Both Turkey and Spain won their opening games in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying ahead of their clash in Turkey on Sunday night. Indeed, the hosts won 3-2 away in Georgia, while the visitors also won on their travels, beating Bulgaria 3-0.
Spain will be the favourites to qualify from this group being the reigning European champions, but Turkey should also fancy their chances. Indeed, we are expecting this to be an exciting and entertaining clash between two in-form nations.
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Turkey vs Spain prediction: La Roja to edge thrilling encounter?
Key stats
- Turkey have won four of their last five games in total in all competitions.
- Spain have only lost once in any competition since March 2023.
- Spain have won the previous four H2Hs across all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Turkey 1-2 Spain
We think that Spain will have just too much quality for Turkey, and so will come away with what could be a crucial three points in terms of their aspirations of topping the group. However, the hosts will certainly not make it easy for them.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Spain strong favourites with the bookmakers
- HOME: 9/2 (5.50) – 18.2%
- DRAW: 17/5 (4.40) – 22.7%
- AWAY: 8/15 (1.53) – 65.2%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Spain are strong favourites with the bookmakers to pick up all three points away from home. A draw can be backed at just under 23%, while a Turkey victory in front of their home fans is rated at just over 18%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Spain searching for five in a row
As mentioned before, Spain have won the last four meetings in total in all competitions. La Roja's unbeaten run against Turkey stretches even further back to six H2Hs.
Turkey preview: Stick with winning formula?
Turkey have reported no fresh injury concerns or suspensions heading into this clash. Thus, the hosts may be tempted to stick with the same starting XI that dispatched of Georgia last time out.
Predicted lineup: Cakir (GK); Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Elmali; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Akgun, Guler, Yildiz & Akturkoglu
Last five results:
- Georgia 2-3 Turkey
- Mexico 1-0 Turkey
- USA 1-2 Turkey
- Hungary 0-3 Turkey
- Turkey 3-1 Hungary
Spain preview: Yamal fit enough to start?
Lamine Yamal should be fit enough to start this one despite coming off against Bulgaria with a back injury last time out. Spain, very much like their opponents Turkey, have reported no fresh injury concerns or suspensions.
Predicted lineup: Simon (GK); Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Merino, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal & N Williams
Last five results:
- Bulgaria 0-3 Spain
- Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 pens)
- Spain 5-4 France
- Spain 3-3 Netherlands (5-4 pens)
- Netherlands 2-2 Spain
Player to watch: Lamine Yamal
Spain will be hoping that Lamine Yamal is not affected too much by the unfortunate injury that forced him to come off in the 3-0 win at Bulgaria last time out. The talented Barcelona winger still managed to pick up an assist in that game, and in La Roja's previous win against France in the UEFA Nations League (UNL), Yamal managed to net himself a brace.