Spain strike early
Spain claim direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup despite a draw against Turkey in Seville. Luis de la Fuente’s team finish top of Group E after winning five of six qualifiers without conceding. La Roja start strongly as Dani Olmo scores after four minutes by turning in Marc Cucurella’s cut-back. The goal marks his 12th for his country and his first start since March.
Turkey turn the match around
Spain lose some control when Deniz Gul levels three minutes before half-time with a calm finish past Unai Simon. Turkey take the lead on 54 minutes as Salih Ozcan drives a precise shot into the bottom left corner. That strike puts Spain’s 30-match unbeaten run in competitive games under threat.
Oyarzabal responds quickly
Mikel Oyarzabal rescues Spain eight minutes later by converting a rebound after Yeremy Pino’s effort is cleared off the line. The in-form forward scores his sixth goal of the campaign and brings stability back to Spain’s play. Turkey need a seven-goal win to take first place but cannot overcome the European champions despite admirable spirit.
Spain miss chances, Turkey test Simon
Olmo threatens twice more in the first half, but goalkeeper Altay Bayindir denies him with two strong stops. Baris Yilmaz forces a superb save from Simon with an overhead kick as the match hangs in the balance at 1-1. The draw ensures that only England finish European World Cup qualifying without conceding.
