The Spain national team booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, though they did so with a tougher-than-expected 2–2 draw against Turkey at La Cartuja. Luis de la Fuente’s side came into the match with qualification virtually sealed after an impeccable run of five straight wins without conceding, and that sense of comfort was reflected in a game lacking competitive sharpness.

The script began perfectly: just four minutes in, Dani Olmo opened the scoring after a precise passing sequence that hinted at another routine victory for La Roja. But Turkey responded quickly. In the 42nd minute, Deniz Gül capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the match just before halftime.

The second half followed the same pattern. The visitors took the lead with a powerful strike from Salih Özcan in the 54th minute, making it 1–2 and briefly silencing the Sevilla crowd. Spain’s reaction, however, was swift: Mikel Oyarzabal scored the equalizer in the 60th minute, restoring calm to a team that, aware qualification was already secured, refused to take unnecessary risks.

Spain Join the World Cup Field Alongside Football’s Powerhouses

With this result, Spain officially join the list of teams qualified for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. De la Fuente hits his first major target of the cycle with a squad that, despite some bumps, has shown solidity and a growing identity.

La Roja join European giants such as England, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Portugal and the surprising Norway, who broke a nearly 30-year World Cup drought. In total, 39 teams have already secured their place.

The confederation breakdown highlights a tournament full of diversity:
• Asia: Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Qatar, Iran, Jordan, Uzbekistan
• Africa: Egypt, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana…
• CONMEBOL: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay
• CONCACAF: Mexico, United States, Canada (hosts)
• Europe: Spain and eleven others
• Oceania: New Zealand

Meanwhile, teams like Bolivia, Iraq, DR Congo and New Caledonia will compete in the intercontinental playoffs for the final two spots.

A Flat Finish, but Mission Accomplished

The draw against Turkey leaves a bittersweet taste, but the main mission is complete: Spain are going to the World Cup.
From now on, De la Fuente can focus on fine-tuning details, defining roles and shaping the squad that will travel to North America in June.

La Roja have reached their target. The bigger challenge now begins: arriving ready to compete for everything.