Spain 2-2 Turkey: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Spain secure World Cup spot

Spain fought from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against Turkey in Group E on Tuesday night, with the hosts securing their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Spain flew out of the blocks as Dani Olmo smashed them into the lead after just four minutes, but despite dominating the rest of the first half with 79% possession and 12 shots to Turkey's three, the two sides went into the break level at 1-1 after Deniz Gul equalised against the run of play just before half-time.

It was Turkey's turn to come flying out from the start in the second half, with Salih Ozcan giving the visitors the lead just nine minutes from the restart, but their lead did not last long as Mikel Oyarzabal quickly drew Spain level, and while both teams had chances in the remainder of the match, neither side were able to claim the three points as it ended all square.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Spain made a sensational start to the game, demonstrating their phenomenal technical ability as they appeared able to cut through the Turkey defence almost at will, while their work rate and structure off the ball also impressed, with their high starting position and intense pressing meaning they were able to suffocate the visitors inside their half.

Despite Spain's technical superiority, they did appear to struggle against set-pieces and crosses from Turkey, including both goals coming from deliveries into the area, while Baris Alper Yilmaz also almost scored a stunning overhead kick from a delivery into the box if not for Unai Simon's save.

While Spain will ultimately be frustrated with their inability to claim all three points, Turkey will be delighted with their performance, especially in a second 45 minutes that saw the visitors cause many more problems for their hosts while also limiting Spain to fewer chances than in the first.

SPAIN VS. TURKEY HIGHLIGHTS

4th min: Spain 1-0 Turkey (Dani Olmo)

Olmo gives Spain an early lead!

A long ball is switched out wide on the left to Marc Cucurella, who takes a touch and drives a cross towards the front post.

Fabian Ruiz swings his leg but fails to make contact, and the ball goes through to Olmo, who takes a touch and smashes into the net from close range.

42nd min: Spain 1-1 Turkey (Deniz Gul)

Gul has equalised against the run of play!

Orkun Kokcu whips a corner towards the penalty spot, Yilmaz manages to backtrack and direct the ball towards goal.

The ball takes multiple deflections and falls kindly for Gul, and the forward manages to stretch and smash the ball into the back of the net.

54th min: Spain 1-2 Turkey (Salih Ozcan)

Ozcan has given Turkey the lead with a beautiful finish!

Ferdi Kadioglu looks to deliver a cross into the Spain penalty area, but the ball is deflected to the edge of the box as far as Kokcu.

Kokcu cleverly chests the ball down to Ozcan just outside the area, and Ozcan strikes a wonderful first-time effort into the bottom left corner.

62nd min: Spain 2-2 Turkey (Mikel Oyarzabal)

Oyarzabal draws Spain level - what a bizarre goal!

Cucurella drives a cross into the box and the ball takes several deflections before falling for Yeremy Pino to strike, but the forward's effort is brilliantly blocked off the line by Merih Demiral.

Demiral's deflections comes back off Caglar Soyuncu, who fails to react in time, and the ball drops kindly for Oyarzabal to sweep into the empty net.

MAN OF THE MATCH - ORKUN KOKCU

Kokcu was instrumental in the middle of the park for Turkey today, playing a pivotal role in each of their two goals.

The midfielder's dangerous delivery led to their opening goal, while his cleverly chested lay-off set up Ozcan for Turkey's brilliant second, and Kokcu's delivery was a constant threat for Spain today.

The midfielder ended the match with the most chances created of any player (four), while he also impressed in defence with five clearances, one interception and six recoveries.

SPAIN VS. TURKEY MATCH STATS

Possession: Spain 73%-27% Turkey

Shots: Spain 20-13 Turkey

Shots on target: Spain 9-7 Turkey

Corners: Spain 6-3 Turkey

Fouls: Spain 5-8 Turkey

WHAT NEXT?

Spain were virtually guaranteed to finish at the top of the Group E standings regardless of tonight's result, and the 2-2 draw means they secure first place with a three point lead.

Meanwhile, tonight's draw means Turkey finish second in the standings and will compete in the playoffs for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.