The Turkey vs Spain clash on the sixth matchday of group E in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying stages is poised to be a highly entertaining match between the European heavyweights, who are aiming to get an early advantage in the race to qualify for the major tournament.
The match will be a highly entertaining match pitting two in-form teams against one another on Sunday, September 7.
Turkey are undefeated in their last seven competitive international home matches, and their last defeat at home was way back in March 2023.
They are set to play their first home match of the World Cup qualifiers and their first clash in a home stadium since March 2025, which is why the Turkish players will be fully motivated and determined to play some thrilling attacking football and put the Spanish team to the sword.
Spain had an impressive start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign with a 3-0 thrashing of Bulgaria. They recovered strongly from the loss to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final, but are now looking to pick up on momentum in their qualification journey.
La Roja aim to get their second straight win in international competitions and make a statement of intent by silencing this dangerous Turkey side and defeating them at their own yard.
Now we shall look at the key factors to consider in the Turkey vs England clash in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Who Wins The Mini Real Madrid vs Barcelona Battle?
The Turkey vs Spain match is set to be a highly eventful game where both teams should have plenty of chances to score.
However, the majority of supporters will be fully focused on the mini El Clasico on display as Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid midfielder Arda Guler look to get one over on each other. Both players have been impressive performers at the club level for their teams in the 2025/26 season, but it’s time for them to prove their prowess in such an intense atmosphere.
Yamal has garnered more experience than Guler, having already won the European Championship with Spain and has 16 goal contributions (six goals, 10 assists) in 22 games for La Roja.
Arda, incidentally, has also made 22 appearances for Turkey and managed nine goal contributions (five goals, four assists).
The Turkey vs Spain clash will be the perfect platform for both players to try and take up creative duties for their team and make things happen in the final third, while Yamal and Guler will both push to get the passes in the danger zone and light up the game with a special goal or two.
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Can Turkey End Shaky Form Against Spain?
Spain and Turkey have faced off against each other on 12 occasions in their history. Out of that, Turkey have only managed to pick up two wins and their last win over La Roja was way back in the Mediterranean Games in 1967!
In fact, this upcoming World Cup qualifier will mark the first meeting between Spain and Turkey since the 2016 Euros, when Spain reigned supreme with a 3-0 win.
Turkey will be eager to get their revenge for that and get their first victory over La Roja in the 21st century.
To do so, however, they need to maintain a really stubborn defensive shape to stop gaps from being exploited by the visitors. Moreover, the Turkish players must also be ruthless and quick on the counterattacks to destabilise the Spanish defensive set-up and finish off chances ruthlessly to have a chance of stopping the Spanish juggernaut.
Predicted Lineups for the Turkey vs Spain Game
Both Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella and Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente will be eager to field their strongest lineups for this upcoming Turkey vs Spain clash.
Here we look at the possible starting line-ups for this highly anticipated World Cup qualifier:
Turkey XI: Ugurcan Cakir (GK), Mert Muldur, Medih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Evren Elmali, Orkun Kokcu, Hakan Calhanoglu, Arda Guler, Yunus Akgun, Kenan Yildiz, Kerem Akturkoglu
Spain XI: Unai Simon (GK), Dani Carvajal, Robin Le Normand, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Mikel Merino, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Artur Stabulnieks
Recording Date: 04.09.2025