Spain qualifies for the 2026 World Cup after tying with Turkey

The Spanish National Team tied 2-2 with Turkey at the close of Group E and still sealed its mathematical classification for the . La Roja lost the perfect pace, but finished as leader with 16 points out of a possible 18 and ensured its presence in its thirteenth consecutive World Cup. Turkey came second with 13 points and will play in the European playoffs, while Georgia and Bulgaria were eliminated.

Spain opened the scoring with a bomb by Dani Olmo in the 4th minute, a spectacular volley that surprised the Turkish goalkeeper. Turkey responded before the break with a goal from Deniz Gül in the 42nd minute and took the lead with a goal from Salih Özcan in the 54th minute. However, Luis de la Fuente's team reacted quickly and Mikel Oyarzabal scored 2-2 in the 62nd minute to avoid defeat and close the group at the top.

Spain won its World Cup ticket with authority and has maintained its active streak since 1978. La Roja will compete in its thirteenth consecutive World Cup and will seek to compete for its second title, after the glory it won in South Africa 2010. The team took the draw in stride, aware that their classification was already in the bag and that they can now plan for 2026 with time and stability.

Turkey, for its part, awaits the draw for the UEFA Playoffs to find out its rival for one of the last four European tickets. The draw will be held this Thursday at 6:00 in the morning (Central Mexico). The Turkish team trusts in its offensive level to take the last step towards the World Cup.

La Roja has only one match confirmed for 2026 and it is the Finalíssima against Argentina in March, a duel that will serve as high-level preparation before the World Cup. The coaching staff considers this match as a perfect test to measure the team against the champion of America and runner-up in the world in 2014.

Spain will play a World Cup again in Mexico after 1986, where they advanced to the Quarterfinals. In 1994, in the United States, they also came one step away from the semifinals. The national team wants to break that ceiling and return to a big event in 2026.

La Roja qualified with authority and is now preparing for a new World Cup cycle in which it will seek to be a protagonist again.