Both victorious in their opening matches, Turkey and Spain face each other on Sunday, September 7 at the Konya Buyuksehir Belediye Stadium to battle for the top spot in Group E, crucial for direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The hosts, after their away win against Georgia, already secured a good advantage in the race for second place, but a victory against Spain could completely change the scenario. Despite their strong recent form, including promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League, Vincenzo Montella’s side now face one of the most in-form national teams of recent months (if not years…): Luis De La Fuente’s Spain. La Roja immediately delivered in their debut by beating Bulgaria 3-0 away, further extending their impressive unbeaten streak. Spain come into this match as the reigning Euro 2024 champions and recent UEFA Nations League finalists (losing only on penalties to Portugal). Their clear goal is another away victory to take sole lead in the group standings and set a fast pace toward winning Group E. With Turkey eager to shine at home and Spain determined to confirm their role as favorites, all the ingredients are there for an intense, competitive, and exciting clash.

Turkey's Recent Form and Key Stats

Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey started their World Cup Qualifiers campaign on the right foot, beating Georgia 3-2 away in what already looks like a direct battle for second place. The standout performer was Fenerbahce forward Kerem Akturkoglu who scored a brace.

With that result, Turkey secured their third consecutive win after the March double clash with Hungary (3-1 home, 0-3 away), which sealed their promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League. More generally, they have lost just one of their last nine matches across all competitions (6 wins, 2 draws).

At home during the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League, Turkey had an almost perfect record: three wins and one draw in four matches, averaging 2.33 goals scored and just 0.5 conceded per game.

Spain's Recent Form and Key Stats

Spain did not disappoint in their World Cup 2026 Qualifiers opener, beating Bulgaria 3-0 away and taking the group lead thanks to goal difference over Turkey.

La Roja settled the match within the first 38 minutes, scoring through Oyarzabal, Merino, and Cucurella, which allowed De La Fuente to rest several starters in the second half. This could give Spain a physical advantage coming into this second game.

The Spaniards’ magic moment continues, as they have now extended their unbeaten run to 26 consecutive matches. Away from home, they are undefeated in their last ten games, with four draws, six wins, and four clean sheets.

Turkey vs Spain Prediction and Tactical Overview

With two attack-minded teams that are used to scoring, Turkey vs Spain looks set to be a match full of goals and emotions on both ends.

While Spain are clear favorites, the BetMines algorithm predicts a high-scoring game with over 2.5 goals expected.

Turkey have seen Over 2.5 goals in their last four matches, while Spain have produced the same outcome in their last eight — underlining both teams’ strong attacking form.

Further confirmation of how this market could prove to be a winning option can be found in the fact that in their last five matches, Turkey and Spain have scored an average of 2 and 2.8 goals per game respectively. 

• BetMines Prediction for Turkey vs Spain: Over 2.5 goals with 54% probability
  
  
• BetMines Prediction for Turkey vs Spain: Under 2.5 goals with 46% probability

Turkey vs Spain Predicted Lineups

TURKEY (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Elmali; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Akgun, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu. Coach: Vincenzo Montella

SPAIN (4-3-3): Simon; Carvajal, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Porro; Pedri, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Yamal, Oyarzabal, N. Williams. Coach: Luis De La Fuente