Spain on the Verge of Qualification

The Spanish national team have their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup well within reach. Under Luis de la Fuente, La Roja have dominated Group E with a perfect start — three wins from three games, 11 goals scored, and none conceded.

Their next challenge comes on Tuesday in Valladolid, where a victory over Bulgaria could virtually seal qualification. Three more points would take Spain to 12 in total, putting them firmly in control of the group with three fixtures still to play and a comfortable cushion over their rivals.

A Group Under Spanish Control

Behind them, Turkey are the only team mathematically capable of keeping pace, but their chances are slim. The heavy 0–6 defeat to Spain in Konya last September left the Turks with a mountain to climb. To overturn the head-to-head tiebreaker, they would need to win in Seville by seven goals or more — a scenario that borders on the impossible.

Georgia, meanwhile, remain alive on paper but face a similarly improbable path. They would need to win all three of their remaining matches and defeat Spain by at least three goals — an almost unthinkable feat against one of the most balanced sides in Europe.

Luis de la Fuente’s Project Taking Shape

Since taking charge, Luis de la Fuente has restored Spain’s discipline, confidence, and attacking precision. Blending youth with experience, his side have rediscovered their identity and efficiency.

If Spain defeat Bulgaria, they could mathematically secure qualification in the following match against Georgia, wrapping up their campaign ahead of schedule. For a nation that once set the standard for global football, it would mark another step forward in their quest to reclaim that glory on North American soil.