Spain vs Turkiye – World Cup qualifier preview and team news | OneFootball

Spain will face Turkiye at Estadio de La Cartuja in their final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.

The hosts boast a perfect record in this campaign and hold a three-point lead over the visitors in Group E.

Turkiye will need to win by a significant margin to secure direct qualification for the main event, though they have already guaranteed a playoff berth with their recent victories.

Spain vs Turkiye – World CUp qualifier preview and team news

Spain team news

Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage sensation, withdrew from the squad after undergoing a radiofrequency procedure to treat a recurring groin problem last Monday, supposedly without prior notification to the Spanish Football Federation’s medical staff. Spain expressed “surprise and concern” at the situation, with manager Luis de la Fuente stating he had “never experienced a situation like this before”.

Rayo Vallecano winger Jorge de Frutos has been called up in Yamal’s place. The 28-year-old, known for his pace and defensive work rate, made his senior debut for Spain in a friendly against Turkey on 7th September and brings valuable experience to the squad.

Dean Huijsen has also been ruled out after picking up muscle discomfort that prevented him from playing against Georgia. Pedri and Robin Le Normand are also sidelined through injury. However, several key players have returned, including Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and Pablo Fornals, who is back in the national team after a four-year absence.

Spain’s squad depth remains formidable, with Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino providing midfield stability. The defensive line includes seasoned performers from Europe’s top clubs, ensuring La Roja maintain their characteristic control and composure.

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Turkiye team news

Turkiye captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu will lead the nation as the Fenerbahçe midfielder seeks to inspire his teammates. However, defensive concerns have emerged, with experienced Galatasaray defender Kaan Ayhan suffering a muscle injury during the Bulgaria match, leaving his availability uncertain. Montella warned that “his condition will be determined tomorrow morning” after the injury, creating potential complications for Turkiye’s backline.

Real Madrid’s young sensation Arda Güler will feature in the squad, offering creative impetus from midfield. Juventus winger Kenan Yıldız provides attacking verve. Vincenzo Montella’s squad is competitive despite squad rotations, with the Italian coach emphasizing that “whoever plays will perform” and expressing confidence in every player’s ability to contribute.

Benfica winger Kerem Aktürkoğlu add further attacking options for the visitors. However, multiple players face potential suspension, with Çalhanoğlu, Yıldız, İsmail Yüksek, Aktürkoğlu, and Oğuz Aydın each receiving yellow cards during qualifying, meaning another booking would sideline them for the upcoming playoff matches.

Form

Spain: WWWWW

La Roja have won all five matches in Group E without conceding a single goal, accumulating 15 points from five games while scoring 19 goals. Their attacking prowess has been extraordinary, with Spain demonstrating both defensive solidity and creative brilliance. The squad has won 25 matches and drawn five over their incredible 30-game unbeaten run since their last competitive defeat to Scotland in March 2023.

Turkiye: WLWWW

Vincenzo Montella’s side secured their playoff place with a commanding 2-0 victory over Bulgaria on Saturday at Timsah Arena in Bursa. Çalhanoğlu opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 18th minute after a handball, while Atanas Chernev’s own goal doubled Turkiye’s advantage in the 83rd minute.

Predicted lineups

Spain: Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Torres, Pino, Oyarzabal

Turkey: Cakir; Celik, Demiral, Bardakci, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Kocu; Aydin, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu

How to watch Spain vs Turkiye?

UK fans can watch the game on Sky Sports.

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