Spain Thrashes Türkiye 6-0 in 2026 World Cup Qualifier: Merino’s Hat-Trick Highlights Dominance

In a stunning display of football supremacy, Spain dismantled Türkiye 6-0 in a 2026 World Cup qualifying Group E match held Sunday night in Konya, marking Türkiye's heaviest competitive defeat in 60 years.

The match, attended by over 40,000 passionate fans, was expected to be a test of Türkiye’s progress under Italian coach Vincenzo Montella. However, Spain, reigning world and European champions, asserted their dominance from the start through a high press and fluid team play.

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino was the standout performer, scoring a remarkable hat-trick. He opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a composed finish, doubled the lead before halftime with a powerful header, and completed his treble with a curled effort in the 57th minute after an assist from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona’s Pedri contributed two goals, including an early strike in the 6th minute and a curling finish in stoppage time, while Ferran Torres added a fourth goal to complete Spain’s clinical assault. The team maintained 68% possession and outshot Türkiye 22 to 4, demonstrating tactical superiority and ruthless efficiency under coach Luis de la Fuente.

Despite the disappointment, Türkiye’s efforts included promising moments from young talents like Eintracht Frankfurt forward Can Uzun and teenage star Arda Güler, though these bright spots could not overcome the gulf in class on display.

Coach Montella’s side struggled defensively, particularly in the absence of key defender Çağlar Söyüncü due to injury, losing 14 of 22 duels and appearing outmatched tactically.

Spain now leads Group E with six points from two matches and is looking formidable heading into the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, showcasing a blend of experienced stars and emerging prodigies forging a potential dynasty.

The defeat serves as a sobering reminder for Türkiye of the challenges ahead but also highlights the groundwork laid through investments in youth academies to build a competitive team for future tournaments.

In the closing moments, tensions flared when Türkiye’s Güler shoved Yamal, leading to the substitution of the 18-year-old star, underscoring the frustrations felt on the pitch.

With Spain on a current unbeaten streak of 28 matches and having scored 18 goals in their last five games, they pose a significant threat to any opponents on their path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.