological edge could prove crucial as Spain seeks to extend their dominance.
| Matches Played | Turkey Wins | Spain Wins | Draws | Goals For Turkey | Goals For Spain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 17 |
Team News
Turkey will deploy their strongest available lineup under Vincenzo Montella. Real Madrid sensation Arda Güler has emerged as Turkey’s creative fulcrum, supported by the pace and directness of Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who scored twice against Georgia. Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu provides leadership from midfield, while goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır offers reliability between the posts.
Spain arrives with an embarrassment of riches under Luis de la Fuente. Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been instrumental in Spain’s recent success, complementing the goalscoring threat of Mikel Oyarzabal. The midfield features Pedri and Mikel Merino, who scored against Bulgaria, while Unai Simón continues as first-choice goalkeeper.
Turkey vs Spain Current Possible Starting Lineup
Turkey (4-2-3-1):
- Cakir; Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Elmali; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Akgun, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu
Spain (4-3-3):
- Simon; Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, N Williams
Match Prediction
Despite Turkey’s home advantage and improved form under Montella, Spain’s superior individual quality and recent dominance make them favorites. The visitors have won their last 20 of 21 matches across all competitions, losing only on penalties to Portugal in the Nations League final.
Turkey’s attacking approach under Montella could create an entertaining spectacle, but Spain’s experience in high-pressure situations and tactical sophistication should prove decisive. The key battle will be between Turkey’s creativity through Güler and Spain’s defensive organization marshaled by Le Normand.
- Predicted Result: Turkey 1-2 Spain
Where to watch Turkey vs Spain FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifying Match?
This European World Cup Qualifier Group E showdown promises to be one of the qualifying campaign’s standout fixtures, with both teams possessing the talent to light up what could be a defining encounter in their World Cup qualification hopes.
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Football
- United States: FOX Sports 1 / Telemundo
- Europe: UEFA.tv (selected regions)
- Turkey: TRT 1
- Spain: La 1 (RTVE)
Kick-off Time by Region:
- Turkey: 18:45 local time
- Spain: 17:45 CEST
- United Kingdom: 16:45 BST
- United States: 11:45 EDT
- Central Europe: 17:45 CEST