Turkey's opponents in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers have been determined
Spain has become the final opponent for the Turkish National Football Team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers.
İHA
As the second leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals concluded today with 4 matches, the 4 countries that advanced to the semi-finals were confirmed. Meanwhile, following the 2026 World Cup qualifying draw held in December, Turkey's opponents were determined, and their final potential opponent was clarified after the Spain vs. Netherlands match.
The sides, who drew 2-2 in the first leg played in the Netherlands, faced off at the Camp de Mestalla. In the match officiated by French referee Clement Turpin, the Spaniards took a 1-0 lead in the 8th minute with a penalty goal from Oyarzabal. In the match where the first half ended with this score, the Netherlands equalized with a penalty from Memphis Depay in the 54th minute. Oyarzabal scored his and his team's second goal in the 67th minute, while Ian Maatsen became the player to score the equalizer for the Netherlands again in the 79th minute. While the normal time ended in a 2-2 draw, the match went to extra time due to the 2-2 draw in the first leg. In the 103rd minute of the match, Lamine Yamal, who slipped behind the defense, brought the score to 3-2 with his shot in the penalty area. Four minutes after this goal, Xavi Simons went down following a challenge by goalkeeper Unai Simon, and the Oranje won a penalty, which Simons sent into the net.
Spain, which secured a 5-4 victory in the penalty shootout, advanced to the semi-finals.
The Crescent-Stars will face Georgia, Bulgaria, and Spain in Group E, where they will compete in the qualifiers.
SPAIN'S NATIONS LEAGUE PATH
Reigning European champions Spain competed in UEFA Nations League A Group 4. Facing Denmark, Serbia, and Switzerland, the Spaniards finished the group as leaders with 16 points, having secured 5 wins and 1 draw. Luis de la Fuente's students were paired with the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, managed to eliminate their opponent, and advanced to the semi-finals to be played in June. On the other hand, Spain has an unbeaten streak of 21 matches in official games. During this period, they achieved 18 wins and 3 draws.
The national team's 2026 World Cup qualifying schedule is as follows:
- September 4: Georgia - Turkey
- September 7: Turkey - Spain
- October 11: Bulgaria - Turkey
- October 14: Turkey - Georgia
- November 15: Turkey - Bulgaria
- November 18: Spain - Turkey