Merino hits hat-trick as Spain crush Turkey in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Mikel Merino scored the first hat-trick of his career as Spain thrashed Turkey 6-0 on Sunday to take control of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group.

Pedri González struck twice and Ferran Torres added another as Luis de la Fuente’s reigning European champions followed up Thursday’s 3-0 win in Bulgaria with another commanding display in Konya.

Pedri opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Merino fired home his first to finish off a sweeping move.

The Arsenal midfielder struck again in first-half stoppage time and sealed his treble with a curling effort midway through the second half. Oyarzabal supplied three assists in a standout performance, while 18-year-old Lamine Yamal set up Torres for Spain’s fourth.

“I’m very happy for winning, to pick up six points, for doing it in this way, and for scoring three goals, which is not normal — the first hat-trick of my career,” said Merino.

Turkey’s best chance came when Arda Güler teed up Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who struck the post before being flagged offside. Frustrations boiled over late on as Güler shoved Yamal after the teenager repeatedly tormented Turkey’s defence.

The only concern for Spain was a first-half injury to Nico Williams, who limped off with a thigh problem. De la Fuente later handed Rayo Vallecano winger Jorge de Frutos his international debut.

With six points from two matches, Spain lead Group E ahead of Turkey and Georgia, both on three, while Bulgaria sit bottom without a point.