Since Türkiye beat Spain to a place at the 1954 World Cup via the drawing of lots, la Roja are unbeaten in 12 encounters with the Crescent-Stars, winning five of the last six. Their last clash came during Euro 2016, when Spain ran out 3-0 winners in Nice.
Turkey vs Spain preview
After both began World Cup qualification with victories on Thursday, can either make it two wins out of two at the Konya Büyükşehir Belediye Stadyumu? In their Group E opener, Spain swatted aside Bulgaria 3-0 in Sofia, all the goals coming before half time. Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock inside five minutes and then Marc Cucurella lashed home his first international goal, before Mikel Merino headed home a Lamine Yamal corner to make the points secure at Vasil Levski National Stadium.
Luis de la Fuente's team are the reigning European Champions, also reaching the most-recent UEFA Nations League Final, dumping out France 5-4 in the semi-finals, before a penalty shootout defeat to Portugal in the final in June. Nevertheless, in regulation play, la Roja are unbeaten in 26 competitive fixtures, seeking to qualify for a 13th successive World Cup, with 1974 the most-recent edition they missed out on. So, will they overcome their toughest test in this group on Sunday night?
Türkiye too made a winning start on Thursday, targeting a place at just a third World Cup, debuting in 1954, before reaching the semi-finals in 2002, but not getting back there since. The Crescent-Stars began their bid to change that fact with a chaotic 3-2 victory over Georgia in mid-week; Mert Müldür headed home the opener inside three minutes, before Kerem Aktürkoğlu struck twice. However, after Georgia got one back, Barış Alper Yılmaz was sent off, setting up a nervy finish in Tbilisi, especially when the hosts pulled it back to 2-3, but Türkiye held on for a precious three points.
This win continues Türkiye's recent impressive form, notably hammering Hungary 6-1 on aggregate in a Nations League play-off back in June, thereby gaining promotion to League A for the very first time. Vincenzo Montella's team will fancy their chances of finishing above Georgia and Bulgaria, thereby, at least, securing a play-off spot, but pipping Spain to top spot will not be easy. If they're to achieve this, Türkiye supporters may feel this Sunday night clash in Konya is must win.
Turkey vs Spain head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 15.
- Turkey Wins: 1. Draws: 6. Spain Wins: 8.
Turkey team news
Barış Alper Yılmaz's red card in Tbilisi means he is suspended, while Vincenzo Montella is also without injured striker Enes Ünal.
He does though boast plenty of attacking talent, inclduing Kerem Aktürkoğlu, scorer of a brace on Thursday, as well as young Juventus superstar Kenan Yıldız. Uğurcan Çakır will keep his place in goal, chosen over former number one Mert Günok as well as Altay Bayındır of Manchester United.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu will earn his 98th cap, only five men have more, chasing down Rüştü Reçber's record of 120, and World Cup qualification would really help his cause.
Turkey predicted lineup vs Spain: (4-3-3): Çakır; Müldür, Demiral, Bardakcı, Kadıoğlu; Çalhanoğlu, Yüksek, Güler; Akgün, Aktürkoğlu, Yıldız.
Turkey player to watch vs Spain
Arda Güler has become a key figure at Real Madrid since the appointment of Xabi Alonso. The 20 year old bagged his fifth international goal against the United States in Connecticut during the summer, so can he score a rather more important one here?
Spain team news
Luis de la Fuente utilised both Dani Carvajal and Rodri for half an hour off the bench in Sofia, the pair back following long term injuries, so will either start this time? If not, Pedro Porro and Martín Zubimendi continue to prove to be more than able deputies.
Elsewhere, Dean Huijsen was uncapped at the start of 2025, but will maintain his record of having started every international this year. At the other end of the pitch, Mikel Oyarzabal dinked home his 17th goal for Spain in Bulgaria, ten of which have come since June 2024, so he'll lead the line again.
Spain predicted lineup vs Turkey: (4-3-3): Simón; Porro, Huijsen, Le Normand, Cucurella; Zubimendi, Pedri, Merino; Lamine Yamal, Williams, Oyarzabal.
Spain player to watch vs Turkey
Lamine Yamal's double against France in June's Nations League semi-finals means he has so far scored six times for Spain, so will the teenager be the difference maker in Konya?
Turkey vs Spain prediction
This clash should guarantee goals, considering Türkiye's last eight competitive internationals have witnessed 27, with Spain's last ten producing 43. Nevertheless, we believe la Roja will be simply too strong for their hosts in, what will be, a raucous atmosphere in Konya: Türkiye 1-3 Spain.
Turkey vs Spain FAQs - World Cup qualifier
How to watch Turkey vs Spain in World Cup qualification on TV channel?
Türkiye vs Spain in World Cup qualification will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Fox Sports & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Turkey vs Spain in World Cup qualification on live streaming?
Türkiye vs Spain in World Cup qualification will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Amazon Prime Video PPV - £2.49.
- USA: Foxsports.com & fuboTV
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Turkey vs Spain in World Cup qualification?
Türkiye vs Spain takes place on Sunday 7 September 2025, with kick off at 19:45 (BST), 14:45 (EDT) & 11:45 (PDT).