Key Highlights
- Spain are favored to secure their 2026 World Cup spot with a win against Turkey.
- The European champions have a three-point lead over Turkey in Group E.
- Spain’s only defeat so far came in the reverse fixture, where they won 6-0.
- Turkey’s hopes of topping the group are slim but not impossible with Spain guaranteed at least a playoff spot.
Qualifying Pressure Builds for Turkey
The stakes are high as Turkey faces Spain in their final Group E qualifier on November 18, 2025. The match will take place at Seville’s La Cartuja stadium with kick-off time set for 2:45 p.m. ET.
Spain’s Strong Form
The Spanish national team has been in excellent form throughout the qualifying campaign, maintaining a perfect record and leading Group E by three points over Turkey. Spain will secure their qualification if they win this match, as even a rare defeat is unlikely to be enough for Turkey to snatch the top spot.
Lineups and Predictions
Luis de la Fuente’s squad includes seasoned players like Mikel Oyarzabal, Mikel Merino, and Martín Zubimendi. Despite several key absences, Spain are expected to field a strong lineup against Turkey. A predicted starting XI could see Simón in goal with Llorente, Cubarsí, Laporte, and Cucurella at the back.
Challenging Task for Turkey
Turkey faces an uphill battle to win their first match against Spain since September 2025. Arda Güler will lead the attack alongside other familiar faces like Kenan Yıldız and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. However, key players like Kaan Ayhan are likely to miss out due to injuries.
Expert Predictions
The match is expected to be much closer than the September 2025 encounter, where Turkey suffered a crushing 6-0 defeat. While Spain’s chances of maintaining their unbeaten record are high, it will take a significant swing in goal difference for Turkey to clinch a spot among the top two teams.
Strategic Importance and Implications
The winner of this match will not only secure their place in the 2026 World Cup but also set the stage for next year’s playoff round. Spain, with their dominant performance, are almost guaranteed a spot as long as they avoid defeat on Tuesday.
In conclusion, while Turkey’s slim hopes remain alive, the task at hand is daunting against a formidable Spanish side. The outcome of this match will heavily influence the final standings in Group E and the overall trajectory of both teams towards next summer’s World Cup.
