Turkey seek revenge after 6-0 rout as Spain look to close out World Cup group

Spain host Turkey on Tuesday in a meeting of the top two in Group E, yet the standings carry little real jeopardy unless something extraordinary happens.

Spain sit three points clear with a far superior goal difference, meaning only a seven-goal defeat would prevent them from sealing automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup .

Luis de la Fuente’s side arrive in complete control after a perfect qualifying campaign built on five wins, 19 goals scored, and five clean sheets.

Their 4-0 victory over Georgia on Saturday extended their unbeaten run in competitive fixtures to 30 matches and reinforced their status as one of Europe’s most reliable sides.

Mikel Oyarzabal marked his 50th cap with two goals in Tbilisi, while Martin Zubimendi and Ferran Torres added to a dominant performance.

Spain therefore approach the final match knowing qualification is all but assured, yet they will be keen to secure it officially on home soil at Estadio La Cartuja.

Confidence is bolstered by September’s remarkable 6-0 win in Istanbul, a result that still lingers heavily in the background of this reverse fixture.

Turkey travel to Seville with a different kind of motivation. Their hopes of topping the group rely on a margin of victory that borders on fantasy, but the desire to restore pride after that humiliating home defeat is real.

Vincenzo Montella’s team have otherwise enjoyed a steady campaign, taking maximum points from Bulgaria and Georgia and sealing second place with a 2-0 win over Bulgaria on Saturday.

Hakan Calhanoglu’s penalty and an Atanas Chernev own goal secured that result, although Turkey remain fully aware of the scale of the challenge awaiting them.

They have not beaten Spain in nine meetings and have struggled to penetrate elite defences, which makes becoming the first team to score against La Roja since the Nations League final a demanding task.

Spain, despite missing key players such as Rodri, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal, have shown no drop in rhythm or authority.

Turkey will attempt to turn revenge into performance, yet doing so to extraordinary levels against one of the world’s most consistent sides appears unlikely.

Spain, with momentum and structure firmly intact, expect to wrap up qualification with minimal drama unless football delivers one of its rare seismic surprises.