World Cup 2026: Spain Will Aim To Dominate Main Rivals Turkey

Turkey vs Spain

European Champions Spain began their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign with a 3-0 win over Bulgaria on Thursday and they aim to make it two from two when they meet Turkey at the Konya Buyuksehir Stadi on Sunday night. 

Luis de la Fuente’s Spain were very comfortable against the Bulgarians while Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey also got off to a winning start, but they had to toil to beat Georgia in a five-goal thriller. The results leave the two nations tied at the top of Group E, and while the World Cup 2026 betting odds make Spain one of the favourites to win the tournament, to be hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico; Turkey will have plenty to say on Sunday. 

 

Talking Points

Turkey survive a fright 

An opening match against Georgia, with the excellent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in its ranks, was never going to be a walk in the park but it looked to be going well for the Turkish side as they strolled into a three-goal lead. Centre back Mert Muldur scored an early opener before wide man Kerem Akturkoglu netted either side of half-time. But Montella’s side are as exciting and swashbuckling as they can be vulnerable to counter-attack, and when Kvaratskhelia netted on 90 minutes to make it 3-2 some panic set in. 

Turkey managed to hold on for the win but they will need to be more defensively solid when they face La Roja on Sunday. They will struggle to finish above Spain and win the group, but they must be competitive against the best to ensure they make a play-off place, because Georgia won’t go away quietly.     

The main man for Turkey is Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu who has scored 21 goals in 97 international appearances and, alongside Real Madrid’s Arda Guler and Juventus star Kenan Yildiz, he provides real quality. At the defensive end, Manchester United keeper Altay Bayindir has taken some criticism in his early performances for the Red Devils and he will make way for Galatasaray’s experienced stopper Ugurcan Cakir, who is likely to be a busy man on Sunday.   

 

Yamal should be fit for Spain

Goal’s from Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal, Chelsea star Marc Cucurella and Arsenal’s Mikel Merino gave La Roja a comfortable 3-0 win in their opener against a lacklustre Bulgaria. Victory over Turkey on Sunday would put La Roja firmly in charge of the group and they certainly have the players to take on any nation with supreme confidence.     

As well as a number of Premier League stars La Roja has a healthy smattering of Barcelona players, and the Blaugrana has made a decent start to their title defence. Stars including Pedri, Dani Olmo and Lamine Yamal are the envy of many a nation; but the World Cup 2026 news, from the first round of Group E , concerned an injury scare to one of that trio, the mercurial Yamal. Still only 18 years of age the winger, who can also play as an attacking midfielder, is a key part of the Spain squad and so, when he retired from the Bulgaria game midway through the second half, complaining of a back pain, it was certainly a worry for De La Fuente. 

But the Spain boss has reported that while Yamal missed training on Friday he is certainly in contention to meet Turkey and that is good news for La Roja fans.     

De La Fuente is also delighted to see Manchester City’s Rodri fit again after a long injury last season, and he looks likely to resume in midfield alongside Arsenal’s summer recruit Martin Zubimendi.  

 

History 

Spain are the current European Champions, for the fourth time in their history, and were the 2010 World Champions. But La Roja have been disappointing in their last three World Cup finals, making the Round of 16 in 2018 and 2022 while getting knocked out at the group stage in 2014. But De La Fuente has one of the most powerful squads in world football and Spain will be expected to go deep into the competition; and that after winning Group E of the European qualifiers. 

Turkey have appeared twice in the World Cup finals, finishing third in 2002, and they were European Championship semi-finalists in 2008. But they have been beaten by Spain in their last three meetings, the most recent loss coming at Euro 2016 when Alvaro Morata scored twice in the 3-0 victory for La Roja. In fact, Turkey have only beaten La Roja twice in history, the last time in 1967 at the Mediterranean Games.    

In terms of recent form the Turks have won four and lost one of the last five, while La Roja have won two and drawn three. 

 

Betting Tip

Spain are the strong favourites, at SBOTOP odds of 1.62, to win this Group E 4.50 clash, with the draw at 4.50 and a Turkey triumph at 5.98. I’m expecting a competitive game but I think Spain have too much quality for the vibrant Turks and will win by the odd goal in three.

   

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