Türkiye and Spain are set to clash in a pivotal World Cup Qualification UEFA Round 2 match at Medaş Konya Büyükşehir Stadyumu on Monday, September 8, 2025, at 12:15 AM IST. This fixture, featuring two of the group’s strongest teams, is expected to play a significant role in deciding qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Match Preview
Both Türkiye and Spain started their qualifying campaigns with victories. Türkiye managed a dramatic 3-2 win over Georgia, powered by a brace from Kerem Aktürkoğlu and a goal by Mert Müldür, while Spain cruised past Bulgaria with a commanding 3-0 win, highlighted by strikes from Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella, and Mikel Merino.
Türkiye, led by Vincenzo Montella, aims to leverage home support and dynamic attacking talent like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız to trouble the Spanish defense. However, Spain enters as the favorites, boasting a deep squad with the likes of Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams, and is eager to extend their unbeaten run in competitive fixtures.
Confirmed Starting Lineups
Türkiye (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Uğurcan Çakır
Defenders: Mert Müldür, Merih Demiral, Abdulkerim Bardakcı, Evren Eren Elmalı
Midfielders: Hakan Çalhanoğlu, İsmail Yüksek
Attacking Midfield: Yunus Akgün, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız
Forward: Kerem Aktürkoğlu
Bench: Mert Günok, Mehmet Zeki Çelik, Çağlar Söyüncü, Salih Özcan, Orkun Kökçü, Deniz Gül, Altay Bayındır, Samet Akaydın, İrfan Kahveci, Oğuz Aydın, Ferdi Kadıoğlu, Can Uzun.
Spain (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Unai Simón
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella
Midfielders: Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, Pedri
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams
Bench: David Raya, Dani Carvajal, Pau Cubarsí, Álvaro Morata, Fermín López, Aleix García, Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Álex Remiro, Jorge de Frutos, Alejandro Grimaldo, Rodri.
Key Factors and Tactical Expectations
Türkiye will look to blend youthful creativity—especially with Real Madrid star Arda Güler—and experience, relying on Çalhanoğlu's leadership and Aktürkoğlu’s goal threat.
Spain is likely to dominate possession and play an attacking-minded brand of football, hoping to utilize the speed and flair of Yamal, Williams, and Oyarzabal on the wings.
Both teams have a history of finding the net, so goals at both ends are expected. However, Spain boasts a superior historical record, with Türkiye’s last win against Spain dating back to 1967.
Match Significance
This early group decider will shape the trajectory for both nations in the World Cup campaign. Spain’s stellar form makes them favorites, but Türkiye’s home advantage and offensive drive suggest an unpredictable, high-stakes encounter.
Türkiye vs Spain: Confirmed Lineups
Türkiye (4-2-3-1) Spain (4-3-3)
Uğurcan Çakır (GK) Unai Simón (GK)
Mert Müldür Pedro Porro
Merih Demiral Robin Le Normand
Abdulkerim Bardakcı Dean Huijsen
Evren Eren Elmalı Marc Cucurella
Hakan Çalhanoğlu Mikel Merino
İsmail Yüksek Martín Zubimendi
Yunus Akgün Pedri
Arda Güler Lamine Yamal
Kenan Yıldız Mikel Oyarzabal
Kerem Aktürkoğlu Nico Williams
Fans around the world can expect a thrilling, tactical showdown as Türkiye and Spain battle for group supremacy and a vital step toward World Cup qualification.