Spain booked their place at next year’s FIFA World Cup finals despite being held to a frustrating 2–2 draw by Turkey in Seville — a result that also sees La Roja equal Italy’s record of 31 competitive matches without defeat. The night proved far more challenging than many had anticipated.

With only a mathematically absurd seven-goal defeat capable of derailing their qualification, Spain entered the match with one foot already on the plane. They wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Dani Olmo showcased quick feet inside the box before firing home after Fabián Ruiz mishit Marc Cucurella’s cross.

Spain pushed for a second, and Altay Bayındır was forced into action, tipping over two fierce long-range strikes from the lively Olmo. But just as the hosts began to settle, Turkey tore up the script. A lapse in concentration from Spain at an Orkun Kökçü corner allowed Deniz Gül to pounce, steering in his first international goal with an instinctive finish.

Buoyed by their equaliser, Turkey carried that momentum into the second half. Unai Simón was called into action early, reacting brilliantly to tip over Barış Alper Yılmaz’s acrobatic bicycle kick. The visitors continued to look sharper, and their pressure paid off when Salih Özcan drilled in a superb right-footed shot — also his first goal for the national team — to give Vincenzo Montella’s men a deserved lead.

That advantage was short-lived. Just eight minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal tapped in from close range after Merih Demiral’s goal-line clearance fell kindly to Yeremy Pino, whose follow-up effort set up the equaliser.

Turkey, unfazed by Spain’s pedigree and global No. 1 ranking, pressed on. Simón once again came to Spain’s rescue, parrying away another thunderous strike from Yılmaz to keep the scores level. La Roja remained unconvincing, and Ferran Torres squandered a golden opportunity when he dragged a shot wide.

Late drama followed when Fermín López thought he had clinched victory, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. In the end, the sides shared the points.

It may not have been the polished performance Spain hoped for, but the draw was enough to secure their place at a 13th consecutive World Cup finals. As for Turkey, they will take significant encouragement from pushing the European champions to the limit and will head into March’s playoffs with renewed belief as they chase their first World Cup appearance since 2002.