Spain vs Türkiye: Full Match Analysis, Goals, Highlights & Player Ratings

Footdudes
Nov 19
3 min read

Spain secure World Cup qualification after a 2-2 draw with Türkiye last night, with La Roja topping Group E while Türkiye head to the UEFA play-offs.

The Spain vs Türkiye clash in the UEFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers delivered drama, quality football, and high stakes as Spain secured their place at next year’s tournament with a 2–2 draw at Estadio La Cartuja in Seville. Türkiye, despite a brave and spirited performance, now move into the European play-offs, where their World Cup hopes will be decided.

Match Summary: Spain 2–2 Türkiye

Dani Olmo opened the scoring for Spain in the 4th minute, putting La Roja in early control.
Deniz Gül levelled for Türkiye just before halftime.
Salih Özcan stunned Spain with a long-range strike in the 54th minute to put Türkiye ahead.
Mikel Oyarzabal equalised in the 62nd minute, ensuring Spain claimed the point they needed to qualify.

Spain finished the match relieved; Türkiye left frustrated but hopeful.

Spain vs Türkiye — Extended Match Analysis

Spain’s Explosive Start Sets the Pace

Spain came out aggressive, sharp, and direct — a hallmark of their recent resurgence under Luis de la Fuente. Their pressing was immediate, their passing crisp, and their possession overwhelming in the early exchanges.

Dani Olmo’s composed finish set the tone early, quieting Turkish fans and establishing Spain’s dominance. The early goal also intensified Türkiye’s need to chase the game, shaping the match’s tactical landscape.

Türkiye Fight Back: Momentum Shifts and Tactical Courage

Cucurella in the defense against Turkiye

Despite Spain’s early control, Türkiye refused to fold. They settled into the match after 20 minutes, finding rhythm in midfield and threatening on transitions.

Their reward came right before halftime:

Deniz Gül – Türkiye’s Turning Point

Gül’s equaliser in the 42nd minute was a momentum changer. It signaled that Türkiye weren’t just here to defend — they were here to challenge one of Europe’s giants.

Türkiye’s confidence grew. And it exploded after the restart.

Salih Özcan’s Wonder Strike – The Moment of the Match

In the 54th minute, Salih Özcan unleashed one of the best goals of the qualifying campaign — a 25-yard rocket that dipped violently into the bottom corner.

The stadium fell silent. Türkiye led 2–1. For the first time all night, Spain looked rattled.

Türkiye suddenly found themselves on the brink of a historic result.

Oyarzabal Rescues Spain & Sends Them to the World Cup

Just when pressure mounted on Spain, Mikel Oyarzabal delivered. Capitalizing on a defensive scramble, he slotted home the 62nd-minute equaliser that steadied Spain’s nerves and restored control.

That goal proved to be the one that secured Spain’s direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Türkiye, though defiant, couldn’t find another breakthrough.

Spain vs Türkiye Player Ratings

Spain

Dani Olmo – 8/10
Early goal, sharp movement, constant creativity. Spain’s standout attacker.
Mikel Oyarzabal – 7.5/10
Delivered under pressure; a big-game performer.
Rodri – 7/10
Controlled phases of the match but was troubled by Türkiye’s counters.
Unai Simón – 6.5/10
Solid saves, but tested more than Spain would have liked.