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Khaled Saifulla 19 Nov 2025 , 7:55 AM Print Edition
SEVILLE, Spain — Spain’s national team, La Roja, clinched automatic World Cup qualification for the 2026 tournament. They were held to a dramatic 2-2 draw by Turkey. However, Luis de la Fuente’s side finished their campaign atop Group E. Ultimately, they maintained an impressive record of five wins and one draw in their six qualifying matches.
Spain appeared set to maintain their flawless record. In fact, Dani Olmo squeezed the ball home just four minutes into the match. The goal followed Marc Cucurella’s cut-back. Consequently, this was Olmo’s 12th international goal in his first start since March.
But Turkey quickly launched a spirited comeback. They forced Spain to concede their first goal of the entire campaign. Deniz Gul guided the ball past Unai Simon to equalize three minutes before the break.
The visitors then stunned the European champions in the second half. Salih Ozcan powered a neat effort into the bottom left corner on 54 minutes. Therefore, this strike put Turkey ahead 2-1. It also threatened to end Spain’s remarkable 30-match unbeaten run in competitive internationals.
Nonetheless, the in-form forward Mikel Oyarzabal restored parity just eight minutes later. He scored his sixth goal of the qualifying campaign. Oyarzabal prodded home the rebound after Yeremy Pino’s effort was cleared off the line.
Second-placed Turkey needed a seven-goal margin to deny Spain World Cup Qualification. Despite showing tremendous spirit and fight, they could not overcome the European champions. They ultimately had to settle for a play-off spot.
Turkey goalkeeper Altay Bayindir (Manchester United) made two crucial saves. He denied Olmo a first-half brace.
Spain keeper Unai Simon also forced a superb save from Baris Yilmaz’s acrobatic overhead kick when the game was tied at 1-1.
Finally, the result means only England will end the European World Cup qualifiers having not conceded a single goal.
