Spain’s players celebrated their World Cup 2026 qualification after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Turkey at La Cartuja in Seville.
The Roja continue a positive run under coach Luis de la Fuente, who has been tallying impressive numbers with the national team.
Marcos Llorente, Atletico Madrid’s star, spoke of his thrill at securing qualification, noting that the mood might feel reserved after a run of big wins.
The Spain right-back said the team’s performance was built on a cohesive setup and a clear idea, and he was happy to return and, above all, to have helped secure a place in the World Cup.
Dani Olmo, another standout, echoed a similar sentiment: the squad wanted to win and keep a clean sheet, and while there’s a bitter taste, the most important fact is that they are in the World Cup.
Olmo also reflected on playing as a right-back in this particular match, describing it as easy within a harmonious group and an understood plan. He added that returning to the side and reaching the World Cup was a big personal high.
As for World Cup plans, Olmo was cautious, stressing that selection depends on his form at club level and noting that competition within Spain remains intense. He said he would keep working and hope for a call.
Dani Olmo’s teammate Dani Olmo? — no, the article notes Dani Olmo as a key voice in the squad — also pointed out that the mood wasn’t as celebratory as after the previous match, emphasizing the bitter taste while recognizing the essential prize: a place in the World Cup.
Olmo highlighted the several chances the team created and the need to improve on set-pieces after a corner that produced Turkey’s equalizer, insisting that there were many chances that could have settled the game differently.
Regarding the playing surface, he dismissed it as a valid excuse, saying it affected both teams equally and didn’t fundamentally alter the match’s balance.
The conversation then turned to the road ahead, with the squad looking forward to the upcoming Finalissima and, after that, ample time to prepare for the World Cup with full focus.
Spain’s goals came from Dani Olmo in the 4th minute and Mikel Oyarzabal in the 62nd, while Turkey replied through Deniz Gul in the 42nd and Salih Ozkan in the 54th minute, turning the match into a captivating thriller.
With the draw, Spain sits on top of Group 5 with 16 points, officially clinching World Cup qualification, while Turkey move to 13 points in second place.
Event recap
Spain wasted no time asserting control, with Olmo scoring inside four minutes after a clever ball slipped into the box. The visitors steadied as the first half unfolded, testing the home defense and forcing some sharp stops from the goalkeeper.
By the 42nd minute, Deniz Gul capitalized on a setup from a set piece to bring Turkey level, injecting a burst of energy into the game. Just before the break, Spain pressed again, with Merino and a few others forcing dangerous plays and forcing a save from the Turkish custodian.
Early in the second half, Turkey again looked dangerous, while Spain continued to push and finally found the break-through through Oyarzabal, restoring Spain’s lead in the II. The Turkish side responded with more aggression, and in the 54th minute, Salih Ozkan’s strike from outside the box drew the teams level once more.
Spain pressed for a late winner, and in stoppage time, a deflected effort from Ferran?—the article mentions a potential late goal by Ferran Lopez in some lines, but it was ruled offside—remains a reminder that the margins in these qualifiers can be razor-thin.
In the end, the scoreboard told the story: a 2-2 final, Spain atop the standings, and Turkey left to chase more points in the remaining fixtures.
Spain’s quest continues as they head toward the World Cup with confidence, while Turkey will look to rebound quickly and keep their own hopes alive in the group.
Punchline time: If intelligence and a good coach were a game, Spain just bought a one-way ticket to the World Cup—no refunds after the final whistle. Punchline two: Turkey left Seville with pride intact and a plan to turn those chances into goals in the next encounter—because even great performers miss the net when the net is wider than their ego.
