Yamal is ready for the Turkey challenge, Montella warns: "Spain is more than just Lamine"

A fiery clash is expected tonight in Konya (9.45 pm) as Turkey host Spain in a World Cup 2026 qualifier. Both sides made strong starts: Turkey beat Georgia 3-2 away, while Spain cruised past Bulgaria 3-0 in Sofia.

The big news for Spain is that Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is fit after a back scare against Bulgaria. He trained normally and looks set to start for Luis de la Fuente's side.

"We'll check on fatigue and some minor knocks, but nothing serious," said De la Fuente. "I'm privileged to coach the best players in the world, though we still have areas to improve."

The coach praised Mikel Oyarzabal, who has four goals in four games, and captain Alvaro Morata.

"Oyarzabal is reliable and versatile. And Morata is vital for us - I'm proud to have him as captain."

Spain know they face a tough atmosphere in Konya's 42,000-seater stadium.

"It'll be intense, but we're ready. We've already handled similar situations, like facing Germany at the Euros," De la Fuente added.

Turkey boss Vincenzo Montella believes his team can shock Spain, despite La Roja being unbeaten in 25 games.

"We have the weapons to influence the match. They're European champions, but we have the right to dream," he said.

Montella stressed that Spain aren't just about Yamal:

"He's excellent, but they have quality all over the pitch. We'll need to defend well and attack bravely."

All eyes will also be on Arda Guler, often compared to Yamal. The Real Madrid youngster downplayed the hype:

"We don't even play the same position. I don't feel pressure. I just want to help the team and keep winning."

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - EUROPE

Thursday

Kazakhstan - Wales 0-1 (0-1)

/Moore 24/

Georgia - Turkey 2-3 (0-2)

/Davitashvili 63, Kvaratskhelia 90+8 - Muldur 3, Akturkoglu 41, 52/

Lithuania - Malta 1-1 (0-0)

/Gineitis 90+6 pen - Satariano 83/

Luxembourg - Northern Ireland 1-3 (1-1)

/Dardari 30 - Reid 7, Charles 46, Devenny 69/

Slovakia - Germany 2-0 (1-0)

/Hancko 42, Strelec 55/

Bulgaria - Spain 0-3 (0-3)

/Oyarzabal 5, Cucurella 30, Merino 38/

Netherlands - Poland 1-1 (1-0)

/Dumfries 28 - Cash 80/

Liechtenstein - Belgium 0-6 (0-1)

/De Cuyper 29, Tielemans 46, Theate 60, 70 pen, De Bruyne 62, Fofana 90+1/

Friday

Denmark - Scotland 0-0

Faroe I. - Croatia 0-1 (0-1)

/Kramaric 31/

Greece - Belarus 5-1 (4-0)

/Karetsas 3, Pavlidis 17, Bakasetas 21, Kourbelis 36, Tzolis 63 - Barkovskiy 72 pen/

Iceland - Azerbaijan 5-0 (1-0)

/Palsson 45+2, Johannesson 47, 56, Gudmundsson 66, Hlynsson 73/

Italy - Estonia 5-0

/Kean 58, Retegui 69, 89, Raspadori 71, Bastoni 90+2/

Moldova - Israel 0-4 (0-2)

/Peretz 15, Solomon 35, Baribo 59, Gloukh 77/

Montenegro - Czech R. 0-2 (0-1)

/Cerv 3, Cerny 90+6/

Slovenia - Sweden 2-2 (0-1)

/Lovric 46, Vipotnik 90 - Elanga 18, Ayari 73/

Switzerland - Kosovo 4-0 (4-0)

/Akanji 22, Embolo 25, 45, Widmer 39/

Ukraine - France 0-2 (0-1)

/Olise 10, Mbappe 82/

Saturday

Latvia - Serbia 0-1 (0-1)

/Vlahovic 12/

Armenia - Portugal 0-5 (0-3)

/Felix 10, 61, Ronaldo 21, 46, Cancelo 32/

England - Andorra 2-0 (1-0)

/Garcia C. 25 og, Rice 67/

Austria - Cyprus 1-0 (0-0)

/Sabitzer 54 pen/

Republic of Ireland - Hungary 2-2 (0-2)

/Ferguson 49, Idah 90+3 - Varga 2, Sallai 15/

San Marino - B&H 0-6 (0-1)

/Tahirovic 21, Dzeko 70, 72, Bazdar 81, Alajbegovic 85, Mujakic 90/

Sunday

16.00: (1.55) Georgia (4.00) Bulgaria (6.50)

19.00: (22.0) Lithuania (11.0) Netherlands (1.12)

19.00: (1.07) Macedonia (10.0) Liechtenstein (40.0)

21.45: (1.12) Belgium (10.0) Kazakhstan (25.0)

21.45: (1.12) Germany (9.50) N.Ireland (20.0)

21.45: (4.00) Luxembourg (3.35) Slovakia (2.00)

21.45: (1.70) Poland (3.60) Finland (5.40)

21.45: (5.50) Turkey (3.70) Spain (1.67)

***odds are subject to change***