Spain Secures Spot in 2026 World Cup After Undefeated Qualifiers
Spain has qualified for the 2026 World Cup after an undefeated qualifying campaign, securing their spot with a 2-2 draw against Turkey in their final group match.
- • Spain finished the qualifying group with five wins and one draw, scoring 21 goals and conceding only two.
- • The final qualifying match ended in a 2-2 draw against Turkey, securing Spain's World Cup qualification.
- • Dani Olmo and Mikel Oyarzabal scored for Spain in the match against Turkey.
- • Spain remains undefeated in the qualifiers and aims to match Italy's record of consecutive undefeated matches.
Key details
The Spanish national football team has officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, following an undefeated run in their qualification group. Spain finished their qualifying campaign with five wins and one draw, scoring 21 goals and conceding only two during the entire phase. Their final match against Turkey ended in a 2-2 draw, which was enough to secure their place in the World Cup without needing a win.
In the decisive match, Dani Olmo opened the scoring for Spain early in the 4th minute. Turkey responded strongly, with Deniz Gül leveling in the 42nd minute and Salih Özcan taking the lead for Turkey in the 54th minute. Mikel Oyarzabal then equalized for Spain in the 62nd minute, ensuring the draw. Despite Turkey's attempts, requiring a victory by seven goals to push Spain into playoffs, the Spanish team maintained their position at the top of Group E.
Under the management of Luis de la Fuente, Spain has become a favorite for the tournament, showcasing a strong defensive record along with potent attacking play. The qualification phase marked the first time Spain conceded goals in the campaign, demonstrating both their defensive solidity and competitive spirit. The Turkish team, while competitive, will have to enter the European playoffs to attempt to qualify.
Spain’s performance keeps them on track to match Italy’s record of 31 consecutive matches undefeated, evidencing consistent high-level play. Looking ahead, Spain prepares for a high-profile friendly against Argentina in March, to further hone their squad for the World Cup challenge.
This milestone confirms Spain’s continued presence on the global football stage and builds anticipation for their performance in the 2026 tournament.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.