How can Lamine Yamal's Spain directly qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Spain, the reigning European champions, can secure direct qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 by winning their upcoming matches against Georgia and Bulgaria on October 12 and 15, 2025.

Spain will face Goergia and Bulgaria in their next quallifying matches. Image | SEFutbol on X

Spain, the current European champions, can directly qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026 by winning their upcoming two matches and depending on specific results in other group games. The decisive matches are set for October 12 and 15, 2025, against Georgia and Bulgaria, respectively, and the outcomes will determine Spain’s fate in their UEFA qualifying group.

Spain’s qualification scenario

Spain must secure victories against Georgia and Bulgaria in their next two fixtures to boost their points tally significantly.

Winning both matches will solidify Spain’s lead, putting them in a strong position to claim the top spot in their qualifying group and thus avoid the playoffs.

Spain are currently at the top of Group E with six points from two games. They have defeated Bulgaia by 3-0 and Turkiye by 6-0. Milkel Merino scored four goals in two matches, including a hat-trick against Turkiye. Lamine Yamal has had three assists in two matches so far.

Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2026: When and where is the World Cup draw?

Spain depends on Turkiye’s results

Besides their own wins, Spain’s direct qualification also depends on the results of Türkiye’s upcoming matches:

These conditions create a scenario in which Spain’s two wins, combined with Türkiye dropping points in their matches, ensure Spain finishes as group leaders and clinches automatic World Cup qualification.

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Lamine Yamal’s first World Cup

Yamal, who finished second in the Ballon d’Or 2025 and won the Kopa Trophy for the consecutive years and was the best young player in UEFA Euro 2024, will be playing his first FIFA World Cup if the 2010 Champions enter their 17th World Cup event.

Along with Yamal, youngsters like Pau Cubarsi and Den Huijsen will also be eying their maiden World Cup.

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