Spain booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a tense 2-2 draw with Turkey in Seville, a result that also extended their unbeaten competitive run to 31 matches, matching Italy’s record.
It was far from the smooth qualification finale many expected, with Turkey pushing the world’s top-ranked side to the limit.
La Roja struck early when Dani Olmo pounced on a loose ball to fire home after Fabian Ruiz mis-hit Marc Cucurella’s cross.
Spain looked set to cruise, but Turkey stunned the home crowd when Deniz Gul capitalised on poor defending to grab his first international goal.
The visitors carried that belief into the second half, and Salih Ozcan put them ahead with a crisp finish.
Spain hit back just eight minutes later through Mikel Oyarzabal, who tapped in after Merih Demiral’s goal-line clearance fell kindly.
Turkey refused to retreat, forcing Unai Simon into two crucial saves to keep Spain alive.
Ferran Torres then missed a big chance before Fermin Lopez’s late strike was ruled out for offside, leaving Spain to settle for a point that nonetheless secured their 13th straight World Cup appearance.
Turkey, meanwhile, can take heart from a bold performance as they prepare for the playoffs and chase a first World Cup ticket since 2002.
