Spain continued their flawless start to World Cup qualifying with a stunning 6-0 victory over Turkey in Konya on Sunday night, a performance that highlighted their attacking brilliance and midfield dominance. The reigning European champions put on a spectacle in front of a hostile crowd, with Mikel Merino emerging as the hero after scoring a memorable hat-trick.
From the very first whistle, the Spanish players showed their intent to silence the Turkish supporters, who created a deafening atmosphere inside the Konya Buyuksehir Stadium. Spain’s quick ball movement and positional rotations caused constant problems for the home side, and it did not take long before the visitors carved open the defence. In just the sixth minute, Nico Williams found Pedri on the edge of the area. The Barcelona playmaker executed a clever feint to beat Hakan Calhanoglu and then curled a superb strike into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir with no chance.
That early breakthrough forced Turkey to push forward in search of a response. For a brief spell, they managed to stretch the Spanish backline and even created openings behind the defence. However, their finishing let them down and Spain quickly reasserted control. In the 22nd minute, a sequence of crisp passes reminiscent of Spain’s golden era unlocked the hosts again. This time, Merino arrived in the box to finish calmly, doubling the lead and dampening the home crowd’s spirits.
Spain suffered one setback in the first half when Williams was forced off with an injury, but it did not derail their rhythm. Just before the interval, they produced another breathtaking attacking move. Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal combined beautifully with Pedri before the ball reached Merino, who slotted in his second of the evening. The goal gave Spain a commanding 3-0 lead heading into half-time and left Turkey looking disheartened.
If the hosts expected any respite after the break, they were quickly proven wrong. Within seven minutes of the restart, Spain counter-attacked from a Turkish corner with devastating pace. Torres, Pedri, and Lamine Yamal surged forward in unison, and it was Torres who applied the final touch with a precise low strike past Cakir to make it 4-0.
The fifth goal arrived shortly after in spectacular fashion. Yamal spotted Merino in space around 30 yards from goal. The Arsenal midfielder looked up, drove forward, and unleashed a curling strike that flew into the top corner—a perfect way to complete his hat-trick and a moment that drew applause even from some Turkish fans.
Spain were relentless, and by the 62nd minute they added a sixth. Oyarzabal, who had already been influential in the attacking build-up, slipped the ball to Pedri, and the young midfielder calmly finished his second of the night. That goal effectively ended the contest, allowing coach Luis de la Fuente to rotate his squad and give minutes to several players off the bench.
The final half-hour was largely academic, as Spain controlled possession and ensured Turkey had no chance of even a consolation strike. With the scoreline firmly in their favour, they lowered the tempo and managed the game with ease.
This emphatic result not only extended Spain’s winning streak in the qualifiers but also underlined the depth and versatility within the squad. Merino’s clinical finishing, Pedri’s creativity, and the collective energy of the attack provided a clear reminder of why La Roja are among the favourites heading into the World Cup. The only concern for Spain will be the fitness of Nico Williams, who left the pitch before half-time, but otherwise, it was a night of near perfection.
For Turkey, the heavy defeat exposed defensive weaknesses and a lack of composure in front of goal. Despite an encouraging start where they threatened Spain’s backline, their inability to take chances and their disorganisation when defending quick passing moves proved costly. Facing one of Europe’s most formidable sides, they were ultimately outclassed in every department.
As for Spain, this performance will send a strong message to their rivals in the group. Scoring six goals away from home against a team that had been difficult to beat in recent years reflects both their attacking power and their growing maturity under De la Fuente. With Merino stepping up as an unexpected goal-scorer from midfield and young talents like Yamal continuing to impress, the future looks bright for La Roja as they march confidently towards qualification.
