Turkey encounters European titleholders Spain in a pivotal World Cup qualifier match
Turkey and Spain are set to lock horns in the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers, with the highly-anticipated match scheduled to take place at MEDAS Konya Buyuksehir Stadium on Sunday.
Both teams have made a strong start to their qualifying campaigns, with Turkey defeating Georgia 3-2 and Spain dominating Bulgaria 3-0 in their respective opening qualifiers.
As the teams prepare to face each other, it's worth looking back at their historical head-to-head record. Spain has a slight edge, having won six matches, compared to Turkey's single victory. Four matches have ended in draws.
However, Turkey boasts a strong record at the 42,000-capacity stadium in Konya. Since 2014, they have won four matches, drawn two, and suffered two defeats (including one friendly) in eight games played there. Notable victories at the stadium include a 2-0 win over 2018 World Cup champions France and a 3-0 triumph against the Netherlands.
The stadium also witnessed Turkey's dramatic last-minute victory over Iceland that secured direct qualification for the 2016 European Championship.
Turkey's starting lineup for the match includes Ugurcan Cakir, Mert Muldur, Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Eren Elmali, Ismail Yuksek, Hakan Calhanoglu, Yunus Akgun, Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz, and Kerem Akturkoglu.
Spain's squad has been weakened by injuries to Gavi and Yeremy Pino, but their starting lineup for the match includes Unai Simon, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, and Mikel Oyarzabal.
The match will be officiated by English referee Michael Oliver, assisted by compatriots Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring.
The match is scheduled for 9:45 p.m. local time (20:45 CET/18:45 UTC). The teams last met on June 17, 2016, during the European Championship in France, with Spain winning 3-0. Spain currently leads the group on goal difference, with Turkey in second place.
This will mark the 12th encounter between the two teams, a riveting prospect for football fans worldwide.
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