Cradle of Christian saints, home to Muslim dervishes, a refuge for crusaders and host to more than three thousand mosques, the Turkish city of Konya breathes a spirituality that has earned it the name “The Citadel of Islam”. That same spirit fuels the passionate atmosphere inside its charming Büyükşehir Stadium.

It was here, six years ago, that reigning world champions France were defeated. And this Sunday—kick-off at 20:45 Spanish time, live on La1 with full coverage on this official channel—it is Spain who must withstand both the sporting and the atmospheric pressure if they are to stay on course for next summer’s finals.

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As a Nations League finalist, Spain enjoy the privilege of being placed in a reduced qualifying group with only four teams. On paper, it may look favourable, but it can also prove a poisoned chalice: the margin for error is far smaller, and only the group winner secures a direct ticket to the World Cup.

That is why, following De la Fuente’s emphatic victory in Sofia and Turkey’s win in Georgia, Sunday’s clash already feels pivotal to the immediate future. Both managers are fully aware of its importance—just as the passionate home crowd that will pack into the Anatolian stadium.

Yet it is unlikely to be epic heroics that decide the contest, but rather pure talent. Both sides boast some of the finest footballers on the planet, including the reigning Ballon d’Or holder and a crop of young stars destined to shape the game’s future over the coming decades.

For Turkey, Italian coach Vincenzo Montella can call upon Roma’s experienced defender Zeki Çelik, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Salih Özcan, Inter captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz. But it is Real Madrid’s prodigious youngster Arda Güler who is expected to command the spotlight in Konya.

Luis de la Fuente: "We expect a wonderful atmosphere"

A threat of sufficient weight to demand the very best version of Spain—who still recall the two fierce encounters with Turkey in the 2009 qualifiers that preceded the glory of South Africa, or the ill-fated draw in Rome that saw La Roja miss out on the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland.

Such precedents only underline the significance of what takes place this Sunday in Konya, a potential springboard from which to launch themselves towards the World Cup dream awaiting next year on North American soil.