Mikel Merino stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick as Spain demolished Turkey 6-0 on Sunday, asserting their dominance in the 2026 World Cup qualifying Group E.
Pedri González opened the scoring with an early strike before Merino added two goals around half-time and curled in his third to complete the rout. Ferran Torres also found the net, while Mikel Oyarzabal contributed three assists, orchestrating Spain’s fluid attacking display under coach Luis de la Fuente.
Yamal impressed on the wing, creating opportunities for both Torres and Merino while constantly troubling the Turkish defence, even though he missed a few chances of his own. Turkey’s best opportunity came when Arda Güler set up Kerem Aktürkoğlu, whose shot rattled the post. Tensions flared late in the game when Güler clashed with Yamal, but Spain remained unshaken. Their only setback was a thigh injury to Nico Williams before the break.
Following two commanding victories—including a 3-0 win over Bulgaria—Spain tops Group E with maximum points, putting themselves firmly in the conversation as early favourites for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
