Spain delivered a statement of intent in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 6-0 victory over Turkey in Konya on Sunday, a win powered by a sensational hat-trick from Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino.
Barcelona star Pedri González struck twice, while Ferran Torres added another, as Luis de la Fuente’s side cruised to the top of Group E with back-to-back wins. The emphatic result followed their 3-0 triumph over Bulgaria last Thursday, underlining the reigning European champions’ growing confidence and form.
Pedri set the tone early, opening the scoring in the sixth minute with a precise finish from the edge of the area. Merino doubled the advantage after a slick team move before adding his second in first-half stoppage time, courtesy of a clever assist from Mikel Oyarzabal, who finished the night with three assists to his name.
Turkey had a fleeting moment of promise when Arda Güler combined with Kerem Aktürkoğlu, whose effort struck the post, but the forward was later adjudged offside. Beyond that, the hosts struggled to cope with Spain’s intensity and passing rhythm.
Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams was forced off before the break with a suspected thigh injury, the only downside in an otherwise perfect evening for Spain.
The second half continued in the same vein. Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Barcelona prodigy, lit up the contest with his creativity. He set up Torres for Spain’s fourth in the 53rd minute before assisting Merino for his stunning long-range strike to complete his hat-trick, the first of his professional career.
“I’m very happy for the win, for securing six points in two games, and for scoring three goals, which is something very special, the first hat-trick of my career,” said a delighted Merino after the match.
Yamal nearly added his name to the scoresheet but fired over and dragged another effort just wide. His battle with Real Madrid’s Arda Güler billed as a clash of two of Europe’s brightest young stars, fizzled as Spain’s dominance left Turkey chasing shadows. The duel briefly turned fiery when a frustrated Güler shoved Yamal in the second half, forcing de la Fuente to substitute the teenager soon after.
Spain saw out the match with ease, with Rayo Vallecano winger Jorge de Frutos making his international debut in the closing stages.
With six points from their opening two fixtures, Spain have sent a clear signal that they are serious contenders for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Group rivals Georgia and Turkey trail with three points each, while Bulgaria remain bottom with none.
The result also evoked memories of Spain’s golden era, when they lifted the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. For de la Fuente’s men, the message is simple, La Roja are back to dreaming big on the global stage.
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