Spain vs Turkiye result: Merino hat-trick leads 6-0 win

Spain vs Turkiye result: Mikel Merino scores a hat-trick as Spain thrash Turkiye 6-0 in World Cup 2026 qualifier, dominating Group E early. Spain delivered a footballing masterclass in Istanbul, dismantling Turkiye 6-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier. Mikel Merino was the star of the night with a brilliant hat-trick, supported by a brace from Pedri and a goal from Ferran Torres. The emphatic win underlined Spain’s dominance in Group E, leaving the reigning European champions in full control of their campaign.

Early Goal Sets the Tone

Spain wasted no time in taking charge. Pedri opened the scoring in the sixth minute, calmly sliding the ball past Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir. The early goal silenced the home crowd and set the stage for what became a one-sided contest.

Merino Takes Over

In the 22nd minute, Merino doubled Spain’s lead with a simple finish following a slick passing move. Just before halftime, he struck again with a powerful shot inside the box, giving Spain a commanding 3-0 advantage at the break.

Counterattacks Kill the Game

Turkiye pushed forward after the restart, but their corner turned into disaster. Spain broke quickly and Ferran Torres finished off a sharp move to make it 4-0 in the 53rd minute. Only four minutes later, Merino completed his hat-trick with a stunning left-footed strike from distance, curling into the top corner.

Pedri Caps Off the Rout

Pedri added his second goal of the night in the 62nd minute, finishing off another fast-paced Spanish attack. The Barcelona midfielder’s performance highlighted Spain’s ability to transition quickly and exploit gaps in the Turkish defense.

Group E Standings and Spain’s Strong Start

With this result, Spain sit on top of Group E with six points from two matches. Turkiye and Georgia follow with three points each after Georgia defeated Bulgaria 3-0 earlier in the day. Spain’s superior attack and tactical discipline already make them the favorites to secure direct qualification.

Elsewhere in UEFA Qualifiers

• Germany bounced back with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland, ending a run of poor results.
• Belgium, led by Kevin De Bruyne, hammered Kazakhstan 6-0 to stay near the top of Group J.
• Netherlands saw Memphis Depay break Robin van Persie’s scoring record with two goals in a 3-2 win over Lithuania.

Analysis: Why Spain Look Unstoppable

Spain’s mix of youth and experience is proving lethal. Pedri’s creativity, Merino’s finishing, and Torres’s pace offer balance across midfield and attack. Their counterattacking efficiency is a reminder of Spain’s evolving style—blending possession with devastating transitions.

If they maintain this form, Spain won’t just qualify comfortably—they could enter the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada as one of the outright favorites.

Spain vs Turkiye result.