Spain Qualifies for 2026 World Cup in 2-2 Draw vs. Turkey

Spain secured direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday with a 2-2 draw against Turkey in their final Group E qualifier at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville. The result extended Spain's national record unbeaten run to 31 matches under coach Luis de la Fuente and confirmed their top position in the group, despite conceding goals for the first time in the campaign.

The Euro 2024 champions started strongly, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Dani Olmo controlled a cross from Marc Cucurella and finished neatly from close range. Olmo, playing from the left, was a standout in the first half alongside midfield trials for Yeremy Pino and Aleix Garcia, as Spain dominated possession. Mikel Oyarzabal missed a one-on-one chance, while Turkey goalkeeper Altay Bayindir made several key saves to keep the scoreline tight.

Turkey equalized just before halftime in the 42nd minute, with Deniz Gül heading in a flicked corner to expose some defensive lapses. The visitors gained momentum after the break and took the lead in the 54th minute when Salih Özcan rifled a shot into the far corner from the edge of the box after a setup from Orkun Kökçü. Baris Yilmaz tested Spain goalkeeper...