The much-awaited clash between Turkey and Spain will take place at the infamous Torku Arena in Konya on 7th September 2025, being the premier match of the tournament. This match has the capability to change the course of its group. This could also hugely impact the qualification endeavors of World Cup on either side.

Kickoff is at 18:45 UTC (21:45 CEST local time), and fans around the world are already anticipating the match and what comes with this high-stakes battle. Spain enters as the reigning European champions after lifting the Euro 2024 trophy following their victory over England, while Turkey arrives with some confidence after reaching the latter stages for their turn as quarter-finalists in the same tournament.

When it comes to World Cup qualifying, nothing is easy, and Group E is as competitive as they come, with Spain, Turkey, Scotland, and Croatia battling for automatic qualification and a playoff spot for 2nd place.

For Turkey this is about more than 3 points—it's a chance to showcase that they can contend with the best of Europe after years of turmoil in World Cup qualification. The last time Turkey qualified for a World Cup was the 2002 third-place finish.

Spain will be trying to build on their momentum and is under pressure not to replicate their disappointing World Cup efforts from recent tournaments (2014 group stage exit, 2018 and 2022 round of 16).

This matchup is being played at Torku Arena (Konya Büyükşehir Belediye Stadyumu), known for the passionate Turkish crowd. Torku Arena can be daunting for opponents and will hopefully give Turkey an advantage from the outset. 

Spain does have experience in front of hostile crowds and is likely no better than playing in front of 42000 vocal home Turkish supporters; however, they can unsettle opponents and could play a role to help a fast start for the home team.

Turkey, under manager Vincenzo Montella, is potentially on the upward curve, with a good balance of youthful players and seasoned veterans. Their recent form shows promise but also shows some defensive frailties as well.

Turkey clearly has attacking flair, but their defensive lapses make them fragile against the best sides like Spain.

Spain under Luis de la Fuente looks like a well-oiled machine, and their victory in Euro 2024 has reinstated confidence in this new generation, as they have made a strong start to qualifying.

Spain's attacking combination of Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams, and Lamine Yamal has been outstanding, while midfield pillars Pedri and Zubimendi have provided the required balance. However, they have shown vulnerability at the back, especially in high-pressure matches, leaving us to wonder whether they can silence Turkey.

Spain has a historical advantage in this matchup:

Recent games:

Spain has not lost in the last 6 matches against Turkey, winning 4. The last time Turkey defeated Spain was 1967 at the Mediterranean Games.

Cakir (GK); Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Elmali; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Akgun, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu.

Simon (GK); Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, N. Williams.

This match shows full potential to become thrilling. While Turkey will be counting on the home advantage, attacking play, and boisterous fans to unsettle Spain, Spain will counter with technical superiority, depth in the roster, and an offensive style of play.

Spain will dominate possession, have a lot of chances to score and simply be too good for Turkey. But Turkey will probably get a goal, likely from Acturkoglu or Guler, so I expect the score to be competitive. 

This World Cup qualifier for Spain vs Turkey (07.09.2025, Torku Arena) is more than a group game; it tests Turkey’s ambitions and Spain’s consistency. Spain is aiming to secure 1st place in the group quicker, and Turkey needs the points to secure a playoff position.