Prediction: Spain to win 2-1
Best Odds: 9/1
Spain and Turkey will lock horns with each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification this week. The UEFA Group E match between Luis de la Fuente’s side and Vincenzo Montella’s team will be held at Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville and is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time on Tuesday.
Spain
Spain are one of the biggest footballing nations in the world who have done well in recent years. La Roja won UEFA Euro 2024 and the UEFA Nations League in 2003.
Luis de la Fuente’s side are at the top of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group E at the moment with 15 points from five matches. While Turkey are second on 12 points, Spain’s vastly superior goal difference means that even if the home team lose, they will still qualify, they will still book their place in the 2026 World Cup finals next summer.
De la Fuente said ahead of the match: “It’s a case of being among the favourites. Success is having chances to fight to win. There’s a very fine line between winning and losing.
“There’s no such thing as a clear favourite in a World Cup. Previously, football focused on other teams, but now Spain is among the favourites.
“The secret is excellent work in football in general. In the top clubs and in the federation, there is a specific idea and model of play. Training, investment and belief in an idea.
“We approach this match with a great sense of responsibility. For prestige. To showcase what we have achieved. We want to remain number one in the world.
“There will be no gifts. Here, people have to earn their place. Everyone wants to play, and everyone has earned it and deserves it.”
Team News:
Spain will be without Dean Huijsen, Yamine Lamal, Rodri, Pedri and Dani Carvajal. Simon will be in goal and will have Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte and Cucurella in front of him in defence. Merino, Zubimendi and Ruiz will be the three midfielders. Torres, Pino and Oyarzabal will be deployed in attack.
Turkey
Turkey are a major force in European and world football and are expected to qualify for major international competitions with ease. They are also backed by their own fans to do well in those competitions.
Vincenzo Montella’s side have done well in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group E. Turkey are second in the group with 12 points from five matches, three points behind leaders Spain.
Turkey are set for a place in the playoffs, as even if they win against Spain, they are unlikely to top the group because of their inferior goal difference.
Montella said ahead of the match: “We want to win every match we play. We have prepared everything very well and will do everything possible to achieve the positive result we are looking for.”
Team News:
Galatasaray defender Kaan Ayhan is unlikely to be fit for Turkey, while Abdulkerim Bardakci and Kerem Akturkoglu are very doubtful. Cakir will be in goal for Turkey and will have Celik, Demiral, Bardakci and Kadioglu in front of him in defence. Calhanoglu and Kocu will be the two holding midfielders. Aydin, Guler and Yildiz will be deployed in attacking midfield. Akturkoglu will lead the line for Turkey.
Key Factors to Consider
- Spain have won their last 5 matches.
- Spain have scored 19 goals in their last 5 matches.
- Spain have conceded 0 goals in their last 5 matches.
- Turkey have won 4 of their last 5 games.
- Turkey have scored 15 goals and conceded 4 goals in their last 5 games.
Conclusion
Both Spain and Turkey are in good form at the moment, and the 2026 World Cup qualifier between the two teams promises to be hugely exciting. It is very likely that Spain will eke out a narrow win from this game.
Prediction: Turkey to win 2-1
Best Odds: 9/1
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
