Turkey are set to host Spain in a World Cup qualifying match on September 7 at Torku Arena, Konya.
These two nations, along with Georgia and Bulgaria, are competing in Group E to secure their respective spots in the competition next year in North America.
Turkey defeated Georgia with a 3-2 scoreline in their opening qualifying match this week, while Spain secured a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria.
Now the top two teams of Group E are set to lock horns, with Spain going in with a good record consisting of six victories in 11 games across competitions, as opposed to Turkey’s sole win, while the remaining four matches ended in a draw.
Turkey vs. Spain predicted lineups: Starting XI, team news, roster
Despite having a good start to the World Cup Qualifiers, Turkey are expected to bring on a strong squad against Spain, considering they have managed zero wins in their last five meetings against La Roja, who recorded three victories with two matches ending in draws.
Turkey national team head coach, Vincenzo Montella, will be aiming for a win over Spain to move up to first place in the group table by maintaining a good balance in his backline and attack.
Turkey predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Cakir (GK) — Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Elmali — Yuksek, Calhanoglu — Akgun, Guler, Yildiz — Akturkoglu
Turkey full roster
Goalkeepers: Ugurcan Cakir, Altay Bayindir, Berke Ozer, Mert Gunok
Defenders: Merih Demiral, Caglar Soyuncu, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Yusuf Akcicek, Samet Akaydin, Ferdi Kadioglu, Eren Elmali, Zeki Celik, Mert Muldur
Midfielders: Hakan Calhanoglu, Ismail Yuksek, Demir Ege Tiknaz, Salih Ozcan, Kaan Ayhan, Orkun Kokcu, Arda Guler, Can Uzun
Forwards: Kenan Yildiz, Kerem Akturkoglu, Baris Alper Yılmaz, Oguz Aydın, Yunus Akgun, Irfan Can Kahveci, Deniz Gul
After their success against Bulgaria, Spain will be looking to maintain their dominance in the group, ensuring a smooth path to the 2026 World Cup.
La Roja head coach Luis de la Fuente is not expected to make a lot of changes in the lineup against Turkey in comparison to the starting squad against Bulgaria, with high expectations of impressive displays from the young talents, like Lamine Yamal and Pedri, among others.
Spain predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Simon (GK) — Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella — Merino, Zubimendi, Pedri — Yamal, Oyarzabal, N Williams
Spain full roster
Goalkeepers: Unai Simon, David Raya, Alex Remiro
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Dean Huijsen, Pedro Porro, Dani Vivian, Pau Cubarsi, Robin Le Normand, Alejandro Grimaldo, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders: Martin Zubimendi, Rodri, Fermin Lopez, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Mikel Merino, Aleix Garcia, Jorge de Frutos
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Nico Williams, Mikel Oyarzabal, Alvaro Morata, Jesus Rodriguez
Turkey vs. Spain match details
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8:45 p.m. local / 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT / 4:45 AEST (Sep. 8)
- Location: Torku Arena, Konya (Turkey)
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
- Referee: Michael Oliver (England)
